emulsifier

Sorbitan Oleate

Evidenceemerging · Tier 3Irritation riskLowIn products375

Oleic acid ester of sorbitan. Malassezia lipase cleaves the ester bond, releasing oleic acid that fuels yeast proliferation. Used as a non-ionic emulsifier in cosmetics; problematic for seborrheic dermatitis-prone skin.

The research

Sorbitan Oleate is a emulsifier backed by early but promising evidence (evidence tier 3 of 4). We track 2 studies for it, 2 reporting a positive effect.

Read the research — 2 studies

Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings · 2005 · systematic review

Review describing how Malassezia lipases hydrolyze sebaceous triglycerides to release free fatty acids—principally oleic acid—which penetrate the stratum corneum and trigger seborrheic dermatitis in susceptible individuals; implicates oleic-acid-containing ingredients such as sorbitan oleate as potential Malassezia substrates.

Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings · 2005 · systematic review

Review identifying three drivers of dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis: Malassezia, sebaceous lipids, and individual susceptibility. Malassezia lipases metabolize sebum triglycerides, releasing irritating unsaturated free fatty acids (notably oleic acid) that provoke inflammation; supports concern that oleic-acid-based esters such as sorbitan oleate can feed Malassezia.

Products with Sorbitan Oleate

In 375 products — most often moisturizers (133), serums (125), sunscreens (41), from $2.54 to $406.40. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.

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ELEMIS

ELEMIS

Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream (50ml)

Moisturizer – for Dryness

$175.0050ml · $3.50/ml

★★★★★4.8(792)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness

Not recommended for

Acne & breakoutsSeborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasisMelasma

Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream (50ml) is a antioxidant serum by ELEMIS. Key ingredients include Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate.

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Saturday Skin

Saturday Skin

Waterfall Glacier Oil Free Water Cream - 30ml

Moisturizer

$17.5030ml · $0.58/ml

★★★★★4.8(640)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness

Not recommended for

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Waterfall Glacier Oil Free Water Cream - 30ml is a antioxidant serum by Saturday Skin. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol.

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Shiseido

Shiseido

Shiseido Vital Perfection Supreme Cream 50ml

Moisturizer

$137.1650ml · $2.74/ml

★★★★★4.7(771)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness

Not recommended for

Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasmaSeborrheic DermatitisPerioral Dermatitis
Shiseido

Shiseido

Shiseido Vital Perfection Supreme Cream 50ml Refill

Moisturizer

$144.7850ml · $2.90/ml

★★★★★4.7(771)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness

Not recommended for

Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasmaSeborrheic DermatitisPerioral Dermatitis
Nip + Fab

Nip + Fab

NIP+FAB Hyaluronic Fix Extreme 4 Nourishing Moisturiser SPF50 50ml

Moisturizer

$38.0450ml · $0.76/ml

★★★★★4.7(507)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness
  • RelevantFine lines & wrinkles

Not recommended for

Seborrheic Dermatitis

NIP+FAB Hyaluronic Fix Extreme 4 Nourishing Moisturiser SPF50 50ml is a spf moisturiser by Nip + Fab. Key ingredients include Octocrylene, Octisalate, Avobenzone.

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Perricone MD

Perricone MD

Perricone MD Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Chia Cleansing Balm 96g

Cleanser

$29.7296ml · $0.31/ml

★★★★★4.7(900)

Not recommended for

Seborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasisMelasma

Perricone MD Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Chia Cleansing Balm 96g is a oil cleanser by Perricone MD. Key ingredients include Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Shea Butter.

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Vichy

Vichy

Vichy Minéral 89 72Hr Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane Moisture Boosting Cream 50ml

Moisturizer

$31.7550ml · $0.64/ml

★★★★★4.7(2,592)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • StrongFine lines & wrinkles
  • StrongRedness & sensitivity
  • RelevantDark spots & hyperpigmentation

Not recommended for

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Vichy Minéral 89 72Hr Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane Moisture Boosting Cream 50ml is a peptide serum by Vichy. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Niacinamide.

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Lancôme

Lancôme

Lancôme Absolue The Eye Cream 20ml

Eye Cream

$137.1620ml · $6.86/ml

★★★★★4.7(2,256)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • ExcellentBlackheads
  • StrongRedness & sensitivity
  • RelevantAcne & breakouts

Not recommended for

Seborrheic DermatitisPerioral DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasma

Lancôme Absolue The Eye Cream 20ml is a eye cream by Lancôme. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone.

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Lancôme

Lancôme

Absolue Revitalizing & Brightening Rich Cream - 2.0 oz

Moisturizer

$280.0059.1ml · $4.73/ml

★★★★★4.7(1,338)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • StrongRedness & sensitivity
  • RelevantFine lines & wrinkles

Not recommended for

Acne & breakoutsSeborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasma

Absolue Revitalizing & Brightening Rich Cream - 2.0 oz is a antioxidant serum by Lancôme. Key ingredients include Coconut Oil, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone.

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Perricone MD

Perricone MD

High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Hydrating Serum

Serum

$135.0059.1ml · $2.28/ml

★★★★★4.7(1,482)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • StrongFine lines & wrinkles
  • StrongRedness & sensitivity
  • RelevantDark spots & hyperpigmentation

Not recommended for

Seborrheic Dermatitis

High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Hydrating Serum is a brightening serum by Perricone MD. Key ingredients include Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide.

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Educational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.