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Span-20
Jienuo
Span 20 (Sorbitan Monolaurate) is a versatile nonionic surfactant and emulsifier. It is a lipid-soluble ester derived from sorbitol and lauric acid, commonly appearing as an amber-colored viscous liquid.
Its primary function is to act as a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifier and stabilizer across various industries. With a low Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance (HLB) value of 8.6, it is particularly effective for creating emulsions where the continuous phase is oil. Key applications include use in cosmetics (e.g., creams, lotions), food products (as a dispersing agent), pharmaceuticals, and industrial formulations. It is valued for its emulsifying, dispersing, and lubricating properties.
Span 20 is often used in combination with its water-soluble counterparts, such as Tween 20, to achieve a wider range of emulsion stability.
Product Advantage
1. Superior Water-in-Oil Emulsification with Precise HLB
Our Span 20 is engineered for exceptional performance as a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifier. With a precisely controlled Hydrophile-Lipophile Balance (HLB) value of 8.6, it ensures unmatched stability in formulations where oil is the continuous phase. This technical precision guarantees your emulsions—from rich cosmetic creams to industrial lubricants—remain perfectly stable, preventing separation and extending shelf life. Our consistent batch-to-batch quality means reliable results for your manufacturing process.
2. High-Purity & Multi-Industry Compliance
Manufactured to the highest purity standards, our Sorbitan Monolaurate meets stringent global regulatory requirements. It is available in USP, NF, and Food Grade (FCC) specifications, making it a trusted ingredient in pharmaceuticals, food products (as a dispersing agent), and premium cosmetics. Our product is also available with Kosher and Halal certifications, ensuring it meets diverse market needs. This versatility reduces sourcing complexity for companies operating across multiple sectors.
3. Enhanced Synergy with Polysorbates for Broader Formulation
A key technical advantage of our Span 20 is its designed synergy with polysorbates (e.g., Tween 20). By blending these emulsifiers, formulators can achieve a wide spectrum of HLB values, creating highly stable oil-in-water (O/W) or water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions with tailored properties. This flexibility unlocks advanced formulation possibilities in complex systems, from pharmaceutical delivery systems to sophisticated personal care products, providing you with a powerful tool for R&D innovation.
4. Proven Reliability from an Established Supply Partner
Choose a supplier with a proven track record. We guarantee >99% chemical consistency and supply chain reliability, supported by over 98% on-time delivery rate for our global clients. Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities are ISO 9001 certified, ensuring every batch delivers identical performance. Backed by comprehensive technical support and readily available Safety Data Sheets (SDS), we are more than a vendor—we are your strategic partner in product development.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
| Appearance | Yellow to amber viscous liquid |
| Molecular Weight | 346.46 g/mol (±5 g/mol) |
| HLB Value | 8.6 |
| Acid Value | ≤ 10 mg KOH/g |
| Saponification Value | 330~360 mg KOH/g |
| Water Content | ≤ 2% |
Hydroxyl Value | 155~175 mg KOH/g |
| Melting point | Liquid (25℃) |
| Solubility | Soluble in oil and organic solvents and disperses in water as a semi-emulsion liquid |
Product Uses
Food Industry: It is used as an emulsifier, stabilizer and thickener in foods like ice cream, bread and juice. It can stabilize the emulsion system, prevent phase separation, and improve the texture and taste of products.
Cosmetics Industry: In cosmetics, it is mainly used as a water-in-oil emulsifier for creams and lotions. It is often used in combination with hydrophilic surfactants to exert excellent emulsifying properties.
Industrial Field: In the plastics and rubber industry, it acts as a dispersant. In the paper and coating industry, it is used as an emulsifier to improve pigment dispersion and coating uniformity.
Textile Industry: It is used in textile oil agents to improve fiber lubrication and antistatic properties. In the printing and dyeing process, it is used as an emulsifier to assist in the dispersion of dyes and auxiliaries.
Pesticide Industry: As an emulsifier in pesticide formulations such as emulsifiable concentrates and suspensions, it can improve the dispersibility and adhesion of the pesticide solution, enhancing the efficacy.
Pharmaceutical Industry: In the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as a W/O emulsifier, stabilizer, plasticizer, lubricant, and desiccant in the production of drugs.
Product Operate Guide
1. Food Use: Add Span 20 to food materials (e.g., ice cream mix) at 0.1%-0.5% of total weight. Stir gently at 40-60℃ for 5-10 mins to ensure uniform dispersion, then proceed with normal food processing.
2. Cosmetics Preparation: Blend with oil phases first (3%-5% of oil phase), heat to 60-70℃, then slowly add aqueous phases while stirring at 300-500 rpm until emulsified, then cool to room temp.
3. Pesticide Formulation: Mix 2%-8% Span 20 with pesticide active ingredients and solvents. Stir at 800-1000 rpm for 15-20 mins to form stable emulsifiable concentrates or suspensions.
FAQ
1.Q: How much of Pan 20 is appropriate to use in food?
A: The dosage depends on the type of food. For example, in bread and cakes, it is 0.5% to 2% of the flour mass. It is 5% to 20% in margarine and the like. In ice cream, it accounts for 0.1% to 1% of the fat mass.
2. Q: How is the solubility of Pan 20? Can it dissolve in water?
A: Pan 20 is insoluble in cold water, but it can disperse in hot water. It is miscible with organic solvents such as ethanol and toluene, as well as oils, and slightly soluble in ethyl acetate.
3. Q: What role does Pan 20 play in cosmetics and is it safe?
A: It is used as an oil-in-water emulsifier in cosmetics to help stabilize emulsions. It is non-toxic, odorless, has good affinity for the skin and is safe to use normally, but high concentrations may irritate the skin.
4. Q: What should be noted when storing Pan 20?
A: It should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated and dry place, and packed in 200KG iron drums or plastic drums. The shelf life is 2 years. If it passes the re-inspection upon expiration, it can still be used. Avoid high-temperature and humid environments.
