In our reference data, sorbitan sesquisostearate can feed Malassezia (fungal acne).
Sorbitan sesquiisostearate is a nonionic surfactant derived from sorbitol and isostearic acid, used to stabilize water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions in creams and lotions. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild transient irritation possible, generally in sensitive or compromised skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated sensitization reports; sorbitan esters are considered low allergenic potential. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.