Is Polysorbate the Same as Sorbitol? The Definitive Guide
                                
                                
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                                    3 min read                                
                            
                                While chemically related, polysorbate and sorbitol are not the same substance. A polysorbate is a complex fatty acid ester compound, whereas sorbitol is a sugar alcohol and a key precursor in the creation of polysorbates. This distinction is crucial for understanding their different functions as food additives, cosmetic ingredients, and pharmaceutical excipients.