Ingredient
SUNFLOWER SEED OIL SORBITOL ESTERS
Substance information
Ingredient on the basis of sunflower oil (helianthus annuus seed oil). Ingredient on the basis of sorbitol. "Ester" or "esters" refers to an esterification product (condensation product of alcohol and acid) or a trans-esterification product obtained through direct reaction of fats (mostly triglycerides) with alcohols.
Function(s) of this ingredient in cosmetic products
SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT
Softens and smoothens the skin
SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
Allows the formation of finely dispersed mixtures of oil and water (emulsions)
Origin
plant plant/synthetic (Information may exclusively reflect the status at initial entry of this ingredient into the relevant INCI dictionary; technological progress may have added new manufacturing options based on substances of different origin)
Background information on use in cosmetics
Sunflower oil (INCI: Helianthus annuus oil, sunflower seed oil) is obtained from the ripe sunflower seeds. These are peeled, ground and then cold pressed. The Vitamin E content of sunflower oil ensures an antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effect which protects against premature skin ageing. As a result of the share of lecithin, the oil supports the hydrolipid layer of the skin. Sunflower oil can be found in many different dosage forms – from cleansing products via makeup removers and day creams to bath products. Because of the high linoleic acid content, this is a light oil which easily penetrates into the skin. Vegetable oils are characterised by a high share of (poly) unsaturated fatty acids, which are characteristic for the liquid consistency. As an admixture many vitamins, carotenoids and free fatty acids are present. Emulsifiers are often used in cosmetics as excipients. They allow actually unmixable components like oil and water to be brought in a permanently stable emulsion. In this way both aqueous and oily care and active ingredients can be used in one and the same product in cosmetics. Emulsifiers are able to do that since their molecules consist of a lipophilic and a hydrophilic part. In this way they can reduce the interfacial tension which actually exists between two incompatible substances like fat and water. Emulsifiers are, more particularly, used for creams, lotions and cleansing agents. At present emulsifiers are, however, more than only excipients which keep an emulsion stable. Fatty acid esters on the basis of sugar, lecithin or glycerin monodistearate contribute, for instance, to improving the moisture balance of the skin and are, therefore, also considered as cosmetic active ingredients.
Belongs to the following substance groups
Regulating cosmetics
Cosmetics Ingredients are subject to regulation. Please note, different regulations may apply to cosmetic ingredients outside the EU.