Ingredient

Sorbitan Olivate

Separated in public but secretly a couple, sorbitan olivate and cetearyl olivate are one and the same. Together, they make a biodegradable emulsifier, perfect for lightweight hydration.

What are the benefits of cetearyl olivate and sorbitan olivate in cosmetics?

• Emulsifying: it mixes water-based and oil-based ingredients together and keeps them from separating.
• Lightweight moisture: it creates light, silky textures that the skin absorbs easily.

Why use emulsifiers?

Emulsifiers are very important to Lush, as they allow the use of many fresh and natural ingredients, such as vegetable oils and butters, flower infusions and fruit juices. When Lush inventors create a product, they choose from a range of different emulsifying materials based on the textures and effects they want to achieve, while keeping in mind that the products must be pleasant to use. Cetearyl olivate & sorbitan olivate, for instance, is ideal for use in bodycare as it is moisturising without leaving a sticky feeling on the skin. 

Where do we get this ingredient, and how is it made?

Lush UK* purchases this ingredient from Italy. Sorbitan olivate is an ester obtained from sorbitol (hence “sorbitan”) and the fatty acids of olive oil (hence “olivate”). Sorbitol is a plant-derived thickener.

*With several manufacturing sites across the globe, this information may vary depending on where your Lush products were made.