Soothing Agents

Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate

Reviewed by Rosie · Last updated 18 Aug 2026

Also known as: Oleic Acid, Sorbitol, Ester, Sorbitan Laurate, Decyl Glucoside

Synthetic surfactant (cleansing agent) | Has helpful emulsifying properties

Addresses

Cleansing, Texture Enhancing, Emulsifying, Stabilising

What Is Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate?

Sorbeth-230 tetraoleate is a synthetic cleansing agent and emulsifier made from glycol and ester blends of the sugar sorbitol and the fatty acid oleic acid. It also provides stabilizing abilities due to its emulsifying properties and by keeping clear formulas from becoming cloudy.

It’s most often used in a blend with mild cleansing agents decyl glucoside and sorbitan laurate, the latter also being an emulsifier. Usage levels of sorbeth-230 tetraoleate in such blends ranges from 0.5–5% depending on formulary needs.

Sorbeth-230 tetraoleate can also be used to thicken cosmetics, thus maintaining desired flow, such as when dispending a cleanser or shampoo.

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