What Is Peg-60 Sorbitan Tetrastearate?
Peg-60 Sorbitan Tetrastearate is a plant-derived ingredient made from sorbitol, a sugar alcohol usually sourced from corn syrup, and stearic acid, a fatty acid found in vegetable oils like coconut or soybean. These two natural starting materials are first joined to create sorbitan tetrastearate, then reacted with roughly 60 units of ethylene oxide to form the PEG (polyethylene glycol) part of the molecule. The result is a waxy, off-white substance that blends the water-loving character of PEG with the oil-loving character of stearic acid, giving it a balanced nature that makes it an effective helper in many beauty formulas.
The ingredient belongs to the wider family of polysorbates introduced in the 1950s when chemists searched for safer, plant-based alternatives to harsh detergents. Its ability to keep oil and water from separating quickly earned it a place in skin care and hair care labs. Today manufacturers rely on large-scale esterification and controlled ethoxylation processes to create Peg-60 Sorbitan Tetrastearate in consistent, cosmetic-grade quality.
You will most often spot it in moisturizers, creams, lotions, makeup removers, facial masks, sunscreens, baby products, leave-in conditioners and styling creams where a stable blend of oil and water is essential for texture and performance.
Peg-60 Sorbitan Tetrastearate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is valued for one key role in formulas.
Emulsifying: Peg-60 Sorbitan Tetrastearate acts as a bridge between oil and water so they stay mixed instead of separating into layers. By forming stable emulsions it gives creams a smooth feel, prevents watery lotions from splitting in the bottle and helps sunscreen actives spread evenly on the skin. A stable emulsion also improves shelf life and ensures that each use delivers the same level of hydration or protection promised on the label.
Who Can Use Peg-60 Sorbitan Tetrastearate
Peg-60 Sorbitan Tetrastearate is generally considered suitable for all skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive because it is a mild nonionic emulsifier that sits on the surface of the skin rather than penetrating deeply. Those with a known allergy to polyethylene glycol compounds or stearic acid derivatives should avoid it since the molecule contains both.
The ingredient is produced from plant-derived sorbitol and vegetable-based stearic acid then reacted with synthetic ethylene oxide, so it is usually classified as vegan and vegetarian friendly. As with any raw material, sourcing can vary by brand, so strict vegans may want to confirm with the manufacturer.
No data suggest that Peg-60 Sorbitan Tetrastearate poses specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It has very low skin absorption and is used at low concentrations in finished products. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run any skincare products past a doctor just to be on the safe side.
The ingredient is not known to increase photosensitivity so users do not need to take special sun-avoidance measures beyond normal daily sunscreen use. It also works across a broad pH range and is stable in both rinse-off and leave-on formulas, making it easy to incorporate into most routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Peg-60 Sorbitan Tetrastearate can vary from person to person. The issues listed below are only potential outcomes and are unlikely to be the typical user experience. When the ingredient is used correctly by the product formulator most people will not notice any negative effects.
- Skin irritation – Mild redness or itching can occur in very sensitive individuals, especially if the finished product contains high levels of other surfactants or actives
- Allergic contact dermatitis – Rare but possible in people with existing sensitivities to PEGs or fatty acid esters
- Eye irritation – Products that migrate into the eyes can cause temporary stinging or watering
- Interactions with broken skin – On compromised skin barriers the ingredient may penetrate slightly deeper and trigger greater irritation
If any discomfort, rash or swelling develops while using a product containing Peg-60 Sorbitan Tetrastearate stop using it and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Peg-60 Sorbitan Tetrastearate is highly processed and contains a large polyethylene glycol segment that keeps the fatty stearic acid chains from packing tightly on the skin. This water-seeking character limits its ability to block pores so it earns a very low score of 1. In finished products it is also used at small percentages, further reducing any clogging risk. Overall it is considered suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts.
Keep in mind that the comedogenic potential of an entire formula depends on every ingredient, not just the emulsifier, so the product as a whole should be assessed if congestion is a concern.
Summary
Peg-60 Sorbitan Tetrastearate is primarily an emulsifier that keeps oil and water phases blended, giving creams and lotions a smooth consistent texture and helping actives distribute evenly on skin or hair. It does this by using its PEG portion to interact with water and its stearic acid tails to grip oils, forming a stable interfacial film.
While not as famous as ubiquitous polysorbates like Polysorbate 20 or 60, it still appears in a good number of moisturizers, sunscreens, makeup removers and baby products where formulators want a mild plant-derived alternative to stronger surfactants.
The available safety data show very low irritation rates, minimal skin absorption and no major toxicity concerns when used at normal cosmetic levels, making it a generally safe choice for daily use. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to perform a quick patch test first to be sure your individual skin agrees with it.