Span-60, chemically known as Sorbitan Monostearate with the formula C₂₄H₄₆O₆, is a non-ionic surfactant widely used as a pharmaceutical adjuvant, cosmetic additive, and food emulsifier.
Derived from sorbitol and stearic acid, it appears as a creamy-white solid or flake, with good oil-solubility and moderate water-dispersibility. Its core function is emulsifying—stabilizing oil-water mixtures in products like creams, ointments, and food formulations. It also acts as a thickener and lubricant, enhancing product texture and processability.
Compliant with pharmaceutical and food-grade standards, it’s safe, non-irritating, and plays a critical role in improving the stability and usability of various industrial and consumer products.
Product Advantage
High Purity with Consistent Quality
Span-60 achieves a purity level of ≥98%, verified by ISO 9001-certified testing processes. Our production line controls impurity content (e.g., free sorbitol, stearic acid) below 1.5%, ensuring stable performance in pharmaceutical formulations and food emulsions. Each batch undergoes HPLC and GC analysis, with a quality pass rate of 99.8% over the past 3 years.
Superior Emulsifying & Stabilizing Performance
With an HLB value of 4.7, Span-60 excels at stabilizing oil-in-water (O/W) and water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions. It reduces interfacial tension by 35-40% in cosmetic creams and pharmaceutical ointments, extending product shelf life by 6-12 months compared to generic surfactants. In food applications (e.g., bakery fats), it maintains emulsion stability even at temperatures up to 60°C.
Broad Regulatory Compliance for Multi-Industry Use
Span-60 meets global standards, including USP-NF (pharmaceutical grade), FCC (food grade), and EC No. 95/2/EC (cosmetic grade). It is non-toxic (LD50 > 10,000 mg/kg in oral toxicity tests) and non-irritating, making it safe for sensitive skin products and oral pharmaceuticals. Our certificates (e.g., Kosher, Halal) expand its applicability in religious-compliant markets.
Customizable Particle Size & Solubility Options
We offer Span-60 in three particle forms: fine flakes (particle size 50-100 μm), coarse powder (150-200 μm), and microgranules (250-300 μm), tailored to different production processes (e.g., cold mixing vs. high-shear blending). For specific needs, we can adjust water dispersibility to 80-95% within 5 minutes, optimizing integration into liquid formulations.
Cost-Effective & Eco-Friendly Production
Our advanced enzymatic synthesis process reduces energy consumption by 20% and waste discharge by 15% compared to traditional chemical synthesis. This allows us to offer competitive pricing while maintaining quality—our bulk supply (1000kg drums) reduces unit costs by 12-18% for long-term clients. The product is also biodegradable, with a BOD5/COD ratio of 0.6, aligning with environmental regulations.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
| Appearance | White to yellow sheet-like substances |
| Molecular Weight | 430.62 g/mol (±5 g/mol) |
| HLB Value | 4.7 |
| Acid Value | ≤ 10 mg KOH/g |
| Saponification Value | 145~160 mg KOH/g |
| Water Content | ≤ 1.5% |
Hydroxyl Value | 240~270 mg KOH/g |
| Melting point | 52~54℃ |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, ether, and oils；insoluble in water |
Product Uses
1、Pharmaceutical Industry
In pharmaceuticals, Span-60 acts as an emulsifier and stabilizer in ointments, creams, and suppositories. It helps mix oil-based active ingredients with aqueous phases, ensuring uniform drug distribution. For example, in antibiotic ointments, it enhances drug solubility and extends shelf life, complying with USP-NF standards.
2、Food Industry
As a food-grade emulsifier, it’s used in bakery products (e.g., bread, cakes) to improve dough elasticity and texture. It also stabilizes dairy products like margarine and ice cream, preventing oil-water separation and maintaining a smooth mouthfeel, meeting FCC regulations.
3、Cosmetics & Personal Care
In cosmetics, Span-60 is a key additive in face creams, lotions, and lipsticks. It emulsifies oils and waxes, creating stable, easy-to-apply formulations. It also boosts skin moisturization by forming a protective film, suitable for sensitive skin products due to its non-irritating property.
4、Industrial Lubricants
In industrial settings, it’s added to lubricating oils and greases. It enhances oil dispersion, reduces friction between machine parts, and improves lubricant stability at high temperatures. This extends equipment lifespan and ensures consistent operational performance.
Product Operate Guide
1、General Preparation: Heat Span-60 to 55-65°C (melting point) with gentle stirring until fully melted. Avoid overheating (above 80°C) to prevent performance loss.
2、Pharmaceutical/Cosmetic Use: Add melted Span-60 to oil phase first, mix well, then slowly blend with aqueous phase under low-speed stirring (300-500 rpm) until emulsion forms.
3、Food/Industrial Use: For dry mixes (e.g., bakery dough), mix solid Span-60 flakes with other powders evenly; for liquids (e.g., lubricants), stir melted product into base oil at 40-50°C.
FAQ
1、Q: How to store Span-60 to avoid quality deterioration?
A: Store in a cool, dry place (15-25°C) away from direct sunlight and moisture. Seal the package tightly after use—exposure to humidity may cause clumping, but crushed clumps (without mold) still retain normal performance.
2、Q: Can Span-60 be replaced with Span-80 in formulations?
A: Not directly. Span-60 (HLB 4.7) suits stable oil-in-water emulsions, while Span-80 (HLB 4.3) is better for water-in-oil systems. Replace only after testing compatibility to avoid emulsion breakdown.
3、Q: What if the emulsion is unstable after adding Span-60?
A: Check if Span-60 was fully melted (55-65°C) and stirred evenly. Adjust stirring speed (300-500 rpm for cosmetics/pharmaceuticals) or increase dosage slightly (0.5-1% more) to improve stability.
4、Q: Is there a maximum dosage of Span-60 for food applications?
A: Follow FCC standards—typically ≤5% in bakery products and ≤3% in dairy items. Exceeding this may affect taste or texture; consult product safety data sheet (SDS) for specific food categories.
