Sorbitan tristearate

Sorbitan tristearate suppliers and sourcing guide

Sorbitan tristearate is a nonionic, oil-soluble emulsifier made by esterifying sorbitol and its anhydrides (sorbitan) with stearic acid. It is a cream to tan waxy solid with a low HLB. Food makers use it in margarine and spreads, in compound coatings and chocolate products to slow fat bloom and steady fat crystallization, and cosmetic makers use it as a co-emulsifier and thickener in creams.

See suppliers What to ask for on the COA

Category: Gums, emulsifiers and thickeners
Also known as: STS · E492 · Sorbitan tristearate (INCI)
Facts checked: November 2026

Forms and grades of sorbitan tristearate

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

Beads or flakes
Waxy solid forms melted into fat phases.
Food grade
Grades tested to food chemical specifications for margarine and coatings.
Cosmetic grade
Grades sold for creams and lotions.
Fat source grades
Palm-based (sometimes RSPO) or other vegetable stearic acid.

What to check on the COA

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

Acid value, saponification value and hydroxyl value: Titration results that define the ester against the supplier's specification.
Fatty acid composition: Fatty acid profile by GC, mostly stearic and palmitic.
Water content: Moisture by Karl Fischer titration.
Heavy metals: Lead, and often arsenic, cadmium and mercury, by ICP-MS or AAS against the supplier's specification or Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) limits.
Appearance and melting range: Physical identity checks.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store sorbitan tristearate sealed in a cool, dry place away from heat, since it softens and can hydrolyze slowly with moisture. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with retest of acid value for aged stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Fatty acid profile and hydroxyl value vary between suppliers and affect crystallization behavior, so record them from each COA and check fat bloom performance when switching suppliers.

Regulatory status

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

Health Canada's List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents includes sorbitan tristearate, with calorie-reduced margarine and margarine among its permitted foods.
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 tristearate suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking sorbitan tristearate 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.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of sorbitan tristearate can brands buy?

Common forms include beads or flakes, food grade, cosmetic grade and fat source grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for sorbitan tristearate include?

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

How should sorbitan tristearate be stored?

What is the regulatory status of sorbitan tristearate?

Health Canada's List of Permitted Emulsifying, Gelling, Stabilizing or Thickening Agents includes sorbitan tristearate, with calorie-reduced margarine and margarine among its permitted foods.

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