Sorbitan monostearate is an ester of sorbitan (a sorbitol derivative) and stearic acid and is sometimes referred to as a synthetic wax.Ingredients – Sorbitan Monostearate at sci-toys.com
Uses 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).Current EU approved additives and their E Numbers, Food Standards Agency, 26 November 2010 It is also approved for use by the British Pharmacopoeia.
See also Polysorbate Sorbitan tristearate (Span 65)
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