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E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is a nonionic emulsifier produced by esterifying sorbitan with lauric acid, and E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is used to stabilize emulsions, improve wetting, and support consistent texture in food and industrial applications.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is valued because E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate provides reliable oil-in-water and water-in-oil interface control depending on formulation needs, and E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is often used with polysorbates or other emulsifiers to optimize emulsion stability.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is typically supplied as a viscous liquid or waxy semi-solid, and E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate performance depends on fatty acid composition, processing temperature, and overall formulation design.
CAS Number: 1338-39-2
EC Number: 215-663-3
Molecular Formula: Approximate mixture (commonly represented as C18H34O6; composition dependent)
Molecular Weight: Approximate (commonly ~346.46 g/mol; composition dependent)
Synonyms: E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate, Sorbitan Monolaurate, Span 20 (common naming), Sorbitan Laurate, Sorbitan Ester of Lauric Acid, Sorbitan Monolaurate Emulsifier, Sorbitan Monolaurate Food Additive, Nonionic Emulsifier E493, E493, Sorbitan Monolaurate Surfactant, Span-20, Sorbitan Monolaurate Stabilizer, E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate, Sorbitan Monolaurate, Sorbitan Mono Laurate, Sorbitan Mono-Laurate, Sorbitan Laurate, Sorbitan Monododecanoate, Sorbitan Monoester of Lauric Acid, Sorbitan Ester of Lauric Acid, Lauric Acid Sorbitan Ester, Sorbitan Lauric Acid Ester, Sorbitan Laurate Ester, Sorbitan Monolauric Ester, Monolaurate of Sorbitan, Sorbitan Dodecanoate, Sorbitan Dodecanoic Acid Ester, Sorbitan Monoester Laurate, Sorbitan Monolaurate Emulsifier, Sorbitan Monolaurate Food Grade, Sorbitan Monolaurate Technical Grade, Sorbitan Monolaurate Pharmaceutical Grade, Sorbitan Monolaurate Cosmetic Grade, Sorbitan Monolaurate Industrial Grade, Sorbitan Monolaurate Additive Grade, Sorbitan Monolaurate Emulsifier Grade, Sorbitan Monolaurate Stabilizer Grade, Sorbitan Monolaurate NF, Sorbitan Monolaurate FCC, Sorbitan Monolaurate USP, Sorbitan Monolaurate EP, Sorbitan Monolaurate BP, Sorbitan Monolaurate Pure, Sorbitan Monolaurate High Purity, Sorbitan Monolaurate Liquid, Sorbitan Monolaurate Viscous Liquid, Sorbitan Monolaurate Amber Liquid, Sorbitan Monolaurate Food Additive, Sorbitan Monolaurate Surface Active Agent, Sorbitan Monolaurate Nonionic Emulsifier, Sorbitan Monolaurate Dispersing Agent, Sorbitan Monolaurate Stabilizer, Sorbitan Monolaurate Solubilizer, Sorbitan Monolaurate Processing Aid, Sorbitan Monolaurate Functional Emulsifier, Sorbitan Monolaurate Bakery Additive, Sorbitan Monolaurate Personal Care Additive, Sorbitan Monolaurate Texture Modifier, Sorbitan Monolaurate Creaming Agent
APPLICATIONS
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is used in bakery products to improve batter emulsification and support consistent crumb texture.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is incorporated into cake mixes to stabilize fat dispersion and improve volume.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is used in baked goods to improve softness and texture stability during storage.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is used in confectionery to stabilize fat systems and improve texture in compatible formulations.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is incorporated into chocolate and compound coatings to improve flow and reduce fat bloom risk in compatible systems.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is used in chewy candies to improve emulsification and reduce stickiness.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is used in emulsified sauces and dressings to stabilize oil phase and prevent separation.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is incorporated into mayonnaise-type products to support stable emulsion structure in compatible designs.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is used in flavor emulsions to maintain homogeneity and improve dispersion of oil-soluble flavors.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is used in dairy and non-dairy creamers to stabilize fat emulsions and prevent creaming.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is incorporated into whipped toppings to support foam stability and improve whipping performance.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is used in ice cream to improve fat destabilization control and texture stability in compatible formulations.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is used in margarine and spreads to improve emulsion stability and prevent oil separation.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is incorporated into shortenings to improve plasticity and consistent processing behavior.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is used in fat-based fillings to stabilize structure and improve mouthfeel.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is used as a wetting agent to improve dispersion of powders in liquid systems.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is incorporated into instant beverage mixes to improve reconstitution and reduce floating of fat-containing particles.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is used in spray-dried flavor encapsulation systems to support stable emulsification before drying.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is used in food-grade release agents to reduce sticking during processing.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is incorporated into edible coatings to improve film flexibility and surface wetting.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is valued because E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate provides multifunctional nonionic emulsification and wetting performance that supports stable textures and consistent processing across many food applications.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in bakery to improve dispersion of fats and emulsifiers in batters.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports improved crumb softness and volume in some baked goods.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps improve texture consistency across batches.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in cakes and muffins to improve aeration and batter stability in some formulations.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports stable air incorporation and improved rise.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps reduce collapse and improves crumb structure.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in sponge cakes to support foam stability during baking in some recipes.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports uniform cell structure and improved tenderness.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps improve shelf life softness by reducing staling in some systems.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in bread improvers to support dough handling and softness in some applications.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports interaction of fats with gluten for improved machinability.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps maintain softer crumb during storage in some bread products.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in whipped toppings to stabilize emulsions and foams in some formulations.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports stable fat globule behavior for foam formation.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps improve overrun and foam stability during storage.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in non-dairy creamers to emulsify oils and improve dispersion.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports stable whitening and mouthfeel in creamer systems.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps reduce oil separation in liquid and powdered creamers.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in ice cream to improve fat destabilization control in some formulations.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports stable air cell structure and smoother texture.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps reduce coarseness and improves melt behavior.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in frozen desserts to improve emulsification and texture stability in some systems.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports reduced ice crystal growth by improving emulsion stability.