E493 · Sorbitan monolaurate
We haven’t recorded a regulator assessment for Sorbitan monolaurate yet. The information below comes from our ingredient database; a verdict will appear here once EFSA, FDA or WHO positions are added.
What is E493?
Sorbitan monolaurate is an ester of sorbitol and lauric acid used as an emulsifier, surfactant, and stabilizer in food and cosmetic products. It helps create and maintain stable emulsions in items like dressings and sauces, as well as moisturizers and hair conditioners, improving texture and shelf life. It is approved by EFSA and the FDA for use within regulated limits; the lauric acid is typically derived from coconut or palm kernel oil.
Also appears on labels as: Sorbitan monolaurate, Span 20, E493, E 493, E-493, INS 493, Food additive 493, Sorbitan laurate, Mono-sorbitan laurate, Sorbitol monolaurate, Lauric acid ester of sorbitan, Sorbitan ester of lauric acid.
What the evidence says
- Generally recognized as safe at typical food use levels.
Research behind the verdict
- Safety evaluation of sorbitan esters used as food emulsifiers — Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), WHO Technical Report Series (2015). The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) evaluated the safety of sorbitan monolaurate (E 493) and sorbitan monooleate (E 494) as food additives. The committee established an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 25 mg/kg body weight for these sorbitan esters. No adverse effects were observed in toxicological studies at the levels of use as food additives.[safe]
Frequently asked questions
Is E493 safe?
Our overall verdict for E493 (Sorbitan monolaurate) is “Not yet rated”, based on the most cautious of the major regulators’ positions — no regulator assessment is recorded in our database yet.
Is E493 vegan, halal or gluten-free?
According to our ingredient data for Sorbitan monolaurate — vegan: yes, vegetarian: yes, halal: yes, kosher: yes, gluten-free: yes, dairy-free: yes. Manufacturing sources can vary between products; check the label if it matters to you.
What is E493 and why is it used?
Sorbitan monolaurate is an ester of sorbitol and lauric acid used as an emulsifier, surfactant, and stabilizer in food and cosmetic products. It helps create and maintain stable emulsions in items like dressings and sauces, as well as moisturizers and hair conditioners, improving texture and shelf life. It is approved by EFSA and the FDA for use within regulated limits; the lauric acid is typically derived from coconut or palm kernel oil.
Does E493 contain allergens?
No known allergens are recorded for Sorbitan monolaurate.
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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.