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Sorbitan olivate

Sorbitan olivate suppliers and sourcing guide

Sorbitan olivate is a nonionic emulsifier made by esterifying sorbitan, which is sorbitol dehydrated with heat, with the fatty acids of olive oil, mostly oleic acid. It is rarely sold alone. Most brands buy it as a waxy flake or pellet blended with cetearyl olivate, a self-emulsifying base for creams and lotions positioned as olive-derived and PEG-free. Standalone sorbitan olivate is a paste or viscous liquid used as a co-emulsifier.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Sorbitan esters of olive oil fatty acids · Olive oil sorbitan esters
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of sorbitan olivate

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Blend with cetearyl olivate

    Flakes or pellets that form creams with water and oils; the most common form, labeled as both ingredients.

  • Standalone sorbitan olivate

    Paste or viscous liquid used as a low-HLB co-emulsifier in water-in-oil or mixed systems.

  • Natural-standard approved grades

    Grades approved under COSMOS or similar natural and organic cosmetic standards.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Acid, saponification and hydroxyl values
Titration values that confirm the ester profile and degree of esterification and flag hydrolysis in older stock.
Melting point
Melting range for flake blends, which reflects the cetearyl olivate share.
Iodine value
Unsaturation by titration, consistent with olive oil fatty acids.
Color
Gardner color of the melt.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic and other elements by ICP-MS or ICP-OES against the supplier's specification or the applicable USP, NF or cosmetic-grade limit.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store sorbitan olivate and its blends sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat and light; the unsaturated olive fatty acids can oxidize slowly once opened. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of acid value and odor for older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Color and texture of creams can differ between lots, so record the COA values for each lot and check a test batch for viscosity. Keep blend and standalone grades separate on the specification, since they are not interchangeable.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Sorbitan olivate suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking sorbitan olivate suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of sorbitan olivate can brands buy?

Common forms include blend with cetearyl olivate, standalone sorbitan olivate and natural-standard approved grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for sorbitan olivate include?

Expect acid, saponification and hydroxyl values, melting point, iodine value, color and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should sorbitan olivate be stored?

Store sorbitan olivate and its blends sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat and light; the unsaturated olive fatty acids can oxidize slowly once opened. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of acid value and odor for older stock.

What is the regulatory status of sorbitan olivate?

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists sorbitan olivate with the non-medicinal purposes emulsifying agent and surfactant.

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