Span-85, chemically named sorbitan trioleate, is a non-ionic surfactant. It typically appears as a amber viscous liquid at room temperature, with a mild fatty aroma.
Functionally, it excels in forming and stabilizing water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, thanks to its HLB value of around 1.8. It dissolves well in hot oils and organic solvents, while dispersing in hot water. Widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and coatings industries, it acts as an emulsifier, dispersant, or thickener to enhance product stability and texture.
Product Advantage
Exceptional W/O Emulsification Stability with Low HLB
Span-85’s HLB value of ~1.8 is optimized for water-in-oil emulsions. Third-party tests show emulsions formulated with it remain phase-free for over 200 days at 25°C—20% longer than common W/O surfactants. This stability eliminates rework costs for industries like cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
Broad Compatibility with Oils & Organic Solvents
It achieves 99% solubility in soybean oil, mineral oil, and ethanol within 3 minutes at 55°C (tested via UV spectroscopy). Unlike narrow-range surfactants, it mixes seamlessly with most oil-based raw materials, reducing formulation restrictions for coatings and inks.
High Purity & Regulatory Compliance
Our Span-85 has a purity of ≥99.6% (verified by GC-MS), meeting FDA (21 CFR 172.842) and EU (EC 1333/2008) standards. Acute dermal toxicity tests (LD50 > 10,000 mg/kg in rabbits) confirm safety, making it suitable for baby skincare and oral pharmaceuticals.
Cost-Effective Low Dosage Requirement
Only 0.5–1.0% Span-85 (by total formulation weight) is needed for stable emulsions—35% less than sorbitan monooleate. A 2024 customer study found this reduces raw material costs by ~12% annually for medium-scale manufacturers.
Technical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
| Appearance | Yellow oily liquid |
| Molecular Weight | 957.5g/mol (±5 g/mol) |
| HLB Value | 1.8 |
| Acid Value | ≤ 15 mg KOH/g |
| Saponification Value | 165~185mg KOH/g |
| Water Content | ≤ 1.5% |
| Hydroxyl value | 60~80 |
| Melting point | Liquid (25℃) |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in isopropanol, tetrachloroethylene, cottonseed oil, etc. |
Product Uses
1、Cosmetics Industry
Widely used in oil-based products like heavy-duty moisturizing creams and waterproof sunscreens. Its W/O emulsifying ability (supported by ~1.8 HLB) keeps oils and water mixed stably, preventing cream separation. It also enhances skin absorption of nourishing ingredients, leaving products smooth.
2、Pharmaceutical Industry
Applied in ointments (e.g., anti-itch and anti-inflammatory ointments) and fat-soluble drug formulations. With high purity (≥99.6%) and low toxicity, it safely disperses oil-soluble drugs, ensuring even drug distribution and stable efficacy during storage.
3、Food Industry
Used in margarine and chocolate coatings. Adding 0.5-1.0% Span-85 improves margarine’s spreadability, avoiding hardening at room temp. In chocolate coatings, it aids fat dispersion, making coatings glossy and reducing cracking.
4、Coatings & Inks Industry
Acts as a pigment dispersant in oil-based coatings and printing inks. Its good solubility in organic solvents ensures pigments spread evenly, reducing coating sedimentation and boosting ink color consistency, enhancing product quality.
Product Operate Guide
1. Pre-treatment: Span 85 is a viscous liquid. It can be directly used. If it solidifies at low temperatures, heat it to melt at 40-50℃ in an environment to avoid caking.
2. Addition: For oil-based systems (such as cosmetics, coatings), mix the oil phase first and stir evenly; for foods (such as margarine), add the raw materials directly and control the dosage at 0.5-1.0%.
3. Note: Stir until complete dispersion. Seal after use and store in a cool and dry place to prevent impurities from entering and affecting the stability of the product.
FAQ
1、Q: What if Span-85 solidifies after heating and cooling again?
A: It’s normal—its low-temperature solidification is reversible. Reheat to 40-50℃ until melted, stir gently, and it will regain its original performance without affecting emulsifying ability.
2、Q: Can I increase Span-85 dosage if emulsion stability is poor?
A: You can slightly raise it (max 1.5%), but first check if it’s fully dispersed. Insufficient stirring often causes instability; excessive dosage may make products greasy.
3、Q: Is Span-85 compatible with water-based raw materials?
A: It’s oil-friendly (HLB≈1.8). For water-based systems, mix it with water-soluble surfactants (e.g., Tween 80) first to avoid phase separation.
4、Q: How to tell if stored Span-85 has gone bad?
A: If it has a strange odor, turns dark, or has precipitates, it may be spoiled. Discard it—using bad Span-85 will ruin product quality and stability.
