SORBITAN MONOSTEARATE

SORBITAN MONOSTEARATE
Sorbitan monostearate is an ester of sorbitan (a sorbitol derivative) and stearic acid and is sometimes referred to as a synthetic wax. Sorbitan monostearate, also known as Span 60TM, is an ester of sorbitan (a sorbitol derivative) and stearic acid and is sometimes referred to as a synthetic wax. It is primarily used as an emulsifier to keep water and oils mixed. Sorbitan monostearate is a non-ionic surfactant with emulsifying, dispersing, and wetting properties.
Sorbitan monostearate is used in the manufacture of food and healthcare products as a non-ionic surfactant with emulsifying, dispersing, and wetting properties.] It is also employed to create synthetic fibers, metal machining fluid, and as a brightener in the leather industry. Sorbitans are also known as "Spans". Sorbitan monostearate has been approved by the European Union for use as a food additive (emulsifier) (E number: E 491). It is also approved for use by the British Pharmacopoeia.
CAS No.: 1338-41-6
EC No.: 215-664-9
Chemical formula: C24H46O6
Molecular weight: 430.62

SYNONYMS:
SORBITAN MONOSTEARATE, 1338-41-6, Sorbitan stearate, Span 60, UNII-NVZ4I0H58X, Anhydrosorbitol stearate, Sorbitan, monooctadecanoate, Arlacel 60, Sorgen 50, NVZ4I0H58X, Sorbitan monooctadecanoate, Glycomul S, Liposorb S, Sorbitan C, Armotan MS, Sorbitan 0, Hodag SMS, Drewsorb 60, Crill 3, Montane 60, Liposorb S-20, Durtan 60, Newcol 60, Crill K 3, Nonion SP 60R, Nikkol SS 30, Nonion SP 60, Rikemal S 250, Sorbitan, monostearate, Sorbon S 60, Ionet S 60, NCGC00164333-01, Nissan nonion SP 60, Span 55, Emsorb 2505, (R)-2-((2R,3R,4S)-3,4-dihydroxytetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-2-hydroxyethyl stearate,5093-91-4, FEMA No. 3028, HSDB 778, MS 33F, Sorbitani stearas [INN-Latin], MS 33, Stearate de sorbitan [INN-French], EINECS 215-664-9, Stearic acid, monoester with sorbitan, Estearato de sorbitano [INN-Spanish], Sorbitani stearas, 1,4-anhydro-6-O-stearoyl-D-glucitol, D-Glucitol, anhydro-, monooctadecanoate, Stearate de sorbitan, Sorbitan stearate [INN], Estearato de sorbitano, Anhydrosorbitol monostearate, Sorbitan, esters, monooctadecanoate, Sorbitan monostearate [USAN:NF], 1,4-Anhydro-D-glucitol, 6-octadecanoate, D-Glucitol, 1,4-anhydro-, 6-octadecanoate, 1,4-Anhydro-6-O-octadecanoyl-D-glucitol, DSSTox_CID_7396, EC 215-664-9, SCHEMBL5447, DSSTox_RID_78436, DSSTox_GSID_27396, CHEMBL3186117, DTXSID70872695, Sorbitan monostearate. (Compound usually contains also associated fatty acids.), Span 60 (=Sorbitan Monostearate), ZINC8214460, 1,4-Anhydro-D-glucitol 6-stearate, Tox21_112100, CAS-1338-41-6, S0062, Q907898, J-006442, Sorbitan monostearate, meets FCC analytical specifications, UNII-QDQ11AXU3Z component HVUMOYIDDBPOLL-XWVZOOPGSA-N
IUPAC NAMES:
(2R)-2-[(2R,3R,4S)-3,4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]-2-hydroxyethyl octadecanoate, 1,4-anhydro-6-O-stearoyl-D-glucitol, Reaction products resulting from the esterification of Sorbitol with C16-18 (even) fatty acids in the ratio about 1:1, Reaction products resulting from the esterification of Sorbitol with C16-18 (even) fatty acids in the ratio about 1:1, Sorbitan monostearate, Sorbitan stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Sorbitan stearate, sorbitan stearate, Sorbitan, monooctadecanoate
TRADE NAMES:
Atmer 103, ESTOSPAN 60, Kosteran-S/1, RADIAMULS SORB 2145K, RADIAMULS SORB 2162K, RADIASURF 7145, Rofacer SMS, Rofetan SMS, Romulgin SMS, Sabofog MS, Span 60

SORBITAN MONOSTEARATE
Sorbitan monostearate (abbreviation SMS), or Span 60, is an emulsifier esterified from sorbitol and stearic acid with the European food additive number E491. This ingredient is mostly used in baking yeast by improving the activity of instant dry yeast when the yeast is rehydrated before use.
