Sorbitan Monooleate is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier produced by esterifying sorbitan with oleic acid, and Sorbitan Monooleate is widely used to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions and to improve wetting and dispersion in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations.
Sorbitan Monooleate is commonly known as Span 80, and Sorbitan Monooleate is valued for strong lipophilic emulsification, compatibility with many oils and waxes, and usefulness in emulsifier blends where HLB adjustment is needed.
Sorbitan Monooleate is often used together with polysorbates to tune HLB and achieve stable emulsion systems, and Sorbitan Monooleate performance depends on oil polarity, temperature, and shear conditions.
CAS Number: 1338-43-8
EC Number: 215-665-4
Molecular Formula: C24H44O6
Molecular Weight: 428.62 g/mol
Synonyms: Sorbitan Monooleate, Span 80, Sorbitan Oleate, Sorbitan 1-Monooleate, Oleic Acid Sorbitan Ester, Sorbitan Monooleate Emulsifier, Nonionic Emulsifier Span 80, Sorbitan Oleate Surfactant, Sorbitan Monooleate Cosmetic Grade, Sorbitan Monooleate Industrial Grade, Sorbitan Monooleate Surfactant, Span 80 Emulsifier, Sorbitan Monooleate, Sorbitan Mono Oleate, Sorbitan Mono-Oleate, Sorbitan Oleate, Sorbitan Monooleic Acid Ester, Sorbitan Ester of Oleic Acid, Sorbitan Monoester of Oleic Acid, Sorbitan Oleate Monoester, Sorbitan Monooleic Ester, Monooleate of Sorbitan, Sorbitan Octadecenoate Monoester, Sorbitan Mono(octadecenoate), Sorbitan Monoesters of Oleic Acid, Sorbitan Oleic Acid Monoester, Sorbitan Monooleate Emulsifier, Sorbitan Monooleate Food Grade, Sorbitan Monooleate Technical Grade, Sorbitan Monooleate Cosmetic Grade, Sorbitan Monooleate Pharmaceutical Grade, Sorbitan Monooleate Industrial Grade, Sorbitan Monooleate Emulsifier Grade, Sorbitan Monooleate Stabilizer Grade, Sorbitan Monooleate Additive Grade, Sorbitan Monooleate NF, Sorbitan Monooleate FCC, Sorbitan Monooleate USP, Sorbitan Monooleate EP, Sorbitan Monooleate BP, Sorbitan Monooleate Pure, Sorbitan Monooleate High Purity, Sorbitan Monooleate Liquid, Sorbitan Monooleate Viscous Liquid, Sorbitan Monooleate Amber Liquid, Sorbitan Monooleate Cream Grade, Sorbitan Monooleate Lotion Grade, Sorbitan Monooleate Ointment Grade, Sorbitan Monooleate Food Additive, Sorbitan Monooleate Surface Active Agent, Sorbitan Monooleate Nonionic Emulsifier, Sorbitan Monooleate Dispersing Agent, Sorbitan Monooleate Stabilizer, Sorbitan Monooleate Solubilizer, Sorbitan Monooleate Processing Aid, Sorbitan Monooleate Functional Emulsifier, Sorbitan Monooleate Bakery Additive, Sorbitan Monooleate Personal Care Additive, Sorbitan Monooleate Texture Modifier, Sorbitan Monooleate Creaming Agent, Sorbitan Monooleate Lipophilic Emulsifier, Sorbitan Monooleate Ester
APPLICATIONS
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in water-in-oil cosmetic creams to stabilize emulsions and improve texture and spreadability.
Sorbitan Monooleate is incorporated into cold creams and rich moisturizers to maintain stable emulsion structure during storage.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in sunscreen emulsions where robust W/O stabilization helps water resistance and stability.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in makeup products such as foundations and concealers to improve pigment wetting and dispersion in oil phases.
Sorbitan Monooleate is incorporated into lipsticks and balms to improve uniformity and reduce pigment agglomeration.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in anhydrous makeup systems to improve spread and reduce grittiness.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in pharmaceutical creams and ointments to stabilize emulsions and improve product consistency.
