E492 · Sorbitan tristearate
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Sorbitan tristearate yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E492?
Sorbitan tristearate is an ester of sorbitol and stearic acid used as an emulsifier in food and cosmetic products. It helps form stable emulsions by reducing surface tension between oil and water, and is found in margarine, dressings, and some confectionery, as well as creams and lotions. It is approved by EFSA and the FDA within regulated amounts, though the stearic acid used may come from animal or plant fat.
Also appears on labels as: Sorbitan tristearate, E492, E 492, E-492, INS 492, Span 65, STS, Sorbitan stearate (tri-), Tristearate of sorbitan, Sorbitan ester of stearic acid, Sorbitan stearic acid ester, Sorbitan fatty acid ester (E492).
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food use levels.
- May have a mild laxative effect in large quantities, as with other stearate esters.
Research behind the verdict
- Re‐evaluation of sorbitan monostearate (E 491), sorbitan tristearate (E 492), sorbitan monolaurate (E 493), sorbitan monooleate (E 494) and sorbitan monopalmitate (E 495) when used as food additives — EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS), EFSA Journal (2017). The Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) provides a scientific opinion re-evaluating the safety of sorbitan monostearate (E 491) and sorbitan tristearate (E 492) among other sorbitan esters when used as food additives. The Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) allocated an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 25 mg/kg body weight per day for E 491, E 492 and E 495 singly or in combination. The Panel concluded that there is no safety concern.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E492 safe?
Our overall verdict for E492 (Sorbitan tristearate) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E492 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Sorbitan tristearate — vegan: no, vegetarian: no, halal: no, kosher: no, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E492 and why is it used?
Sorbitan tristearate is an ester of sorbitol and stearic acid used as an emulsifier in food and cosmetic products. It helps form stable emulsions by reducing surface tension between oil and water, and is found in margarine, dressings, and some confectionery, as well as creams and lotions. It is approved by EFSA and the FDA within regulated amounts, though the stearic acid used may come from animal or plant fat.
Does E492 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Sorbitan tristearate.
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This page summarises publicly available regulatory assessments and research. It is general information, not medical advice. Sources: EFSA, FDA, WHO and the studies linked above.