99% Industry grade Food grade Span 60 CAS 1338-41-6

1. What is Span 60?

Span 60, also known as sorbitan monostearate (sorbitan monostearate, Span 60, emulsifier S-60), is a nonionic surfactant formed by the esterification of sorbitan and stearate. Its chemical formula is usually written as:

C24H46O6 (CAS No.: 1338-41-6, molecular weight approximately 430.62)

It is a white to pale yellow waxy solid (flakes or powder) at room temperature, with a slight characteristic odor. Its melting point is approximately 52-57°C, and its density is approximately 0.98-1.03 g/cm³. Span 60 is insoluble in water and propylene glycol, but soluble in hot ethanol, benzene, hot oil, and mineral oil. It is a lipophilic nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of approximately 4.7 and is biodegradable.

From a molecular structure perspective, Span 60 molecules consist of The molecular framework of the Span 60 molecules is made up of hydrophilic sorbitan groups and lipophilic long-chain stearic acid groups, which are characteristic amphiphilic molecules . It exhibits a low HLB value (4.7) and strong lipophilicity, which makes it a good emulsifier for the preparation of W/O (water-in-oil) emulsions. It can form high performance O/W emulsion system in combination with Tween series. It helps the cream to form stable and delicate texture in cosmetics. The feature of “lipophilic emulsification + safe and gentle” is the basis for its application in the daily chemical industry.

Chemically, Span 60 is stable, non-toxic and has excellent emulsifying, dispersing, wetting and solubilizing properties. It is a gentle to skin cosmetic ingredient that causes little irritation. It must be stored in a dry airtight container and kept away from sources of heat.

Products for cosmetic and scientific research purposes (mainly cosmetic grade specifications) are named Span 60 (except for industrial and food grade products). These specifications are more focused on the following indicators in comparison to industrial and food-grade products:

Purity and Impurity Control

The content of main components and impurities of cosmetic grade products should be high and low, respectively, and harmful impurities such as heavy metals should be strictly controlled to ensure safe use.

Heavy metal limits (lead, arsenic, etc.)

Cosmetic products have strict limits for hazardous impurities like heavy metals, which are important safety indicators.

Saponification value and hydroxyl value

The saponification value reflects purity, and the hydroxyl value reflects HLB and emulsification performance; both must meet cosmetic grade specifications.

Acid value and melting point

Acid value reflects the content of free fatty acids, and melting point (52~57℃) is a classic indicator for judging product quality.

II. What other uses does Span 60 have?

1. Cosmetics and Personal Care (Cosmetic Grade, Core Application)

Span 60 is a classic W/O emulsifier for creams, lotions, conditioners, hair masks, lipsticks, cleansing oils and sunscreens. It helps form a stable and delicate emulsion system, is gentle and low in irritation to the skin, and can be combined with Tween to obtain products with a variety of textures. It is an indispensable nonionic emulsifier in the daily chemical industry.

2. Food emulsifiers (core application)

Span 60 is one of the most widely used food emulsifiers and should be used in accordance with the national food safety standard GB 13481.

Span 60, when used in ice cream, makes the product firm and stable in shape, fully disperses the fat and imparts appropriate fluidity, preventing the "melting" phenomenon. The typical dosage is 0.20%~0.30%, making it a classic emulsifier in ice cream production.

( 2 ) Span 60 is used in chocolate to prevent fat crystals from floating on the surface and forming a "blooming" phenomenon, and helps to maintain the smooth color and taste of chocolate. It is an important emulsifier for chocolate quality control.

( 3 ) Span 60 acts as a crystal regulator and emulsifier in margarine. It can regulate fat crystallization, stabilize the oil-water emulsion system, and improve the spreadability and taste of margarine.

( 4 ) Span 60 is used in cake oil, butter and baked goods to help emulsify and foam, stabilize the structure of the paste, and improve the volume, texture and taste of pastries. It is also used for oil emulsification in biscuits.

( 5 )Span 60 is used as an emulsifying stabiliser for beverages and dairy products to assist in stabilising oil dispersion and preventing stratification and sedimentation . It is used in products such as plant protein beverages and dairy beverages.

( 6 )Span 60 is used as emulsifier and processing aid in candies and chewing gums to aid the uniform dispersion of oils and to improve the texture and storage stability of the product.

3. Scientific research and laboratory applications (reagent grade)

Span 60 is a commonly used reagent in the study of emulsification mechanisms, interfacial chemistry and nonionic surfactants. It is also a basic material for the preparation of nanoemulsions and liposomes and is a routine reagent in chemistry and materials laboratories.

4. Handmade soaps and DIY daily necessities (consumer grade)

Span 60 can be used in the making of handmade soaps, homemade creams and DIY cosmetics, helping enthusiasts to formulate stable emulsions. It is a commonly used emulsifier in the production of handmade daily chemical products.

5. Teaching and Popular Science Experiments

Span 60 can be used for teaching demonstrations and experiments on surfactants and emulsification principles, helping students understand HLB values, amphiphilic molecules and emulsion systems. It is a commonly used teaching reagent in university chemistry and pharmacy laboratories.

6. Other Applications

With the development of daily chemical and biological research, the application scope of Span 60 continues to expand, including custom synthesis, standard reagent supply, and analytical testing.

It should be noted that cosmetic grade does not mean "risk-free": Span 60 is generally mild and safe, but its use in cosmetics must comply with the relevant safety technical specifications and standards; reagent grade products should be used in experiments in accordance with laboratory safety regulations to avoid dust inhalation.

Summarize

Span 60, also known as sorbitan monostearate, is a white to pale yellow waxy nonionic surfactant with an HLB value of 4.7. It is a classic lipophilic (w/o) emulsifier, gentle and low-irritant on the skin. In daily life, we indirectly come into contact with it through chains such as ice cream, chocolate, margarine, cosmetics, plastic films, and pesticide coatings. Beyond the food and industrial sectors, cosmetic-grade Span 60 is widely used as an emulsifier in creams, lotions, lipsticks, and sunscreens; in emulsification and interface chemistry research; in handmade soaps and DIY daily chemicals; and in educational experiments. It is an important nonionic emulsifier connecting "daily use" with "beauty, health, and scientific research."