E493: Sorbitan Monolaurate
Main role: emulsifying
Also listed as: Span 20
What is E493 (Sorbitan Monolaurate)?
Sorbitan monolaurate is an emulsifier associated with lauric acid and sorbitan. Its properties differ from sorbitan stearates and from polysorbate 20, which includes additional polyoxyethylene groups.
What does it do in food?
Its main role is emulsifying. Emulsifiers help ingredients mix or remain distributed. The recipe determines whether that means dispersing fat, improving dough handling, or controlling a coating. Their presence alone does not describe the food’s overall nutritional quality.
Food and formulation examples
- Dessert preparations
- Emulsifier blends
- Fat-and-water mixtures
These examples describe formulation roles, not a list of unrestricted legal uses. Availability and permitted applications differ by country and food category.
Label names and ingredient questions
Look for E493, E 493, or the ingredient name. Related names and label terms include Span 20. A family code can cover more than one specified form; check the full declaration when the distinction matters.
Span 20 and Tween 20 refer to different emulsifier types. Similar commercial naming does not make E493 identical to polysorbate 20 E432.
Is E493 safe?
The EFSA sorbitan esters re-evaluation (2017) is a scientific reference for this group. Its conclusions apply to the uses and exposures considered in that assessment, rather than every possible use or personal circumstance.
A label identifies the ingredient but usually not its concentration. Calculating daily intake requires the amount in the food and the quantities eaten.
Authorization and conditions of use
The Great Britain food additive register lists E493 as Sorbitan monolaurate. This is an entry subject to its stated conditions, not unrestricted permission for every food. The record links to the applicable authorization terms. For an EU product, use the European Commission food additive database to check the relevant food category and limits. Other countries may use different names or rules.