Ingredient · dataset v56
Sorbitan Oleate and fungal acne
May trigger · Moderate evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
Oil-soluble cousin of the Tweens with the same edible oleate tail.
Span 80 on older labels.
Evidence strength
Moderate evidence (2/3)
Function
Sorbitan ester
Sorbitan esters: fatty emulsifiers the yeast can harvest.
Also listed as
Span 80, Sorbitan Monooleate, Anhydrosorbitol Monooleate
Products without this ingredient
- COSRX The Niacinamide 15 Serum 20 ml
- Native Moisturizing Shampoo Coconut & Vanilla 16.5 oz
- Mineral Fusion Brush-On Powder Sunscreen SPF 30
- Torriden Dive In Toner 300 ml
- Selsun Blue Medicated Anti-Dandruff Shampoo (Selenium Sulfide 1%)
- CLn 2-in-1 Gentle Wash & Shampoo 8 fl oz
Related sorbitan ester
- Sorbitan Isostearate — May trigger · Moderate evidence
Sources
- Brunke & Hube 2006 — MfLIP1 extracellular lipase hydrolyses Tweens (Microbiology)
- Mayser et al. 1995 — ester hydrolysis depends on alcohol moiety (Acta Derm Venereol)
- EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Sorbitan Oleate trigger fungal acne?
We flag it as a potential trigger (moderate evidence). That means it belongs to a class the Malassezia yeast is known to feed on — not that every product with it will cause a flare. Concentration, formulation and individual skin chemistry matter.
Does Sorbitan Oleate feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Sorbitan Oleate as a potential trigger (moderate evidence). It belongs to a class Malassezia is known to feed on — not a claim that every product with it causes a flare. Concentration, formulation and individual skin chemistry matter.
How confident is this call?
Moderate evidence: Oil-soluble cousin of the Tweens with the same edible oleate tail.
Is this medical advice?
No. We screen ingredient lists; we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. When in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
Check a full list containing Sorbitan Oleate →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.