Peg-3 Sorbitan Tristearate: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: July 1, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Peg-3 Sorbitan Tristearate?

Peg-3 Sorbitan Tristearate is a plant based helper made by joining sorbitan, a sugar alcohol that can come from corn or potatoes, with three stearic acid chains that normally come from vegetable oils like soybean or palm. During production the mix is reacted with about three units of ethylene oxide, which is where the “Peg-3” part of the name comes from. The result is a waxy, off-white substance that is easy to melt and blend.

Chemists started using sorbitan esters in skin care in the 1950s when safer options were needed to replace soap like emulsifiers. By adding small amounts of polyethylene glycol, they improved how well the ingredient could mix oil and water. Over time Peg-3 Sorbitan Tristearate showed up in more and more formulas because it works in a wide pH range and stays stable when heated.

You will most often find it in face and body lotions, rich creams, sunscreen fluids, makeup primers, cleansing balms, sheet mask essences and leave-on hair conditioners. It is also handy in tinted moisturizers and BB creams where keeping pigments evenly spread is key.

Peg-3 Sorbitan Tristearate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

In products applied to skin or hair Peg-3 Sorbitan Tristearate has one main job and that job brings several perks to both users and formulators.

Emulsifying: It helps oil and water stay mixed so a cream does not split in the jar or on your face. A stable emulsion feels smoother, spreads more evenly and delivers active ingredients where they need to go. This function also lets brands cut back on heavy waxes which can make a formula feel greasy, giving end users a lighter, silkier texture.

Who Can Use Peg-3 Sorbitan Tristearate

This emulsifier is considered gentle and fits well with most skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily skin. Because it helps keep formulas light it is often welcomed by acne-prone users too, though those extremely sensitive to fatty alcohol like structures may want to watch how their skin reacts.

The ingredient comes from plant sources and no animal-derived substances are used in its manufacture so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Current safety data show no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically at levels found in finished cosmetics. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before adding new products to their routine.

Peg-3 Sorbitan Tristearate does not make skin more prone to sunburn, so it is not considered photosensitising. It also plays well with other common skin care actives and preservatives, making it unlikely to cause ingredient conflicts in a formula.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to any cosmetic ingredient differ from person to person. The issues listed below are only potential outcomes and are unlikely for the average user when the product is made correctly and used as directed.

  • Skin irritation – very rare mild redness or stinging, usually in people with an impaired skin barrier
  • Contact allergy – isolated cases of allergy have been reported with some polyethylene glycol derivatives though documented reactions to Peg-3 Sorbitan Tristearate itself are scarce
  • Eye irritation – if a high concentration gets into the eyes it may cause temporary watering or discomfort

If any of these effects occur discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 / 5

Peg-3 Sorbitan Tristearate is based on highly refined plant oils but the addition of polyethylene glycol makes the molecule water-friendly, so it rinses off skin rather than lingering in pores. Its waxy stearic acid tails are largely hidden inside finished emulsions, leaving little free fatty material to contribute to clogging. Typical use levels are low, often below 3 % of a formula, which further reduces any pore-blocking potential.

Overall it is considered suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts, especially when used in lightweight lotions or gels.

Because the ingredient helps disperse pigments it sometimes appears in long-wear makeup that can be harder to remove; in those cases proper cleansing is key to avoid buildup.

Summary

Peg-3 Sorbitan Tristearate is an emulsifier that keeps oil and water blended, giving creams a smooth, stable texture and helping actives spread evenly on skin or hair. It performs this role by anchoring its oil-loving stearic acid chains in the oily phase while its pegylated sorbitan head stays in the watery phase, creating a microscopic bridge between the two.

The ingredient is a quiet workhorse rather than a headline star. It shows up in many mainstream moisturizers, sunscreens and makeup primers but rarely gets called out on the front label. Formulators choose it because it works across a wide pH range, tolerates heat during manufacturing and pairs well with other emulsifiers.

Current safety reviews find it low risk for irritation or allergy when used at cosmetic levels. While most users tolerate it well it is always smart to patch test any new product to be sure it suits your individual skin.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search