Sorbitan Monooleate is incorporated into topical emulsions to improve stability of oil phases and reduce separation.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in transdermal and topical delivery systems as an emulsifier and penetration-support surfactant in compatible designs.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in food processing in some applications as an emulsifier where regulations allow and appropriate grades are selected.
Sorbitan Monooleate is incorporated into fat-based systems to stabilize emulsions and improve texture in compatible products.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in specialty emulsifier blends where lipophilic stabilization is required.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in agrochemical formulations as an emulsifier and wetting agent to improve dispersion of oil-based actives.
Sorbitan Monooleate is incorporated into emulsifiable concentrates to improve emulsion stability when diluted in water.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in spray adjuvants to improve droplet spreading and wetting on plant surfaces.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in industrial lubricants and metalworking fluids as an emulsifier to stabilize oil-water systems.
Sorbitan Monooleate is incorporated into cutting fluids to improve emulsion stability and reduce phase separation.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in corrosion inhibitor emulsions to improve distribution and wetting on metal surfaces.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in coatings and inks to improve wetting and dispersion of pigments and fillers in oil-rich systems.
Sorbitan Monooleate is incorporated into pigment concentrates to reduce surface tension and improve milling efficiency.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in resin and polymer processing to stabilize emulsions in compatible manufacturing steps.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in food-grade release agents and processing aids to reduce sticking and improve demolding in compatible operations.
Sorbitan Monooleate is incorporated into pan release formulations to improve uniform coverage and reduce tearing.
Sorbitan Monooleate is valued because Sorbitan Monooleate provides reliable lipophilic emulsification and dispersion performance across many oil-rich systems, especially when blended to reach target HLB.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used as a low-HLB nonionic emulsifier for water-in-oil emulsions.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports stable dispersion of water droplets inside oil phases.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps reduce phase separation in fat-continuous formulations.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in food emulsions to stabilize water-in-oil systems in some applications.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports stable structure in fat-based spreads and specialty emulsions.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps improve texture stability by controlling droplet size.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in margarine and spreads to stabilize water-in-oil emulsion structure.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports smooth texture and reduces water weeping.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps improve spreadability across temperature ranges.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in bakery shortenings to improve emulsification of minor aqueous ingredients in fat systems.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports more uniform distribution of water, flavors, and salts in fat phase.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps improve consistency and plasticity of bakery fats.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in cake and biscuit production as an emulsifier in some formulations to improve fat dispersion.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports uniform batter behavior and improved texture in selected baked goods.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps reduce oil separation and improves mouthfeel in certain recipes.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in whipped toppings to stabilize fat-based systems and improve foam structure in some designs.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports stable air incorporation and reduced foam collapse.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps improve texture stability in aerated desserts.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in ice cream as an emulsifier to influence fat destabilization and texture.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports stable air cell structure and smoother meltdown behavior.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps reduce ice crystal growth during frozen storage.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in frozen desserts to improve microstructure stability during temperature cycling.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports heat shock resistance in distribution.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps maintain creamy texture and stable meltdown.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in confectionery fat fillings to improve fat dispersion and reduce oiling-off.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports smoother praline and nut creams in some systems.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps improve texture stability of fillings during storage.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in chocolate and confectionery as a processing aid in some formulations to improve fat-phase dispersion.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports improved flow and reduced processing defects in selected systems.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps improve coating uniformity in fat-based confectionery.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in flavor and fragrance concentrates to stabilize dispersions in oil phases.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports uniform distribution of aroma compounds in oil-based concentrates.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps improve stability of concentrates during storage.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in emulsified flavor systems as part of surfactant blends to control droplet size.