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps maintain creamy mouthfeel during storage.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in confectionery to emulsify fats and improve processing in some formulations.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports improved fat dispersion in fillings and coatings.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps reduce oil separation and improves mouthfeel.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in chocolate fillings and creams to stabilize emulsions in some recipes.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports smooth texture and reduced fat bloom risk in some systems.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps improve shelf stability of fat-based fillings.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in chewing gum base processing as a dispersing and processing aid in some applications.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports uniform distribution of flavors and softeners in gum base.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps improve consistency of gum texture.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in beverage emulsions to stabilize flavor oils in some formulations.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports stable cloud emulsions in citrus beverages.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps prevent ring formation and creaming in beverage emulsions.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in flavor concentrates to emulsify essential oils and improve dispersion.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports stable flavor delivery in syrup and concentrate systems.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps improve clarity or controlled cloud depending on formulation design.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in margarine and spreads as an emulsifier in some formulations.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports stable water-in-oil structure with controlled droplet size.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps improve spreadability and reduces weeping.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in low-fat spreads to improve emulsion stability in some designs.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports stable texture and reduced phase separation.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps maintain consistent mouthfeel in reduced-fat spreads.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in shortening and frying fats as an additive to improve performance in some applications.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports improved wetting and dispersion of minor ingredients.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps improve product consistency in fat systems.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in powdered mixes to improve wetting and dispersibility of fat-containing powders.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports improved reconstitution in instant dessert and beverage mixes.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps reduce lumping during mixing with water.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in instant soups and sauce mixes to improve emulsification upon reconstitution.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports stable dispersion of fats in prepared soups.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps improve mouthfeel and reduces oiling-off.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in encapsulation processes to stabilize emulsions before spray drying.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports formation of stable droplets for microencapsulation.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps improve retention of flavors in dried powders.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in pharmaceutical formulations as a nonionic emulsifier in some products.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports solubilization and dispersion of lipophilic actives.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps improve stability of suspensions and emulsions.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in topical creams and ointments as an emulsifier and stabilizer.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports stable emulsion texture and smooth spreadability.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps reduce phase separation in topical products.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in oral liquid pharmaceuticals as an emulsifier in some formulations.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports dispersion of flavors and oil-soluble components.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps improve palatability and stability of oral liquids.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in personal care as an emulsifier in creams and lotions.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports stable emulsions with pleasant sensory feel.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps improve texture and reduce separation in lotions.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in hair conditioners to emulsify oils and improve cream stability in some formulations.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports uniform distribution of conditioning oils.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps improve product consistency and shelf stability.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in sunscreens to stabilize oil phases and improve dispersion of UV filters in some formulations.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports stable emulsions and consistent SPF performance in some systems.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps reduce separation and improves sensory spread.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in cleansing oils and makeup removers to improve emulsification upon rinsing.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports conversion of oils to milky emulsions with water.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps improve rinse-off feel and reduces greasiness.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in industrial emulsions as a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports stable emulsions in lubricants and metalworking fluids in some systems.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps improve dispersion stability under shear.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in agrochemical formulations as an emulsifier in some pesticide concentrates.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports stable emulsification of oil-based actives in spray tanks.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps improve wetting and spreading on plant surfaces.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in paints and coatings as a dispersant and emulsifier in some water-based systems.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports pigment wetting and stable dispersions in selected formulations.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps reduce separation and improves storage stability.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in polymerization and latex production as a stabilizer in some emulsion polymer systems.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports stable latex particle formation under controlled conditions.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps improve emulsion stability during polymerization.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in product development to tune HLB balance in emulsifier systems.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports blending with polysorbates for targeted emulsification.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps optimize emulsion type and droplet size control.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in formulation troubleshooting to address oil separation and creaming.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports improved interfacial film strength in emulsions.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps stabilize emulsions under temperature cycling.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in quality control to verify acid value, hydroxyl value, and emulsification performance.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports consistent functionality across batches.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps ensure stable performance in food and personal care manufacturing.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in education and training as an example of nonionic emulsifiers and HLB concept.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate supports teaching about surfactants, emulsions, and interfacial tension.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate helps illustrate how emulsifier selection affects stability and texture.
