Cetearyl Olivate & Sorbitan Olivate – Olive-Derived Emulsifier

Product Overview

Cetearyl Olivate & Sorbitan Olivate is a premium, olive-derived, non-ionic emulsifying system designed for creating smooth, stable and elegant oil-in-water (O/W) cosmetic emulsions.

Composed of two complementary olive-derived fatty acid esters, this self-emulsifying ingredient helps bring oil and water phases together while contributing to a soft, moisturising and non-greasy skin feel.

Its biomimetic lipid characteristics make it particularly suitable for facial moisturisers, body creams, lotions and sophisticated skincare formulations where texture, skin compatibility and sensory performance are important.

Supplied as white waxy flakes, this cosmetic-grade emulsifier is PEG-free and suitable for formulators developing modern, olive-derived skincare products.

INCI Name: Cetearyl Olivate (and) Sorbitan Olivate
CAS Numbers: 85116-80-9 / 223706-40-9
Appearance: White waxy flakes
Grade: Cosmetic Grade
Primary Function: Oil-in-water (O/W) emulsifier
Origin: Olive-derived
Melting Point: 52–58°C

Key Features

• Olive-derived emulsifying system: Made from Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate, two complementary olive-derived esters.

• Efficient O/W emulsification: Helps produce smooth, stable creams and lotions at relatively low incorporation levels.

• Elegant sensory properties: Supports soft, creamy textures with a light, non-greasy finish.

• Biomimetic characteristics: Its lipid profile is designed to complement the skin's natural lipid environment.

• PEG-free and non-ionic: Suitable for formulations developed without PEG-based emulsifiers.

• Versatile formulation performance: Compatible with a broad range of cosmetic oils, emollients, humectants and commonly used skincare ingredients.

• Flexible texture development: Suitable for lightweight lotions and richer cream formulations, depending on the emulsifier concentration and overall formulation.

Common Applications

Cetearyl Olivate & Sorbitan Olivate is suitable for a wide range of cosmetic formulations, including:

• Facial moisturisers and daily hydrating creams

• Rich facial creams and night creams

• Body lotions and body creams

• Hand creams and skin-conditioning lotions

• Eye creams

• Emulsion-based facial serums

• After-sun skincare products

• Baby skincare formulations

• Skincare products designed for sensitive skin

The ingredient is particularly useful when developing oil-in-water emulsions that require a balance between stability, spreadability and an elegant skin feel.

Formulation Guidance

Recommended Usage Levels

Cetearyl Olivate & Sorbitan Olivate is typically used at concentrations of 1.5 - 4.0% in oil-in-water (O/W) cosmetic formulations.

Suggested incorporation levels include:

• Lightweight lotions: 1.5 - 2.5% for fluid, lightweight emulsions with a smooth, elegant skin feel.

• General creams and lotions: 1.5 - 4.0% for everyday moisturising formulations requiring a balance of stability, texture and spreadability.

• Rich facial and body creams: 2.5 - 4.0% for fuller-bodied emulsions with a richer, creamier consistency.

These percentages are recommended starting points rather than fixed formulation requirements. The optimal concentration will depend on the oil-phase composition, desired viscosity, additional structuring ingredients and overall formulation design.

Solubility and Incorporation

• Cold water: Insoluble

• Hot water: Dispersible

• Hot oils, fats and esters: Soluble

• Recommended incorporation phase: Oil phase

• Recommended processing temperature: 70–75°C

Suggested Incorporation Method

1. Add the required quantity of emulsifier flakes to the oil phase alongside the selected oils, butters and other suitable oil-phase ingredients.

2. Heat the oil phase to approximately 70–75°C, stirring until the emulsifier has completely melted.

3. Separately heat the aqueous phase to approximately the same temperature.

4. Gradually combine the oil phase into the aqueous phase using suitable mixing or homogenisation equipment.

5. Continue mixing while the emulsion cools to encourage uniform texture and stability.

6. Incorporate suitable heat-sensitive ingredients, preservatives and fragrance during cool-down, generally below 40°C, according to their individual specifications.

Avoid prolonged heating above 80°C, as excessive temperatures may affect the ingredient's colour and odour.

Recommended Formulation pH

pH 4.0 - 8.0

This broad pH compatibility makes the emulsifier suitable for mildly acidic and near-neutral cosmetic formulations.

The final formulation should be evaluated at its intended pH to confirm physical stability and compatibility with the complete ingredient system.

Compatibility Considerations

Generally compatible with:

• Vegetable oils and cosmetic esters

• Selected silicone-based emollients

• Glycerine and other commonly used humectants

• Panthenol and hyaluronic acid

• Selected botanical extracts

• AHAs and BHAs, subject to final formulation pH

• Most commonly used cosmetic preservatives

Strong oxidising agents and high concentrations of strong anionic surfactants should be avoided, as they may adversely affect emulsion stability.

Where additional viscosity or texture adjustment is required, suitable co-emulsifiers or rheology modifiers, such as cetyl alcohol or xanthan gum, may be considered.

Important Information

This product is supplied as a cosmetic raw ingredient for formulation purposes and is not a finished skincare product.

It is intended for use by cosmetic formulators, skincare manufacturers, laboratories and individuals developing cosmetic products.

The recommended usage levels and formulation guidance are provided for technical reference and do not replace appropriate formulation development, compatibility testing, stability testing or finished-product safety assessment.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry and well-ventilated environment.

Protect from direct sunlight, excessive heat, moisture and sources of ignition.

Keep away from strong oxidising agents.

Shelf life: Up to 24 months from the manufacturing date when stored under recommended conditions.

Refer to the product label and applicable batch documentation for the expiry date.

For external cosmetic use only.

Certificate of Analysis (COA)                          VIEW PDF

Material Safety Data Sheet (SDS)                  VIEW PDF