Partial ester of stearic acid with sorbitol and its mono- and dianhydrides.
Sorbitan monostearate is a surfactant primarily used as an emulsifier—it helps keep waters and oils mixed together. It also has dispersing and wetting properties.
Sorbitan monostearate is used in a wide variety of industries and products, including foods, cosmetics, synthetic fibers, metal machining fluid, pesticides, plastics, and more.
Some of the common foods to include sorbitan monostearate are cake icing, pudding, imitation whipped cream, non-dairy creamers, yeast, and baked goods.
Sorbitan monostearate is sometimes referred to as Span 60, synthetic wax, or E491.
Sorbitan monostearate (Span 60) is a non-ionic surfactant with emulsifying, dispersing, and wetting properties used as a food additive, additive in mixtures for drug use and in skin care products. It is approved for use by FDA in quantities not exceeding the amount reasonably required to accomplish the intended effect. SPAN 60 ® is is used as a non-ionic detergent. 0.5-5% of Liposorb® S (sorbitan monostearate) is used for oil-in-water emulsions in combination with a high hydrophilic-lipophilic balance emulsifier to produce smooth lotions and creams in skin and hair care, make-up bases, and mild cleaning products. Sorbitan monostearate based organogels and vesicles (niosomes) formulated to enhance the oral bioavailability were characterized for use as a drug delivery vehicle. In combination with other non-ionic surfactants sorbitan monostearate is patented for use in vaccine formulations as a saponin-containing adjuvant for oil-in-water injectable emulsions. It is fatty acid ester of sorbitan (a sorbitol derivative) and stearic acid sometimes called synthetic wax. Has low hydrophilic-lipophilic balance. Non-toxic.
Sorbitan monostearate is a fatty acid that has many uses in the food industry and in health and beauty care products. It is not a health supplement.
Sorbitan monostearate is used as a food additive that works as a surfactant, or blender. Other food uses are as an emulsifier, wetter, disperser, flavor enhancer or other form of food additive.
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Class: Emulsifier
Appearance: A white to yellow waxy bead or flake with a slight characteristic smell.
Physical State: Solid
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB): With the HLB value 4.7, meaning it is lipophilic and soluble in oil instead of water. It will form W/O (water-in-oil) type emulsion, and it is a strong emulsifying dispersion and has a wetting effect.
Solubility: Not soluble in cold water, but can be dispersed in hot water. Soluble in ethanol, mineral oil, and vegetable oil.
Storage: Store at room temperature
Shelf Life: 60 Months
Melting Point: 53-57°C
Boiling Point: 579,01° C at 760 mmHg (Predicted)
Acid value: max. 10
Saponification value: 147 - 157
Hydroxyl value: 235 - 260
Density: 1.00 g/cm3 at 25°C
Refractive Index: n20D 1.50 (Predicted)
Intended usage: It is lipophilic surfactant substance. It is generally used as an emulsifer together with polysorbates. It is used to change crystallization of the oils.
Usage area: 
•    Fine bakery products
•    Fine bakery products, decoration and coating materials
•    Baker’s yeasts
•    Oil emulsions
•    Milk and cream mixtures
•    Gel marmelades
•    Tahini halva varieties
•    Cocoa based candies
•    Chocolates
•    Liquid mixtures of fruits and vegetables
•    Sweets
•    Sugar based candies
•    Food supplements
Quantity of usage: It is determined by the practitioner according to intended use and place of use.
