The Global Sorbitan Oleate Market was valued at USD 342.7 Million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 498.9 Million by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.2% during the forecast period (2025–2032). This growth is being driven by expanding personal care industries, increasing demand for multifunctional emulsifiers, and the accelerating adoption of sustainable, bio-based ingredients across cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food sectors.

As the chemical industry shifts toward clean-label products and sustainable formulations, the spotlight is on the key ingredient suppliers who are driving innovation, product safety, and eco-friendly pathways. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Sorbitan Oleate Industry—a mix of chemical giants, specialty manufacturers, and sustainability pioneers shaping the future of global emulsion technology.

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🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: High-Purity Sorbitan Oleate, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Grades

BASF SE is a global leader in the chemical industry and a major supplier of high-purity Sorbitan Oleate. Their extensive portfolio caters to demanding applications in pharmaceuticals, where stringent purity is required, and in high-end cosmetics. BASF’s strong R&D focus ensures continuous improvement in production processes and product performance.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Investment in bio-based raw material sourcing

• Commitment to carbon-neutral production targets by 2050

• Development of eco-profile assessments for all surfactants

Download FREE Sample Report: Sorbitan Oleate Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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9️⃣ 2. Croda International Plc

Headquarters: Snaith, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Croduret Sorbitan Oleate, Specialty Grades for Personal Care

Croda International is renowned for its specialty chemicals, particularly in the personal care sector. Their Croduret range of Sorbitan Oleate is prized for its consistency and performance in luxury skin care and color cosmetics. Croda emphasizes naturality and sustainability, aligning with the brand’s “Pure Performance” motto.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• 60% of raw materials from bio-based sources

• Land-positive commitment by 2030

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8️⃣ 3. Evonik Industries AG

Headquarters: Essen, Germany
Key Offering: TEGO® Sorbitan Oleate, Performance Surfactants

Evonik’s TEGO portfolio includes high-performance surfactants like Sorbitan Oleate, known for their reliability in complex formulations. The company serves the pharmaceutical industry with excipient-grade products and the cosmetics industry with emulsifiers that enhance product feel and stability.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Next-generation biorefineries for surfactant production

• Focus on reducing the carbon footprint of oleochemical processes

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7️⃣ 4. Kao Chemicals

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Emalex SO Series, Sorbitan Oleate for Asian Markets

Kao Chemicals is a dominant player in the Asia-Pacific region, offering the Emalex SO series of Sorbitan Oleate. Their products are tailored for the specific needs of Japanese and Korean cosmetic brands, which demand high-quality, mild emulsifiers for sensitive skin formulations.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Kirei Lifestyle Plan focusing on sustainable product development

• Initiatives for plastic reduction and renewable energy use

Download FREE Sample Report: Sorbitan Oleate Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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6️⃣ 5. Protameen Chemicals

Headquarters: Totowa, New Jersey, USA
Key Offering: Protamate SO, Customized Sorbitan Oleate Blends

Protameen Chemicals specializes in surfactants and emulsifiers for the North American market. Their Protamate SO Sorbitan Oleate is known for its versatility and is often supplied as part of custom-blended packages for specific customer formulations in cosmetics and industrial applications.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of green chemistry-based production methods

• Partnerships with suppliers for sustainable palm oil derivatives

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5️⃣ 6. Jeen International

Headquarters: Fairfield, New Jersey, USA
Key Offering: JEENATE SO, Cost-Effective Sorbitan Oleate

Jeen International is a key supplier of personal care ingredients, offering JEENATE SO as a reliable and cost-effective Sorbitan Oleate. They are particularly strong in serving contract manufacturers and private-label brands in the cosmetics industry with consistent quality and technical support.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Implementation of energy-efficient manufacturing processes

• Commitment to RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) standards

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4️⃣ 7. Nikkol Group

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Nikkol SO-10, High-Purity Sorbitan Oleate

The Nikkol Group is a leading Japanese specialty chemical company with a strong focus on surfactants for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Their Nikkol SO-10 is a high-purity grade of Sorbitan Oleate favored for its excellent emulsifying properties and safety profile.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Active in green surfactant research and development

• Compliance with international cosmetic and pharmaceutical regulations

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3️⃣ 8. Zschimmer & Schwarz

Headquarters: Lahnstein, Germany
Key Offering: Zetesol SO, Sorbitan Oleate for Technical Applications

Zschimmer & Schwarz offers a wide range of surfactants, including Zetesol SO Sorbitan Oleate. While serving the cosmetics industry, they also have a strong presence in industrial applications, such as agrochemicals and textiles, where Sorbitan Oleate acts as a dispersing agent.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Focus on renewable raw materials and biodegradability

• Part of the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)

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2️⃣ 9. Oxiteno

Headquarters: São Paulo, Brazil
Key Offering: Oleotan SO, Sorbitan Oleate for Latin America

Oxiteno is a leading Latin American chemical company and a major producer of surfactants. Their Oleotan SO Sorbitan Oleate caters to the growing personal care market in South America and is also exported globally. They have a strong focus on innovation tailored to regional needs.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Leadership in sustainable chemistry in Latin America

• Investment in bio-ethanol-based product lines

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1️⃣ 10. Italmatch Chemicals

Headquarters: Genoa, Italy
Key Offering: Specialty Sorbitan Oleate Grades

Italmatch Chemicals is a global specialty chemical group with a portfolio that includes performance surfactants like Sorbitan Oleate. They focus on high-value applications and provide technical solutions for customers in the cosmetics, plastics, and lubricants industries.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of environmentally compatible additives

• Strong commitment to circular economy principles

Get Full Report Here: Sorbitan Oleate Market – View in Detailed Research Report

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🌍 Outlook: The Future of Sorbitan Oleate Is Sustainable and Specialized

The Sorbitan Oleate market is undergoing a significant transformation. While traditional grades continue to be widely used, the industry is investing heavily in bio-based alternatives, greener production technologies, and highly specialized grades for advanced applications.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Rising demand for natural and organic-certified Sorbitan Oleate in cosmetics

• Innovation in pharmaceutical applications for enhanced drug delivery

• Digitalization of supply chains for improved traceability and quality control

• Strategic alliances between chemical companies and end-user brands for co-development

Get Full Report Here: Sorbitan Oleate Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying essential ingredients—they’re pioneering the sustainable and innovative future of formulation chemistry.