Comparing E493 - Sorbitan monolaurate vs E492 - Sorbitan tristearate

Overview

E493 - Sorbitan monolaurate

Sorbitan monolaurate (E493) is an emulsifier that helps oil and water mix and stay stable. It is made by joining sorbitan, a sugar alcohol derivative, with lauric acid from edible fats and oils. You’ll often see it in baked goods, spreads, and confectionery to improve texture and shelf life.

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E492 - Sorbitan tristearate

Sorbitan tristearate (E492) is a food additive used to help oil and water mix and stay mixed. It gives smoother textures and more stable foams and creams in many foods. It is widely used as an emulsifier and stabiliser in the EU.

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Synonyms
E493
Sorbitan monolaurate
E492
Sorbitan tristearate
Functions
emulsifierstabilizer
emulsifierstabilizer
Origins
Plant
Animal
Synthetic
Plant
Animal
Synthetic
Products

Found in 1 products

Found in 447 products

Search rank & volume
#396160 / mo🇺🇸U.S.
#332420 / mo🇺🇸U.S.
Awareness score

×4.73
over-aware

×0.15
under-aware

Search volume over time

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

Interest over time for 2 keywords in U.S. during the last 10 years.

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Popular questions

  1. What is poe 80 sorbitan monolaurate?

    That name is inconsistent: 'POE 80' typically refers to polysorbate 80 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, E433), not monolaurate; E493 is sorbitan monolaurate (Span 20) without ethoxylation. The ethoxylated monolaurate is polysorbate 20 (E432).

  2. What is polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate?

    It’s polysorbate 20 (E432), the ethoxylated form of sorbitan monolaurate; by contrast, E493 is the non‑ethoxylated sorbitan monolaurate (Span 20).

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  1. 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).

  2. 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.

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