E492 - Sorbitan Tristearate
Author: Leticia Celentano
Time for reading: ~1
minutes
Last Updated:
January 27, 2026
CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)
Characteristics: Food additive E 492 is a solid waxy substance or powder with a creamy to yellow-brown color, has a faint characteristic odor. Dissolves well in toluene, ethers, forms a dispersion in ma
Characteristic
Food additive E 492 is a solid waxy substance or powder with a creamy to yellow-brown color, has a faint characteristic odor. It dissolves well in toluene, ethers, forms a dispersion in fats and oils, is practically insoluble in water and alcohol. The substance is obtained synthetically by esterification of sorbitol with stearic acid and simultaneous formation of anhydrides. When obtained in this way, the pure substance contains impurities: free sorbitan, free fatty acids and their salts.
The additive can be obtained by genetic modification or derived from products of animal origin.
Use
Sorbitan tristearate is used as a stabilizer of consistency, as a thickener, as a binding agent in liquid concentrates for tea, fruit and herbal decoctions, in ice creams containing vegetable fats. It is also added in the making of substitutes for cream and milk, confectionery, chewing gum, fillings, glazes in a certain amount; in the production of bakery products, chocolates and in biologically active additives.
In the non-food industry, the additive is used in the preparation of cosmetic products (creams and deodorants), medicines and plant treatment products.
Impact on humans
The maximum daily dose of the supplement allowed for humans is 25 mg / kg body weight. Sorbitan tristearate is considered a substance with low toxicity. When ingested, it breaks down into stearic acid and sorbitol, which are completely absorbed by humans. The use of E 492 in food is considered safe, but if the daily dose is exceeded, the following are possible: fibrosis, growth retardation, enlarged liver, and this can also lead to fat accumulation. Slight irritation may occur if the substance gets on the skin or mucous membranes. No mutagenic activity was detected. In some countries (eg Germany) the additive is banned.
- E491 Sorbitan monostearate
- E572 Magnesium stearate
- E304 Ascorbyl palmitate, Ascorbyl stearate
- E494 Sorbitan monooleate