Sorbitan monostearate is a food additive permitted for direct addition to food for human consumption as a synthetic flavoring substance and adjuvant in accordance with the following conditions: 
a) they are used in the minimum quantity required to produce their intended effect, and otherwise in accordance with all the principles of good manufacturing practice
b) they consist of one or more of the following, used alone or in combination with flavoring substances and adjuvants generally recognized as safe in food, prior-sanctioned for such use, or regulated by an appropriate section in this part.
Sorbitan monostearate is a diluent in color additive mixtures for drug use exempt from certification.
How is Sorbitan Monostearate Made?
Sorbitol is a kind of sugar alcohol that is derived from fruits such as apples and apricots. It is allowed to lose most of its moisture through dehydration; the new, dehydrated product is call sorbitan. The saturated, fatty acid stearic acid is added to the sorbitan to form an ester. An ester is a waxy or fat-like substance. This creates the sorbitan monostearate.
Sorbitan monostearate is made from sorbital and stearic acid. Specifically, sorbitol is dehydrated into a substance called sorbitan (source). Then stearic acid is added to create a mix of sorbitan esters, including sorbitan monostearate.
Generally, sorbitan monostearate can be made from direct esterification of sorbitol and stearic acid. Sorbitan tristearate (E492) would be generated in the production if too much stearic acid is involved.
What’re the Uses of Sorbitan Monostearate?
Sorbitan monostearate is used as an emulsifier, commonly together with polysorbates to keep water and oil mixed in many food products. 
It is commonly used in instant dry yeast, fat and oil emulsions, desserts, food supplements, cake, spread, margarine, coffee whiteners, and so on. 
The following are its main uses and functions in food:
Dry yeast: maintain the moisture, increase the shelf life of dry yeast, and help the rehydration of yeast cells before blended with other dough ingredients.
Ice cream: promote emulsifying of dairy fat, prevent the formation of ice crystals, and improve the mouthfeel. 
Margarine: improve emulsion stability and reduce sandiness. 
Whipping cream: improve foam volume and contribute to a nice and stiff foam.
Bread & Cake: increase the loaf volume and improve the texture of bread and cake.
Confections and chocolate: stabilize the emulsion of oils and fats. 
Meanwhile, it can be condensed with ethylene oxide to synthesize polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate (polysorbate 60), which is also a food emulsifier.
Is Sorbitan Monostearate Safe to Eat?
Yes, it almost has no side effects and the safety has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), as well as the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA).
Approved uses
Its application is listed together with other sorbitan esters: sorbitan tristearate (E492), sorbitan monolaurate (E493), sorbitan monooleate (E494) and sorbitan monopalmitate (E495) and with the maximum use levels “5000-10000 mg/kg” while the use level in dry yeast and yeast for baking is “quantum satis”.
The following food may contain it: 
•    Flavoured fermented milk products   
•    Beverage whiteners 
•    Fat and oil emulsions 
•    sugar confectionery 
•    Chewing gum  
•    Decorations, coatings and fillings    
•    Fine bakery wares 
•    Emulsified sauces 
•    Desserts
Sorbitan Monostearate in Foods:
Sorbitan monostearate is used as a surfactant food additive; it is manufactured under variations of the name Span. Surfactants are substances that are made up of parts that are soluble in water as well as parts that are soluble in oils. This allows mixtures that have both oil and water as ingredients to stay mixed together because of the surfactant.
Sorbitan monstearate is also used as an emulsifier, or chemical that allows mixtures to stay well blended. Cake mixes, icing, cookie coating, and puddings all use sorbitan monostearate. It is also used as a stabilizer in foods such as imitation whipped cream and other foam-like products.
It is a good substitute for the water content and fats found in milk; but with the added advantage that it does not spoil like milk. It is a common ingredient in non-dairy coffee creamers.
Sorbitan monstearate is also used to protect yeast from drying out; it also helps the yeast to dissolve in water when the yeast is used for baking or other applications.
Other Uses of Sorbitan Monostearate:
Due to its ability to help different ingredients to blend, sorbitan monostearate has many applications in many industries. It is used in machining metal, in pesticides, in leather working, and in the plastics and synthetics industry.
