Sorbitan monooleate is a nonionic surfactant and fatty acid ester used in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. It is an oil-soluble emulsifier for water-in-oil emulsions and also serves as a dispersant, stabiliser and thickener. Textile applications include lubrication and softening. It is an amber to yellow viscous oily liquid. The catalogue lists food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and industrial grades in 25 kg pails, 200 kg steel drums, 1000 kg IBCs and bulk packaging. Food use as E 494 is subject to the applicable food-additive specification and permitted-use conditions. Cosmetic use is subject to the applicable cosmetic-ingredient conditions. Pharmaceutical use requires the applicable pharmacopoeia grade.