Comparing E435 - Polyoxyethylene sorbitan monostearate vs E492 - Sorbitan tristearate
Overview
Synonyms
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Found in 5,912 products
Found in 447 products
Search rank & volume
Awareness score
Search volume over time
Interest over time for 3 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.
Popular questions
Is polysorbate 60 safe to eat?
Yes—polysorbate 60 (E435) is approved as a food additive and considered safe at permitted levels; regulators have set an acceptable daily intake and typical exposure is well below it.
Is polysorbate 60 toxic?
It isn’t considered toxic at food-use levels; very high doses in studies can cause gastrointestinal effects, and rare hypersensitivity reactions are mostly linked to medical (injectable) use rather than foods.
Is polysorbate 60 bad for you?
For most people, no—consumption within regulatory limits isn’t associated with harm, though those avoiding synthetic emulsifiers or who are sensitive may choose to limit it.
Is polysorbate 60 a dye?
No—it's an emulsifier and stabiliser used to help oil and water mix and improve texture, not a colorant.
Is polysorbate 60 natural?
No—it’s a synthetic emulsifier made by reacting sorbitan and stearic acid with ethylene oxide; the stearic acid can be from plant or animal sources.
How is sorbitan monostearate and sorbitan tristearate different?
Sorbitan monostearate (E491) has one stearate group, while sorbitan tristearate (E492) has three; this makes E492 more hydrophobic (lower HLB) and better for water‑in‑oil/fat stabilization, whereas E491 has a higher HLB and broader emulsifier uses (e.g., bakery).
What is sorbitan tristearate made from?
It’s produced by esterifying sorbitan (from dehydrated sorbitol) with stearic acid, which is typically sourced from vegetable oils (e.g., palm/soy) and can also be from animal fats.