It is also a common ingredient in many beauty products such as moisturizers, creams, lotions and make-up applications. Medical applications include itch creams and hemorrhoid creams.
How to Use Sorbitan Monostearate
Sorbitan monostearate is not a health supplement. It is not an ingredient used in home baking or cooking.
Sorbotan monostearate is generally found in processed and manufactured foods and beauty products. It is recommended for all people to eat a diet that is high in whole foods rather than processed or manufactured food products.
Consumer Uses:
This substance is used in the following products: washing & cleaning products, plant protection products, lubricants and greases, adhesives and sealants, fertilisers, polishes and waxes and coating products.
Other release to the environment of this substance is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners), outdoor use, indoor use in close systems with minimal release (e.g. cooling liquids in refrigerators, oil-based electric heaters) and outdoor use in close systems with minimal release (e.g. hydraulic liquids in automotive suspension, lubricants in motor oil and break fluids).
Article service life:
Other release to the environment of this substance is likely to occur from: outdoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. metal, wooden and plastic construction and building materials), indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment), outdoor use in long-life materials with high release rate (e.g. tyres, treated wooden products, treated textile and fabric, brake pads in trucks or cars, sanding of buildings (bridges, facades) or vehicles (ships)) and indoor use in long-life materials with high release rate (e.g. release from fabrics, textiles during washing, removal of indoor paints).
This substance can be found in complex articles, with no release intended: vehicles.
This substance can be found in products with material based on: plastic (e.g. food packaging and storage, toys, mobile phones).
This substance is intended to be released from scented: clothes.
Widespread uses by professional workers:
This substance is used in the following products: washing & cleaning products, polishes and waxes and plant protection products.
ECHA has no public registered data on the types of manufacture using this substance. Other release to the environment of this substance is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners) and outdoor use.
Formulation or re-packing:
This substance is used in the following products: polymers, lubricants and greases and textile treatment products and dyes.
Release to the environment of this substance can occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures and formulation in materials.
Uses at industrial sites:
This substance is used in the following products: washing & cleaning products, metal surface treatment products, polymers, textile treatment products and dyes, pH regulators and water treatment products and leather treatment products.
This substance is used for the manufacture of: plastic products.
Release to the environment of this substance can occur from industrial use: in processing aids at industrial sites, in the production of articles, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates) and as processing aid.
Therapeutic Uses:
The formulation and characterization of a novel anhydrous organogel formulated as a potential delivery vehicle from a solution of 2 nonionic surfactants, sorbitan monostearate (Span 60) and polysorbate 20 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate; Tween 20), in hexadecane at 60DGC, which cools to a white, semi-solid, thermoreversible gel at room temperature, are described. The addition of an aqueous phase (water or niosome suspensions) up to 17% v/v to the oil phase at 60DGC produced water-in-oil and vesicle-in-water-in-oil systems, respectively. The release rate of hydrophilic solute from these gels was found to be lowest when a disperse system of spherical water droplets in the continuous oil phase was formed at high temperatures, compared to the faster release from the gel where the fibril structures acted as nearly continuous aqueous channels running through the organic medium, providing a means of traversing the oil phase.
FDA:
Sorbitan monostearate may be safely used as an emulsifier in the following food, sometimes together with polysorbate (60, 65, 80):
Whipped edible oil topping
Cakes and cake mixes, icings and fillings
Nonstandardized confectionery coatings and standardized cacao products
Edible vegetable fat-water emulsions in beverage coffee
It can also be used as a rehydration aid in the production of active dry yeast with the maximum usage 1%. It may also be safely used in mineral premixes and dietary supplements for animal feeds.
EFSA:
Sorbitan monostearate (E491) is listed in Commission Regulation (EU) No 231/2012 as an authorised food additive and categorized in “additives other than colours and sweeteners”.
Safety re-evaluation in 2017:
EFSA changed the ADI of 25 mg/kg bw per day set by The Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) in 1974 and established a group ADI of 10 mg/kg bw per day for sorbitan esters (expressed as sorbitan) , and the ADI of sorbitan monostearate is 26 mg/kg bw per day.
