Sorbitan monolaurate

Sorbitan monolaurate is a surfactant that is commonly used in the food and cosmetic industries. It is also known as Span 20 and is derived from the dehydration of sorbitol and lauric acid.

Chemical Structure

Sorbitan monolaurate is an ester of lauric acid and hexitol anhydrides derived from sorbitol. It is a waxy powder that is used as an emulsifier in many food and cosmetic products. The chemical formula of sorbitan monolaurate is C24H46O6.

Uses

Sorbitan monolaurate is used in a variety of industries due to its properties as a surfactant. In the food industry, it is used as an emulsifier in food products such as cake mixes, icings, whipped toppings, and non-dairy creamers. It helps to stabilize these products and improve their texture and shelf life.

In the cosmetic industry, sorbitan monolaurate is used in products such as lotions, creams, and makeup. It helps to keep the ingredients in these products mixed together and can also act as a thickening agent.

Safety

Sorbitan monolaurate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. However, like all food additives, it should be used in moderation. Some people may experience allergic reactions to sorbitan monolaurate, although this is rare.

See Also

• Sorbitan monostearate
• Sorbitan tristearate
• Sorbitan monopalmitate