Common Name(s): Sorbityl acetate,sorbitol acetate,sorbitol monoacetate

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Attracts and holds moisture in skin while providing conditioning from sugar-derived ingredients.

Why It's Used: Acetate ester of sorbitol provides humectancy from the polyol sorbitol core while the acetate group adds mild lipophilicity for skin barrier affinity.

How It Works: Sorbitol polyol backbone (6 carbon, 6 oh groups) provides strong water-binding humectancy; acetate ester reduces one oh group, adding mild lipophilicity and improving skin penetration versus free sorbitol.

Typically Found In: Humectant-rich serums,skin conditioning products,moisturizers

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – humectant

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,moisturizing

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Sorbitol from plant sugars (corn/glucose); acetic acid from fermentation; naturally derived.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Very mild; sugar-derived; suitable for sensitive skin.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Glycerin,hyaluronic acid,other humectants,sugar-based ingredients

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Sorbityl acetate represents the simplest member of the sorbitol ester family; acetate modification introduces a single lipophilic group while retaining strong humectancy from the polyol backbone; used in mild humectant formulations.

Last Verified: 2026-03-27

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary