Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 19, 2026

Preparation of Keratin Hydrolysate from Chicken Feathers and Its Application in Cosmetics
Published on: November 27, 2017
Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Esters as Used in Cosmetics
Monice M Fiume1, Wilma F Bergfeld2, Donald V Belsito2
1Cosmetic Ingredient Review Senior Director, Cosmetic Ingredient Review, Washington, DC, USA.
Abstract:
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (Panel) assessed the safety of 20 sorbitan esters; this report included sorbitan esters that were reviewed in 1985 and 2002, as well as 3 previously unreviewed sorbitan esters (sorbitan undecylenate, sorbitan sesquicaprylate, and sorbitan palmate). Most of the sorbitan esters are reported to function in cosmetics as surfactant-emulsifying agents. The Panel reviewed the data from previous sorbitan ester reports, as well as additional data included in this report, to determine the safety of these ingredients. The Panel concluded that the sorbitan esters included in this safety assessment are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration.
Related Concept Videos
08:29Preparation of Keratin Hydrolysate from Chicken Feathers and Its Application in Cosmetics
07:05Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidants for Cosmetic Applications Using Polyol-Based Technology
Hydrolysis of an Ester
Triglycerides are triester molecules composed of a glycerol backbone that is bound to 3 fatty acids. These form the basis of many biological lipids that are found in vegetable oils and fats. Lipids that are isolated from plant material are the basis of vegetable oils, whereas lipids extracted from animals are used as lard or general sources of fats.
A fatty acid molecule has a long carbon chain — between 12 and 20 carbons — with a weak organic acid at one end. Some...
Hydrolysis of an Ester
Survey Safety
06:52Synthesis of Esters Via a Greener Steglich Esterification in Acetonitrile
