Sorbitan monopalmitate (SMP) is a food additive, permitted by the EU. It is entry E495 in the E number list of permitted food additives. It is also known under the trade name Span 40.

Application

Span 40 is used in skin care, hair care and decorative cosmetics. It is also used as an effector in compositions capable of facilitating penetration across a biological barrier. Inactive ingredient of some medications it improves transdermal delivery of drugs and is a potential carrier for topical drug delivery.