E493 (Sorbitan monolaurate) is a chemical compound, the monoester of lauric acid and hexitol anhydrides obtained from sorbitol.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

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.

Food

Ingredient included in the list of European food additives as E493 with an emulsifying function.

CAS: 1337-30-0. 1338-39-2. 5959-89-7