Sorbitan Isostearate
Sorbitan isostearate is a cosmetic emulsifier evaluated by the CIR Expert Panel together with related sorbitan esters and considered safe in current cosmetic use. It is not part of the EU food sorbitan series (E491-E495), so it is not approved as a food additive there.
What it is
Ester of sorbitan and isostearic acid; a non-ionic emulsifier used predominantly in cosmetics. Related to E491-E495 sorbitan food emulsifiers but isostearate is not authorized as a food additive in the EU.
Cosmetic emulsifier; not a food additive in EU/US.
Why it's flagged
- rare contact sensitization
- not approved as food additive
What regulators actually say
"Final report on the safety assessment of sorbitan caprylate, sorbitan cocoate, sorbitan diisostearate, sorbitan dioleate, sorbitan distearate, sorbitan isostearate, sorbitan olivate, sorbitan sesquiisostearate, sorbitan sesquistearate, and sorbitan triisostearate."
"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."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Permitted cosmetic ingredient; not approved as food additive
European Union — EFSA
Not on EU food additive list (only sorbitan monostearate/tristearate/monolaurate/monooleate/monopalmitate are E491-E495)
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