Sorbitan monococoate is a non-ionic surfactant derived from the esterification of sorbitol and coconut fatty acids.
This versatile emulsifier is widely used in personal care, food, and industrial formulations for its emulsifying, dispersing, and stabilizing properties.
Sorbitan monococoate is especially valued for its mildness, biodegradability, and compatibility with a wide range of ingredients and formulation types.
CAS Number: 1338-39-2
EC Number: 215-663-3
Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₃₄O₆ (approximate, varies by fatty acid composition)
Molecular Weight: Approx. 362.5 g/mol
Synonyms: Sorbitan Monococoate, Sorbitan Cocoate, E494 (food additive), Span 60C, Sorbitan Ester of Coconut Fatty Acid, Sorbitan Monoalkanoate, Non-ionic Emulsifier Sorbitan Monococoate, Lipophilic Emulsifier Sorbitan Cocoate
APPLICATIONS
Sorbitan monococoate is widely used in personal care formulations such as creams, lotions, and balms to create stable water-in-oil emulsions.
Sorbitan monococoate is included in facial moisturizers and body butters to improve product texture and stability.
Sorbitan monococoate is employed in hair care products like conditioners and masks to enhance emollience and dispersibility.
Sorbitan monococoate is used in sunscreens and after-sun lotions to stabilize formulations and enhance oil phase compatibility.
Sorbitan monococoate is incorporated into baby care products for its mild and gentle emulsifying performance.
Sorbitan monococoate is applied in natural and organic cosmetic formulations due to its plant-derived origin and eco-friendly profile.
Sorbitan monococoate is used in pharmaceutical and topical medicinal creams as an emulsifier and stabilizer.
Sorbitan monococoate is employed in food formulations (E494) as an emulsifier in margarine, bakery goods, and confectionery products.
Sorbitan monococoate is used in veterinary ointments and topical applications for its emulsifying effect.
Sorbitan monococoate is included in industrial lubricants, textile treatments, and coatings as a surfactant and dispersant.
Sorbitan monococoate is applied in agrochemical formulations to improve wetting, emulsification, and dispersion.
Sorbitan monococoate is used in emulsifiable concentrates and pesticide delivery systems for improved phase compatibility.
Sorbitan Monococoate is widely used in the cosmetic industry as an emulsifier in creams, lotions, and balms, where it helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients, ensuring a smooth, stable formulation.
Sorbitan Monococoate is employed in the production of hair care products, such as shampoos and conditioners, where it helps to enhance the texture, improve the spreadability, and stabilize emulsions.
Sorbitan Monococoate is used in the formulation of skin care products, where it serves as a mild emulsifier and conditioning agent, improving the hydration and smoothness of the skin.
Sorbitan Monococoate is used in the production of topical creams and ointments, where it acts as a stabilizer and emulsifier, ensuring that the ingredients remain uniformly mixed and the product maintains its texture.
Sorbitan Monococoate is used in the formulation of sunscreens, where it helps to stabilize the emulsion and improves the spreadability and uniform application of the sunscreen on the skin.
Sorbitan Monococoate is used in the production of anti-dandruff shampoos, where it helps condition the scalp, reduce irritation, and ensure the proper dispersion of active ingredients.
Sorbitan Monococoate is used in the preparation of deodorants and antiperspirants, where it improves the consistency of the product and helps in the even application of active ingredients.
Sorbitan Monococoate is employed in the formulation of food products such as salad dressings, mayonnaise, and margarine, where it helps to emulsify and stabilize oil and water phases.
Sorbitan Monococoate is used in the production of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the manufacture of tablet coatings, where it helps stabilize the coating and improve the appearance and ease of application.
Sorbitan Monococoate is employed in the formulation of topical lotions for sensitive skin, where it helps hydrate and improve skin elasticity while providing a smooth finish.
Sorbitan Monococoate is used in the manufacture of emulsified food products, particularly in dairy and confectionery products, where it helps to improve texture, consistency, and spreadability.
Sorbitan Monococoate is used in the production of biodegradable personal care products, where it serves as a natural emulsifier, reducing the environmental impact of the product.
Sorbitan Monococoate is used in the preparation of baby care products, such as baby lotions and creams, where it provides a gentle, soothing effect on the delicate skin of infants.
Sorbitan Monococoate is used in the formulation of antifungal creams and ointments, where it helps improve the stability and texture of the product, ensuring effective delivery of the active ingredients.
Sorbitan Monococoate is employed in the production of cleaning and detergent products, where it helps in emulsifying oils and greases, ensuring that the cleaning product can effectively remove dirt.
Sorbitan Monococoate is used in the preparation of medical creams for wound healing, where it serves as an emulsifier to improve the consistency and texture, ensuring easy application.
Sorbitan Monococoate is used in the formulation of shaving products, where it helps to improve the spreadability of shaving creams and gels, reducing irritation and providing a smoother shave.
Sorbitan Monococoate is employed in the production of liquid soaps, where it helps to stabilize the emulsion and improve the texture and feel of the product during use.
