Sorbitan monolaurate

Sorbitan monolaurate is a nonionic emulsifier derived from sorbitol and lauric acid (a medium-chain fatty acid abundant in coconut and palm kernel oils). It functions as an emulsifier and dispersing agent in food products, and is also used as an antifoaming agent in some fermentation applications. It has lower lipophilicity than other sorbitan esters due to the shorter lauric acid chain.

JECFA's ADI is 25 mg per kilogram body weight per day (group ADI for all sorbitan esters), evaluated in 1974. Sorbitan monolaurate is hydrolysed to sorbitol and lauric acid in the gut — both normal dietary components. No adverse effects have been identified at any realistic dietary intake. The group ADI provides a comfortable margin above typical food additive exposures.

Sorbitan monolaurate is approved in the EU, US (GRAS), and most global markets. It is less commonly encountered than sorbitan monostearate in mainstream food products, finding more specialised applications in confectionery, certain beverages, and food manufacturing processes. For healthy adults there are no health concerns.