UK Food Standards Agency:
Categorized in “Emulsifiers, stabilisers, thickeners and gelling agents”.
Food Standards Australia New Zealand:
It is an approved ingredient in Australia and New Zealand with the code number 491.
JECFA:
Function Class: food additives, emulsifier.
Acceptable daily intake: ADI “0-25 mg/kg bw” set in 1973.
FOOD ADDITIVES PERMITTED FOR DIRECT ADDITION TO FOOD FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION:
Sorbitan monostearate:
The food additive sorbitan monostearate, which is a mixture of partial stearic and palmitic acid esters of sorbitol anhydrides, may be safely used in or on food in accordance with the following prescribed conditions:
(a) The food additive is manufactured by reacting stearic acid (usually containing associated fatty acids, chiefly palmitic) with sorbitol to yield essentially a mixture of esters.
(b) The food additive meets the following specifications:
Saponification number, 147-157
Acid number, 5-10
Hydroxyl number, 235-260
(c) It is used or intended for use, alone or in combination with polysorbate 60 as follows:
(1) As an emulsifier in whipped edible oil topping with or without one or a combination of the following:
(i) Polysorbate 60;
(ii) Polysorbate 65;
(iii) Polysorbate 80;
whereby the maximum amount of the additive or additives used does not exceed 0.4 percent of the weight of the finished whipped edible oil topping; except that a combination of the additive with polysorbate 60 may be used in excess of 0.4 percent: Provided, That the amount of the additive does not exceed 0.27 percent and the amount of polysorbate 60 does not exceed 0.77 percent of the weight of the finished whipped edible oil topping.
(2) As an emulsifier in cakes and cake mixes, with or without one or a combination of the following:
(i) Polysorbate 65.
(ii) Polysorbate 60.
When used alone, the maximum amount of sorbitan monostearate shall not exceed 0.61 percent of the cake or cake mix, on a dry-weight basis. When used with polysorbate 65 and/or polysorbate 60, it shall not exceed 0.61 percent, nor shall the polysorbate 65 exceed 0.32 percent or the polysorbate 60 exceed 0.46 percent, and no combination of the emulsifiers shall exceed 0.66 percent of the weight of the cake or cake mix, calculated on a dry-weight basis.
(3) As an emulsifier, alone or in combination with polysorbate 60 in nonstandardized confectionery coatings and standardized cacao products specified in §§ 163.123, 163.130, 163.135, 163.140, 163.145, and 163.150 of this chapter, as follows:
(i) It is used alone in an amount not to exceed 1 percent of the weight of the finished nonstandardized confectionery coating or standardized cacao product.
(ii) It is used with polysorbate 60 in any combination of up to 1 percent sorbitan monostearate and up to 0.5 percent polysorbate 60 provided that the total combination does not exceed 1 percent of the weight of the finished nonstandardized confectionery coating or standardized cacao product.
(4) As an emulsifier in cake icings and cake fillings, with or without one or a combination of the following:
(i) Polysorbate 65.
(ii) Polysorbate 60.
When used alone, the maximum amount of sorbitan monostearate shall not exceed 0.7 percent of the weight of the cake icing or cake filling. When used with polysorbate 65 and/or polysorbate 60, it shall not exceed 0.7 percent, nor shall the polysorbate 65 exceed 0.32 percent or the polysorbate 60 exceed 0.46 percent, and no combination of these emulsifiers shall exceed 1 percent of the weight of the cake icing or cake filling.
(5) As an emulsifier in solid-state, edible vegetable fat-water emulsions intended for use as substitutes for milk or cream in beverage coffee, with or without one or a combination of the following:
(i) Polysorbate 60.
(ii) Polysorbate 65.
The maximum amount of the additive or additives shall not exceed 0.4 percent by weight of the finished edible vegetable fat-water emulsion.
(6) It is used alone as a rehydration aid in the production of active dry yeast in an amount not to exceed 1 percent by weight of the dry yeast.
