Sorbitan esters and Polysorbates as nonionic offer many advantages over ionic surfactants including increase stability, enhance flexibility and provide wider compatibility. They are stable in mild acids, alkalis and electrolytes and do not react with ionic ingredients or actives.

Sorbitan monolaurate, also known as sorbitan laurate/SML, is synthesized by the esterification of sorbitan with lauric acid. It has a molecular formula of C18H34O6. At room temperature, monolaurate de sorbitane is a yellow to amber viscous liquid or soft paste.