Sorbitan Monococoate is used in the formulation of mouthwashes, where it helps to improve the mouthfeel and stabilize the liquid while ensuring proper dispersion of active ingredients.
Sorbitan Monococoate is applied in the manufacture of industrial lubricants, where it helps improve the stability and viscosity of the lubricant, ensuring smooth performance in machinery.
Sorbitan Monococoate is used in the production of waterproof coatings for textiles, providing effective water resistance while maintaining the softness and flexibility of the fabric.
Sorbitan Monococoate is used in the formulation of foaming agents, where it helps to improve foam stability and texture in products such as bath gels, body washes, and facial cleansers.
Sorbitan Monococoate is employed in the manufacture of foam mats and cushions, where it helps improve the texture and stability of the foam, enhancing its overall comfort and durability.
Sorbitan Monococoate is used in the production of anti-static agents for textiles, where it helps reduce static build-up and improve the handling and durability of the fabric.
Sorbitan Monococoate is used in the manufacture of bio-based plastics, where it functions as an emulsifier and stabilizer, ensuring the consistency and performance of biodegradable plastic formulations.
DESCRIPTION
Sorbitan monococoate is an amber to yellowish, viscous liquid or semi-solid with a mild, fatty odor.
It is a lipophilic, non-ionic surfactant derived from the ester of sorbitol and coconut fatty acids.
Sorbitan monococoate is typically used in combination with polysorbates to form emulsifier systems in complex formulations.
Sorbitan monococoate creates stable emulsions, enhances oil phase dispersion, and contributes to improved formulation texture.
It acts as an emollient and viscosity enhancer, contributing to a smooth skin feel and improved spreadability.
Sorbitan monococoate offers excellent compatibility with both natural and synthetic oils and waxes.
Sorbitan monococoate is gentle on skin and suitable for sensitive or delicate formulations.
It is biodegradable and derived from renewable plant-based sources, making it ideal for sustainable product lines.
Sorbitan monococoate is functional over a wide pH range and remains stable under moderate temperature conditions.
Sorbitan Monococoate is a non-ionic surfactant, derived from the esterification of sorbitol and coconut fatty acids, widely used in personal care, pharmaceutical, and food applications for its emulsifying and stabilizing properties.
Sorbitan Monococoate is a yellowish or light brown, viscous liquid or waxy solid at room temperature, depending on its concentration, and is soluble in water and alcohol.
Sorbitan Monococoate is an emulsifier that helps blend oil and water-based ingredients, improving the stability of emulsions and preventing the separation of phases in products like creams, lotions, and food products.
Sorbitan Monococoate is known for its mildness and is considered a gentle ingredient in personal care formulations, making it suitable for sensitive skin and baby care products.
Sorbitan Monococoate works by reducing the surface tension between oil and water molecules, allowing them to form a stable emulsion, which is essential for many cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food products.
Sorbitan Monococoate is biodegradable and considered environmentally friendly, making it a preferred emulsifier in formulations targeting sustainability and reduced environmental impact.
Sorbitan Monococoate is often used in combination with other emulsifiers and surfactants to enhance product performance, texture, and stability in both personal care and food products.
Sorbitan Monococoate is commonly used in both water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions, providing versatility across a wide range of formulations, from skin care to food preparation.
Sorbitan Monococoate is a versatile emulsifier with excellent stability under a wide range of pH levels and temperatures, making it suitable for various industrial and consumer applications.
Sorbitan Monococoate plays a key role in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries by improving the texture, feel, and performance of products while also enhancing their shelf life and stability.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Nature: Sorbitol ester of coconut fatty acids
Appearance: Amber to yellow viscous liquid or semi-solid
Odor: Mild, characteristic fatty odor
Solubility: Insoluble in water; dispersible in oils and organic solvents
Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB): Approx. 4.7
Melting Point: Approx. 20–30°C
Density: Approx. 0.95–0.98 g/cm³
pH: Neutral
Reactivity: Stable under standard conditions
Storage Temperature: Store at 15–30°C in a cool, dry place
Shelf Life: 24 months in original sealed packaging
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move the person to fresh air.
Seek medical assistance if respiratory irritation occurs.
Skin Contact:
Wash affected area thoroughly with soap and water.
Sorbitan monococoate is generally non-irritating; consult a physician if redness develops.
Eye Contact:
Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Do not induce vomiting.
Seek medical attention if symptoms develop after ingestion.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote required.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling in industrial settings.
Avoid eye contact and prolonged skin exposure.
Maintain good ventilation in processing areas.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Absorb spills with inert material (e.g., sand or absorbent cloths).
Clean area thoroughly with suitable cleaning agents.
Dispose of waste in accordance with local regulations.
Storage:
Store Sorbitan monococoate in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Protect from heat, direct sunlight, and moisture.
Avoid contamination with incompatible materials.
Handling Cautions:
Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents.
Practice good industrial hygiene and safety measures during handling and processing.