DESCRIPTION
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is a sorbitan ester emulsifier derived from sorbitol dehydration products and lauric acid, and E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is used as a nonionic surfactant in food systems.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate has a relatively low HLB compared with polysorbates, and this makes E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate especially useful for stabilizing water-in-oil systems or as a co-emulsifier in oil-in-water systems depending on blend design.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is often combined with higher-HLB emulsifiers such as polysorbates to build robust emulsifier systems with improved stability.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate can improve wetting and dispersion, and this helps powders hydrate more evenly and helps flavors distribute more uniformly in emulsions.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is stable under typical food processing conditions, but E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate performance depends on temperature and shear during emulsification.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate should be used according to applicable food additive regulations and good manufacturing practices for the target market.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate is typically supplied as a viscous liquid or waxy semi-solid, and E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate should be warmed for easier handling in some applications.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place away from strong odors.
E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate should be protected from excessive heat and direct sunlight to maintain consistent quality.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is a nonionic surfactant produced by esterifying sorbitan with lauric acid.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is typically a waxy solid or semi-solid depending on grade and temperature.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate has emulsifying properties and is commonly used to stabilize emulsions by reducing interfacial tension.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is often used in combination with polysorbates to create balanced emulsifier systems.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is selected based on HLB requirements of the formulation and desired emulsion type.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate can improve wetting and dispersion of oils in water-based systems.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is used in foods, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and industrial formulations where nonionic emulsification is needed.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate should be stored in tightly closed containers away from excessive heat and moisture to protect quality.
E493 Sorbitan monolaurate is valued for versatile emulsification, formulation compatibility, and broad usefulness across multiple industries.
PROPERTIES
Common Name: E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate
Chemical Type: Nonionic surfactant; sorbitan fatty acid ester; emulsifier
Appearance: Amber to pale yellow viscous liquid or waxy semi-solid
Odor: Mild characteristic fatty odor
Taste: Neutral to slightly fatty (food-use levels)
HLB Value: ~8.6 (typical)
Solubility: Dispersible in water; soluble in oils and many organic solvents (grade dependent)
Melting Range: ~20–30°C (typical; grade dependent)
Density: ~1.00–1.10 g/cm³ (typical; grade dependent)
Stability: Stable under normal storage and typical food processing conditions
Storage Temperature: 15–30°C, tightly closed, dry
Shelf Life: Typically 24–36 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if vapors or mists are inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing heated vapors or aerosols during processing.
Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote is required.
Provide supportive care as needed.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses for bulk handling.
Avoid contact with eyes and avoid prolonged skin contact.
Warm gently if needed for easier pumping and dosing, and avoid overheating.
Ventilation:
Use general ventilation for normal handling.
Use local exhaust if heating generates mists or vapors.
Avoid aerosol formation in enclosed spaces without adequate airflow.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place.
Protect from direct sunlight and excessive heat to prevent oxidation and quality changes.
Keep away from strong oxidizers and strong odors to maintain product quality.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Contain and wipe up spills promptly because surfaces can become slippery.
Wash down residue with water and remove slick films from floors.
Dispose of waste according to local regulations and facility procedures.
Handling Precautions:
Optimize emulsifier blends by pairing E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate with higher-HLB surfactants when stable oil-in-water emulsions are required.
Control processing temperature because E493 Sorbitan Monolaurate viscosity and dispersibility depend on temperature.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent quality and predictable emulsification performance.
