Sorbitan Monostearate is a non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from sorbitol and stearic acid, widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Sorbitan Monostearate is valued for its emulsifying, stabilizing, and dispersing properties in both oil-in-water and water-in-oil systems.
Sorbitan Monostearate is included in creams, lotions, baked goods, and pharmaceuticals as an emulsifier, thickener, and dispersant.
CAS Number: 1338-41-6
EC Number: 215-664-9
Molecular Formula: C24H46O6
Molecular Weight: 430.62 g/mol
Synonyms: Sorbitan Monostearate, Span 60, Sorbitan Stearate, E491, Sorbitan Stearic Acid Ester, Sorbitan Monooctadecanoate, Sorbitol Anhydride Stearate, Sorbitan Monostearate Emulsifier, Sorbitan Monostearate Food Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate Cosmetic Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate, Span 60, Sorbitan Stearate, Sorbitan Monooctadecanoate, Sorbitan 1-Monostearate, Sorbitan 1-Octadecanoate, Sorbitan Monostearate Ester, Sorbitan Fatty Acid Ester, Sorbitan Stearic Acid Ester, Sorbitan Monostearate Compound, Sorbitan Monostearate Material, Sorbitan Monostearate Additive, Sorbitan Monostearate Ingredient, Sorbitan Monostearate Preparation, Sorbitan Monostearate Formulation, Sorbitan Monostearate Mixture, Sorbitan Monostearate Blend, Sorbitan Monostearate Powder, Sorbitan Monostearate Flakes, Sorbitan Monostearate Solid, Sorbitan Monostearate Granules, Sorbitan Monostearate Crystals, Sorbitan Monostearate Technical Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate Industrial Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate Pharmaceutical Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate Food Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate Cosmetic Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate Personal Care Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate Laboratory Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate Research Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate CP Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate AR Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate ACS Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate USP, Sorbitan Monostearate BP, Sorbitan Monostearate EP, Sorbitan Monostearate FCC, Sorbitan Monostearate Pure, Sorbitan Monostearate Extra Pure, Sorbitan Monostearate High Purity, Sorbitan Monostearate Stabilized, Sorbitan Monostearate Certified, Sorbitan Monostearate Certified Reagent, Sorbitan Monostearate Analytical Standard, Sorbitan Monostearate Laboratory Standard, Sorbitan Monostearate Certified Standard, Sorbitan Monostearate Test Reagent, Sorbitan Monostearate Fine Chemical, Sorbitan Monostearate Specialty Chemical, Sorbitan Monostearate Bulk Chemical, Sorbitan Monostearate Commercial Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate Raw Material, Sorbitan Monostearate Functional Additive
APPLICATIONS
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in the food industry.
Sorbitan Monostearate functions as an emulsifier in baked goods and confectionery.
Sorbitan Monostearate improves texture and shelf life of margarine, spreads, and ice cream.
Sorbitan Monostearate is applied in cosmetics and personal care.
Sorbitan Monostearate stabilizes emulsions in creams, lotions, and serums.
Sorbitan Monostearate improves spreadability and smooth texture in skincare.
Sorbitan Monostearate is incorporated into hair care products.
Sorbitan Monostearate enhances emulsification in conditioners and shampoos.
Sorbitan Monostearate contributes to softness and conditioning properties.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in pharmaceuticals.
Sorbitan Monostearate acts as an excipient in ointments, creams, and oral formulations.
Sorbitan Monostearate improves solubilization of active ingredients.
Sorbitan Monostearate is employed in industrial applications.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in textile processing as a softener.
Sorbitan Monostearate aids in pigment dispersion in paints and coatings.
Sorbitan Monostearate is included in agricultural formulations.
Sorbitan Monostearate serves as a dispersing and wetting agent in pesticide formulations.
Sorbitan Monostearate improves performance of crop-protection chemicals.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in the food industry.
Sorbitan Monostearate functions as an emulsifier in baked goods.
Sorbitan Monostearate improves texture and stability of cakes and pastries.
Sorbitan Monostearate is applied in confectionery.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps disperse fats and oils in chocolates.
Sorbitan Monostearate enhances smoothness in candy formulations.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in dairy products.
