Common Name(s): Peg-40 sorbitan tetraoleate,polysorbate-type tetraoleate,polyoxyethylene sorbitan tetraoleate-40

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Helps oil and water blend and can solubilize oils into water-based products.

Why It's Used: High eo (40) on sorbitan tetraoleate; hlb ~14–15; tetraester provides unique balance of emulsification and solubilization.

How It Works: 40 eo units on sorbitan tetraoleate give hlb ~14–15; tetra-oleate esterification provides strong oil-phase affinity; high eo count gives water miscibility for clear-phase oil solubilization.

Typically Found In: O/w emulsions,oil solubilizers,clear formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emulsifier

Secondary Functions: Solubilizing,surfactant

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required

Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)

Source Notes: Sorbitan from sorbitol plant; oleic acid from plant; eo from petrochemical. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low

Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Emollients,humectants,other polysorbate emulsifiers

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Peg-40 sorbitan tetraoleate is analogous to polysorbate 80 (peg-20 sorbitan monooleate) but with both higher eo count and higher degree of esterification; the tetraester structure provides more lipophilic core with more hydrophilic peg shell.

Last Verified: 2026-03-27

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary