Span60

1. Product Overview

Span® 60 (Sorbitan Monostearate) is a non-ionic surfactant belonging to the sorbitan ester family (Span series). It is formed by the esterification of sorbitol (and its anhydrides) with stearic acid, resulting in a complex mixture of partial stearic acid esters of sorbitan and its mono- and di-anhydrides .

Its chemical formula is C₂₄H₄₆O₆ with CAS number 1338-41-6 and molecular weight of approximately 430.62 g/mol . The product typically appears as a tan, cream, or yellowish-white waxy solid, beads, flakes, or powder, with a faint fatty odor .

As a lipophilic (oil-loving) emulsifier with a low HLB value of 4.7, Span 60 is primarily used to stabilize water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions and acts as a powerful structure-building agent . Its versatility, mildness, and compatibility with other surfactants make it an essential ingredient across the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial sectors.

In the food industry, it is authorized as additive E491 . Its pharmaceutical grade is listed in major pharmacopoeias and approved for both topical and oral applications .

2. Key Features

• Optimal HLB Value (4.7) : Its low Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance makes it a primary emulsifier for stabilizing water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions and an excellent co-emulsifier when paired with high-HLB surfactants (like Tweens) to formulate stable oil-in-water (O/W) systems .

• Structure-Building Capability: As a solid waxy material (melting point 49-65°C), it imparts structure, viscosity, and body to creams, lotions, and sticks. It crystallizes to form a network that thickens and stabilizes formulations .

• Excellent Aeration and Foam Stabilization: In food applications, particularly in whipped toppings and baked goods, Span 60 stabilizes air bubbles, improving texture and volume .

• Broad Regulatory Acceptance: Spans are globally recognized as safe food additives (E491). The EFSA has established a group ADI of 10 mg/kg bw per day (expressed as sorbitan) for sorbitan esters . Pharmaceutical grades are compliant with USP/NF and Ph. Eur. standards .

• Mild and Skin-Friendly: It is non-irritating to the skin with low toxicity, making it suitable for sensitive cosmetic and personal care applications .

• Excellent Compatibility: Can be mixed with all types of surfactants—anionic, cationic, and other non-ionics—to achieve desired synergistic effects . It is particularly effective when combined with polysorbates (Tween 60) .

• Versatile Solubility: Soluble in oils, ethanol, and organic solvents; insoluble but dispersible in water, which is characteristic of its lipophilic nature .

3. Technical Specifications with Explanations

4. Applications

Food Industry (as E491)

• Bakery and Fine Bakery Wares (Up to 10,000 mg/kg):

• Dough Conditioner: Improves crumb structure, volume, and softness .

• Aeration Agent: Stabilizes air bubbles in cakes and whipped toppings .

• Yeast and Yeast Products (Quantum satis for dry yeast):

• Protective Agent: Added to active dry yeast to protect cell membranes during spray drying and enhance rehydration properties .

• Confectionery and Chewing Gum (Up to 5,000 mg/kg):

• Texture Modifier: Prevents fat bloom in chocolate and modifies viscosity.

• Emulsifier: Ensures uniform dispersion of ingredients .

• Dairy Analogues, Edible Ices, and Sauces:

• Stabilizer: Prevents separation in emulsions like milk analogues and sauces. Authorized at levels up to 5,000-10,000 mg/kg depending on category .

• Food Supplements:

• Used in tablets, capsules, and liquid supplements as an emulsifier and stabilizer .

Pharmaceutical & Healthcare

• Topical Formulations (0.5-5%):

• W/O Emulsifier: Creates stable, rich creams and ointments for dermatological applications .

• Co-Emulsifier: Combined with Tween 60 to formulate stable O/W emulsions with pleasant aesthetics .

• API Carrier: Aids in the dispersion of active pharmaceutical ingredients.

• Oral Solid Dosage Forms:

• Lubricant and Binder: Used in tablet manufacturing .

• Stabilizer: In oral liquids and suspensions.

Cosmetics & Personal Care

• Creams and Lotions:

• Body Creams: Imparts a rich, velvety feel to night creams and moisturizers.

• Hand Creams: Provides structure and emollience.

• Color Cosmetics:

• Lipsticks and Foundations: Acts as a pigment dispersant and provides structure to sticks .

• Makeup Bases: Improves spreadability and stability.

• Hair Care:

• Conditioners: Adds softness and manageability .

Industrial Applications

• Textile Industry:

• Antistatic Agent: Dissipates static charge on synthetic fibers.

• Softener and Lubricant: Reduces fiber-to-metal friction during spinning and weaving .

• Agrochemicals:

• Emulsifier and Dispersant: Ensures pesticide concentrates emulsify properly in the spray tank and improve wetting on plant leaves .

• Polymer Processing:

• Antifogging Agent: Added to food packaging films to prevent moisture condensation, maintaining transparency .

• Paints & Coatings:

• Pigment Dispersant: Prevents flocculation of pigments, resulting in higher color strength and gloss .

5. Product Grade Comparison

6. Purchasing & Selection Guide

Select by Application Area

1. Food Manufacturers:

• Must select Food Grade meeting E491 specifications.

• Verify compliance with local regulations (FDA 21 CFR, EU Regulation 1333/2008).

• Request Certificate of Analysis confirming acid value, saponification value, and heavy metals (<10 ppm).

• Typical usage levels: Follow authorized maximum levels (e.g., 10,000 mg/kg for fine bakery wares) .

• Key applications: Dry yeast protection, bakery goods, confectionery, dairy analogues .

• Must select Pharmaceutical Grade meeting USP/NF or Ph. Eur. standards.

• Request Drug Master File (DMF) access and cGMP manufacturing documentation.

• Recommended usage: 0.5-5% in topical formulations .

• Ensure compatibility with API and other excipients.

• Key applications: Topical creams, ointments, oral solid dosage forms .

• Select Cosmetic/High Purity Grade with strict color and odor specifications.

• For W/O emulsions: Use as primary emulsifier at 1-5%.

• For O/W emulsions: Combine with Tween 60 to achieve desired HLB and stability .

• Key applications: Creams, lotions, lipsticks, foundations, hair conditioners .

• Technical Grade suitable for textile processing, agrochemicals, and industrial coatings .

• Focus on physical form (beads vs. flakes) for ease of handling and dissolution.

Critical Selection Considerations

• Physical Form: Beads or flakes are dust-free and easier to handle; powder may be preferred for direct incorporation.

• HLB Matching: For emulsion stability, calculate the required HLB of your oil phase and blend Span 60 (HLB 4.7) with a high-HLB surfactant (e.g., Tween 60, HLB 14.9) to match it .

• Regulatory Status: Ensure the grade is approved for your target market and application (food, pharma, cosmetic, industrial).

• Solubility: Remember that Span 60 is oil-soluble and should be dissolved in the oil phase during heating .

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the HLB value of Span 60 and what does it mean?

A: The HLB value of Span 60 is 4.7 . HLB (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) measures the affinity of a surfactant for water or oil. A value of 4.7 indicates that Span 60 is strongly lipophilic (oil-loving) , making it ideal for stabilizing water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions and as a structure-building agent .

Q: What is the difference between Span 60 and Tween 60?

A: Both are derived from sorbitan monostearate, but Tween 60 is the ethoxylated version (reacted with ethylene oxide) of Span 60 . This process makes it hydrophilic, giving it a high HLB value (14.9). In practice, they are used together: Span 60 (lipophilic, HLB 4.7) and Tween 60 (hydrophilic, HLB 14.9) can be blended to create emulsifier systems with intermediate HLB values, optimizing the stability of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions .

Q: Is Span 60 safe for use in food and cosmetics?

A: Yes, Span 60 has an excellent safety profile and is globally approved for use in food (as E491) and cosmetics. The EFSA has established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 10 mg/kg bw per day (expressed as sorbitan) for sorbitan esters . It is non-toxic and non-irritating at recommended usage levels . However, at very high doses, it may cause digestive upset in sensitive individuals .

Q: How should Span 60 be stored?

A: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and oxidizing agents . Protect from moisture as it can absorb water over time. Under proper conditions, shelf life is typically 2 years .

Q: What happens if Span 60 solidifies or crystallizes?

A: Span 60 is a waxy solid at room temperature with a melting point of 49-65°C . If it needs to be handled as a liquid, it should be gently heated (e.g., in a water bath or oven) to above its melting point and mixed thoroughly before use. The product quality remains unaffected by this reversible physical change.

Q: Can Span 60 be used in vegan products?

A: Yes, but it depends on the source of the stearic acid. Stearic acid can be derived from both animal fats and vegetable oils (such as palm or coconut oil). Many commercial grades, especially those for food and cosmetics, use vegetable-derived stearic acid, making them suitable for vegan formulations. Always check the supplier's specification for the fatty acid source.

Q: What is the recommended usage level of Span 60?

A: Usage levels vary by application:

• Topical pharmaceuticals/cosmetics: 0.5-5% 

• Food applications: Up to 10,000 mg/kg (1%) depending on the food category 

• Textile/industrial applications: As required for specific performance

Q: Is Span 60 soluble in water?

A: No, Span 60 is insoluble in water but will disperse in it . For aqueous formulations, it must be incorporated via the oil phase or as part of an emulsifier blend with a water-soluble surfactant like a polysorbate (Tween).

8. Delivery, Certification & Service

Delivery Capabilities

• Inventory Status: Multiple grades available from regional warehouses (Asia, Europe, Americas)

• Sample Program: Small quantities available for research institutions and manufacturers for formulation testing and evaluation

• Packaging Options:

• Research quantities: 100 g, 500 g, 1 kg bottles or poly bags

• Industrial quantities: 20 kg, 25 kg multi-layer paper bags, fiber drums, or cartons

• Bulk quantities: 500 kg supersacks, palletized, 20 MT containers

• Custom packaging: Available for volume customers

• Shipping: Not regulated as hazardous for most transport modes; standard freight shipping available (express, LTL, full truckload, container)

Quality Certifications

• Certificate of Analysis (COA) provided with each batch for qualified grades, documenting:

• Appearance, odor, color

• Acid value, saponification value, hydroxyl value

• Melting point

• Heavy metals (where applicable)

• Residual solvents (where applicable)

• Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available in multiple languages

• Product Specification (PS) documenting chemical composition and physical properties

• Certificates of Origin (COO) available upon request

• Additional certifications available:

• Food-grade (E491) compliance documentation

• Kosher certification

• Halal certification

• ISO 9001 quality management certification

• GMP documentation for pharmaceutical grades

• RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certification for sustainable sourcing

Regulatory Compliance

• Food Grade: Meets E491 specifications 

• Pharmaceutical Grade: Listed in USP/NF and Ph. Eur. 

• FDA: Listed in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (FDA-IID) 

• REACH: Registered under EU REACH; compliance documentation available

• TSCA: Listed for US commerce

• Export Documentation: Full compliance package for international shipping

Technical Support & Services

• Technical Consultation: Application specialists available for:

• Emulsion formulation and HLB optimization

• Troubleshooting stability issues

• Regulatory compliance guidance

• Custom Services: Tailored packaging, blending, and quality specifications for qualified customers

• Regulatory Support: Documentation for product registration and global compliance

Documentation Available

• Certificate of Analysis (COA) with batch-specific data

• Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS)

• Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

• Product Specification (PS)

• Certificate of Origin (COO)

• Food-grade (E491) compliance statement

• Kosher/Halal certificates (where applicable)

• Pharmaceutical grade certification

• GMP compliance statement

• RSPO certification (where applicable)

• Allergen declaration

• GMO-free statement