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 monopalmitate, also known as sorbitan palmitate/SMP, is synthesized by the esterification of sorbitan with palmitic acid. It has a molecular formula of C22H42O6.