Phenylpropanol

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Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Phenylpropanol, also known as Sorbitan stearate, Stearic acid monosorbitanester, Sorbitanstearate, E 491, Sorbitanfettaeurestearate, Sorbitanmonostearate and Sorbitan stearate, is a chemical that is produced from vegetable oils and is used primarily in the cosmetic industry. As an emulsifying agent, it helps to form mixtures of two or more difficult-to-mix liquids and thus helps to evenly distribute the ingredients in products. Phenylpropanol is most commonly found in moisturizers, cleansers, sunscreens or decorative cosmetics such as lipsticks or make-up.

However, it is a versatile substance that is also used in the food and pharmaceutical industries in addition to the cosmetics industry. In the food industry it is known by the code name E 491 and is used as a stabiliser, emulsifier and humectant. Its role is to improve the texture, appearance and stability of foods. E 491 is found, for example, in bakery products, dairy products, beverages, ice cream, candy and other food products. In the pharmaceutical industry, Phenylpropanol is used, for example, in certain ointments, suppositories, tablets, syrups and other pharmaceuticals. Its purpose here is also to improve the properties of the product, such as its consistency or stability.