SORBITAN STEARATE- ▸ Emulsifier: Forms and stabilizes water-in-oil emulsions, including bakery and cake systems.
- ▸ Stabilizer and thickener: Controls crystallization and texture in formulated products.
- ▸ Pharmaceutical and cosmetic base: Functions as a nonionic surfactant in creams and lotions.
- ▸ Textile finishing: Acts as a fiber lubricant and softener.
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →Sorbitan monostearate (CAS 1338-41-6) is a nonionic ester of sorbitol and stearic acid. It is used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickener in foods, cosmetics, and medicinal products, as a lubricant and softener in textiles, and as a water-in-oil emulsifying agent.
Applications of Sorbitan Monostearate
| Sector | Use |
|---|---|
| Food & beverage | A water-in-oil emulsifier and crystallization modifier (E491) in bakery, whipped toppings, icings, cakes and confectionery; classically paired with Polysorbate 60. |
| Personal care & cosmetics | A primary W/O emulsifier and consistency factor for creams and lotions, co-emulsified with Polysorbate 60. |
| Pharmaceutical & life science | A nonionic excipient and emulsifier for topical creams and ointments. |
| Industrial | Emulsifier and lubricant additive in coatings, textile and fiber processing. |
HLB and grade selection
Sorbitan Monostearate has an HLB of ~4.7, so it is lipophilic and oil-soluble and favours water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions. It is the oil-soluble partner to a hydrophilic polysorbate: pairing it with Polysorbate 60 (HLB ~14.9) lets you set a target system HLB for a stable emulsion, and it also serves as a consistency factor and dispersant. Grades range from multicompendial pharmaceutical (NF / USP / EP) and food (FCC) to technical/industrial, with kosher and halal certification available; match the grade and compendial status to your application and jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sorbitan monostearate used for?
Sorbitan monostearate (CAS 1338-41-6) is a nonionic ester of sorbitol and stearic acid used to form and stabilize water-in-oil emulsions, including bakery and cake systems, as a stabilizer and thickener controlling crystallization and texture, as a nonionic surfactant base in creams and lotions, and as a fiber lubricant and softener in textiles.
What is another name for sorbitan monostearate?
Sorbitan monostearate (CAS 1338-41-6) is the stearate member of the sorbitan ester family. The FCC K/P designation indicates the grade conforms to Food Chemicals Codex and kosher/pareh requirements; specify your required certification when ordering.
What do the FCC and K/P designations mean on this grade?
FCC means the product meets Food Chemicals Codex monograph specifications, and K/P indicates kosher/pareh certification. These designations are selected by formulators who need compendial and certification documentation; the supporting certificates accompany the lot CoA.
Is sorbitan monostearate an ionic or nonionic surfactant?
It is a low-HLB nonionic surfactant, a sorbitol stearate ester carrying no charge, which makes it well suited to water-in-oil emulsions and crystallization control. Refer to the technical data sheet for HLB and the SDS for handling.
What is the cost of bulk sorbitan monostearate FCC K/P?
Bulk pricing depends on order volume and packaging (bags, drums, or totes). Submit a bulk RFQ with quantity and delivery point and we will return a current quote with Certificate of Analysis and SDS.
