Sorbitan monostearate is a chemical compound, the monoester of stearic acid and hexitol anhydrides derived from sorbitol. Sorbitol esters are mono-, di- and triesters of fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides and are derived from sorbitol.
It appears as a white or yellowish powder.
What it is used for and where
Cosmetics
It is a hydrophobic non-ionic surfactant, gelling a number of organic solvents such as hexadecane, isopropyl myristate and a range of vegetable oils.
Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable. Emulsifiers have the property to reduce the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improve emulsion stability and also directly influence the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating their filmometric performance.
From the point of view of health safety, no problems were highlighted.
Food
Ingredient included in the list of European food additives as E491, with an emulsifying function.
Medical
Sorbitan monostearate-based organogels have also been developed for pharmaceutical applications (1).
Sorbitan monostearate can increase the loading capacity of drugs in lipid polymer nanocapsules (2).
Molecular Formula C24H46O6
Molecular Weight 430.626
CAS 1338-41-6, 5093-91-4, 56451-84-4
Synonyms :
Span 60, Sorbitan stearate, FEMA 3028, Arlacel 60