Sorbitan Monostearate stabilizes whipped toppings.
Sorbitan Monostearate improves creaminess in ice cream.
Sorbitan Monostearate is incorporated in margarine.
Sorbitan Monostearate prevents water and oil separation.
Sorbitan Monostearate improves spreadability.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in beverages.
Sorbitan Monostearate stabilizes flavor oils in soft drinks.
Sorbitan Monostearate enhances uniformity of emulsions.
Sorbitan Monostearate is applied in pharmaceuticals.
Sorbitan Monostearate functions as an emulsifier in ointments.
Sorbitan Monostearate enhances stability of oral suspensions.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in creams and lotions.
Sorbitan Monostearate provides emulsion stability.
Sorbitan Monostearate improves skin feel in personal care products.
Sorbitan Monostearate is incorporated in sunscreens.
Sorbitan Monostearate enhances water resistance of formulations.
Sorbitan Monostearate stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions.
Sorbitan Monostearate is applied in makeup products.
Sorbitan Monostearate provides smooth application in foundations.
Sorbitan Monostearate improves stability of lipsticks.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in industrial lubricants.
Sorbitan Monostearate reduces friction between surfaces.
Sorbitan Monostearate improves flow properties of oils.
Sorbitan Monostearate is applied in textile finishing.
Sorbitan Monostearate acts as an antistatic agent.
Sorbitan Monostearate improves softness of fabrics.
Sorbitan Monostearate is incorporated in plastic additives.
Sorbitan Monostearate functions as an internal lubricant.
Sorbitan Monostearate enhances dispersion of pigments.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in animal feed.
Sorbitan Monostearate improves mixing of nutrients.
Sorbitan Monostearate acts as a stabilizer in feed formulations.
DESCRIPTION
Sorbitan Monostearate is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier.
Sorbitan Monostearate is derived from sorbitol and stearic acid.
Sorbitan Monostearate is classified as an ester of sorbitan.
Sorbitan Monostearate appears as a yellow to amber waxy solid.
Sorbitan Monostearate is insoluble in water but dispersible in oils.
Sorbitan Monostearate is soluble in ethanol, methanol, and other organic solvents.
Sorbitan Monostearate has the molecular formula C24H46O6.
Sorbitan Monostearate has a molecular weight of 430.62 g/mol.
Sorbitan Monostearate is identified as food additive E491 in the EU.
Sorbitan Monostearate is a cream-colored to light yellow waxy solid or powder.
It is insoluble in water but dispersible in warm water and soluble in oils.
Sorbitan Monostearate has low hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB ~4.7), making it suitable for water-in-oil emulsions.
Sorbitan Monostearate is produced by esterification of sorbitol (or its anhydrides) with stearic acid.
It provides emulsion stabilization, viscosity modification, and dispersion enhancement.
It is stable under normal storage and non-toxic within regulated use levels.
Sorbitan Monostearate is biodegradable and widely approved as a food additive (E491).
It is safe for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use within specified concentration ranges.
It is a versatile emulsifier used across multiple industries for product stability and performance.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C24H46O6
Molecular Weight: 430.62 g/mol
Common Name: Sorbitan Monostearate
Appearance: Cream-colored to light yellow waxy solid or powder
Odor: Slight, fatty odor
Density: ~1.0 g/cm³
Melting Point: 50–55°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in oils, ethanol, and chloroform
HLB Value: ~4.7 (lipophilic)
pH: Neutral (dispersion)
Chemical Stability: Stable under normal conditions
Storage Temperature: 15–30°C, dry and sealed
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Remove to fresh air if dust is inhaled.
Seek medical attention if irritation occurs.
Skin Contact:
Wash thoroughly with soap and water.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Generally safe at regulated food-use levels.
If discomfort occurs, rinse mouth and drink water.
Seek medical attention in case of large ingestion.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Avoid generating dust.
Wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing in industrial use.
Wash hands after handling.
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
Protect from heat and direct sunlight.
Keep containers tightly sealed.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Sweep up solid spills carefully.
Collect into suitable containers for reuse or disposal.
Wash spill area with water and detergent.