(7) As an emulsifier, alone or in combination with polysorbate 60, in the minimum quantity required to accomplish the intended effect, in formulations of white mineral oil conforming with § 172.878 and/or petroleum wax conforming with § 172.886 for use as protective coatings on raw fruits and vegetables.
(d) To assure safe use of the additive, in addition to the other information required by the Act:
(1) The label of the additive and any intermediate premixes shall bear:
(i) The name of the additive.
(ii) A statement of the concentration or strength of the additive in any intermediate premixes.
(2) The label or labeling shall bear adequate directions to provide a final product that complies with the limitations prescribed in paragraph (c) of this section.

Frequently asked questions:
Is SMS Halal?
Yes, it is is a synthetic ester that would be halal complying with the Muslim policy if the fatty acid stearic acid derived from vegetable oils instead of animal origins.
Is SMS Vegan?
Yes, it is corn derivative and vegan if the raw material stearic acid from vegetable oils as the manufacturing process without the use of animal matter or products derived from animal origin.
However, some manufacturers may use stearic acid from animal sources. Therefore, vegetarians should avoid it.
Sorbitan monostearate (E491) is a “gray area” ingredient for vegans. It’s derived from sorbitol, which is plant-derived, and stearic acid, which may be plant- or animal-derived. Since it’s a minor ingredient, most vegans are okay with consuming sorbitan monostearate. However, it may not always be plant-based.
In order to determine if sorbitan monostearate is vegan, we need to look at the two ingredients that go into making it: sorbitol and stearic acid.
Sorbitol: Vegan. Sorbitol is an alcohol that is often used as a sugar substitute. It’s typically taken from vegetables. One manufacturer, Archer Daniels Midland, has reported that its sorbitol is made from corn. It can also be taken from cherries, plums, pears, seaweed, and algae. No animals involved.
Stearic acid: Probably vegan, but maybe not. Stearic acid can be sourced from plant- or animal-based fats. Some of the major manufacturers use soybean oil, but others use cow or hog fat. One survey of mint companies that use stearic acid revealed that only 8.8% of companies surveyed got their stearic acid from animal sources.
Looking at this overall situation, it would be said that sorbitan monostearate is likely to be vegan. And if it isn’t fully vegan, then still, the amount of animal-derived material in the product is likely to be quite low.
Is Sorbitan Monostearate Safe?
Sorbitan monostearate seems to be quite safe. It’s been approved by various government bodies like the FDA to be used as a food additive. 
Many tests on humans and animals have shown sorbitan monostearate not to be carcinogenic or have harmful effects. The lethal dose is thought to be more than a quart (source)—meanwhile, the ingredient is typically used in small amounts.
Possible Side Effects
Sorbitan monostearate may cause skin irritation in certain contexts, and it may speed up the movement of food through your digestive system (source). Neither of these seem to be major, common concerns, however.
The Environmental Working Group has stated that sorbitan monostearate is of “lower concern in food.”
Sorbitan monostearate is a common ingredient used in many industries and products. Extensive human and animal testing have show little to no adverse health effects.
Even when administered in doses much higher than those that would be ingested in an average diet or from a beauty regimen, sorbitan monostearate is safe for human and animal use.
There is always concern about the safety of food additives, especially those that have long, complicated names. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves the use of sorbitan monostearate as a food additive when it is used in the smallest amount required to produce the desired effect.
Testing reported on the Hazardous Substances Data Bank of the National Institutes of Health states that human testing with a 6g daily dose for one month has shown no ill effects. Single doses in the amount of 20g have also shown no adverse effects on health.
The Hazardous Substances Data Bank further states that a lethal dose of sorbitan monostearate would probably be upwards of a quart. It is not classified as a human carcinogen.
Medical Conditions and Sorbitan Monostearate:
Anyone who is thinking of starting a new diet, supplement or medication should first discuss it with a medical professional. There are no known interactions between sorbitan monostearate and any medication, over-the-counter medicine or health supplement.
There are no medically known health conditions associated with the use of sorbitan monostearate when used at normal amounts that would be ingested through foods or applied topically to the skin through moisturizers and beauty aids.