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Sorbitan monostearate

Sorbitan monostearate suppliers and sourcing guide

Sorbitan monostearate is a nonionic emulsifier made by reacting stearic acid (with associated palmitic acid) with sorbitol, giving a mixture of partial esters of sorbitol anhydrides. It is a cream-colored waxy solid sold as beads or flakes. It is oil-loving and is often paired with polysorbates in whipped toppings, cake mixes, icings and active dry yeast, and with polysorbate 60 in cosmetic creams.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
E491 · Span 60 · sorbitan stearate
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of sorbitan monostearate

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Food grade (FCC)

    Beads or flakes for cakes, icings, whipped toppings and yeast.

  • Cosmetic grade

    Sold by INCI name Sorbitan Stearate for creams and lotions.

  • Pharmaceutical grade

    Made to USP-NF or Ph. Eur. monographs for creams and ointments.

  • Vegetable-sourced

    Made from plant-derived stearic acid for kosher, halal or vegan requirements.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Saponification, acid and hydroxyl numbers
Titration values checked against the ranges in the regulation.
Fatty acid and polyol content
Composition per the FCC assay.
Water content
By Karl Fischer titration.
Heavy metals
Lead by ICP-MS.
Melting range
Congealing or melting range, which tracks composition.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store sorbitan monostearate sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat, which can fuse beads into a block. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification.

Lots and expiry dates

Record acid and hydroxyl values per lot and check emulsion texture when changing lots or suppliers. Document the fatty acid source for kosher, halal or vegan claims.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • 21 CFR 172.842 permits sorbitan monostearate, a mixture of partial stearic and palmitic acid esters of sorbitol anhydrides, as a food additive for listed uses, such as an emulsifier in whipped edible oil topping.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

  • Health Canada's List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents includes sorbitan monostearate.

    Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Sorbitan monostearate suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking sorbitan monostearate suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

Sell sorbitan monostearate? Request a listing

Frequently asked questions

What forms of sorbitan monostearate can brands buy?

Common forms include food grade (FCC), cosmetic grade, pharmaceutical grade and vegetable-sourced. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for sorbitan monostearate include?

Expect saponification, acid and hydroxyl numbers, fatty acid and polyol content, water content, heavy metals and melting range, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should sorbitan monostearate be stored?

Store sorbitan monostearate sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat, which can fuse beads into a block. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification.

What is the regulatory status of sorbitan monostearate?

21 CFR 172.842 permits sorbitan monostearate, a mixture of partial stearic and palmitic acid esters of sorbitol anhydrides, as a food additive for listed uses, such as an emulsifier in whipped edible oil topping. Health Canada's List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents includes sorbitan monostearate.

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