← Ingredient & E-number explorer

Typical source

Fatty acids (plant or animal)

Plain-language explanation

E493, or sorbitan monolaurate, is a synthetic emulsifier made by reacting sorbitol and lauric acid, which can come from either plant fats like coconut oil or animal fats. Its halal status depends entirely on the source of the lauric acid; if derived from plants, it is considered halal, but if from non-halal animals like pigs, it is haram. Major halal certification bodies like JAKIM, MUI, and MUIS require verification that the source is plant-based or from halal-certified animals to approve it.