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports stable emulsions when paired with higher-HLB surfactants.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps maintain uniform flavor distribution in beverages.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in beverage cloud emulsions as a co-emulsifier in some systems.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports stable oil droplets that provide turbidity.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps reduce creaming and ring formation in beverages.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in vitamin emulsions to disperse fat-soluble vitamins in aqueous systems.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports stable emulsions before spray drying or filling.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps improve uniform dosing of vitamins and oils.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in pharmaceuticals as a nonionic emulsifier for topical and oral formulations.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports solubilization of lipophilic actives in emulsions.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps stabilize creams, ointments, and suspensions.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in ointments to improve consistency and active dispersion.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports stable texture and reduced oil separation in ointment bases.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps improve spreadability on skin.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in creams and lotions as a W/O emulsifier or co-emulsifier in some formulations.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports stable emulsions with good sensory glide.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps reduce separation during storage of oil-rich creams.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in sunscreens to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions in some designs.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports uniform dispersion of oil-soluble UV filters.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps improve water resistance and film uniformity on skin.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in foundations and concealers based on water-in-oil emulsion architecture.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports stable emulsions with good payoff and spread.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps reduce separation during storage of W/O makeup.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in lipsticks and lip glosses in some formulations to improve pigment wetting.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports uniform pigment distribution and reduced settling.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps improve smoothness and color consistency in lip products.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in pigment dispersions to improve wetting of hydrophilic pigments in oils.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports stable, high-pigment dispersions in nonpolar systems.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps reduce viscosity spikes and improves milling efficiency.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in hair conditioners and masks to improve emulsion stability in some systems.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports uniform distribution of oils and conditioning agents.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps improve slip and manageability on hair.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in cleansing oils and cleansing balms to support emulsification during rinse-off.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports transformation from oil phase to milky rinse when water is added.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps improve makeup removal and rinseability.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in fragrance emulsions and solubilization systems in some aqueous products.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports dispersion of perfume oils in water-based sprays when paired with co-surfactants.
Sorbitan Monooleate helps maintain stability and reduce separation in fragrance mists.
Sorbitan Monooleate is used in emulsified concentrates for flavors, fragrances, and actives as a stabilizer.
Sorbitan Monooleate supports production of stable concentrates for dilution.
DESCRIPTION
Sorbitan Monooleate is a sorbitan ester derived from dehydration of sorbitol followed by esterification with oleic acid, and Sorbitan Monooleate is typically an amber to brown viscous liquid.
Sorbitan Monooleate is a low-HLB emulsifier suited for water-in-oil systems, and Sorbitan Monooleate is often paired with higher-HLB emulsifiers such as polysorbates to stabilize oil-in-water systems when needed.
Sorbitan Monooleate stabilizes emulsions by reducing interfacial tension and forming interfacial films, and Sorbitan Monooleate also improves wetting and dispersion of solids in oils.
Sorbitan Monooleate performance depends on oil polarity, temperature, and shear, and warm processing can improve dispersion and speed of emulsification.
Sorbitan Monooleate is generally compatible with many oils, waxes, and nonionic surfactants, but electrolytes and extreme pH can affect stability of some emulsion systems.
Sorbitan Monooleate should be selected based on purity, color, odor, and regulatory grade, especially for cosmetic and pharmaceutical use.
Sorbitan Monooleate should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Sorbitan Monooleate can thicken at lower temperatures, so gentle warming may be used to improve handling without overheating.
Sorbitan Monooleate should be used according to supplier specifications and applicable regulations for the intended market and product category.
Sorbitan Monooleate is a nonionic surfactant made by esterifying sorbitan with oleic acid.
Sorbitan Monooleate is commonly known as Span 80 and is used as an emulsifier and dispersant.
Sorbitan Monooleate is typically a viscous amber liquid with strong lipophilic character.
Sorbitan Monooleate has a low HLB value, so it tends to favor water-in-oil emulsions and oil-phase applications.
Sorbitan Monooleate is often used with higher-HLB surfactants such as polysorbates to balance emulsion type.
Sorbitan Monooleate stabilizes emulsions by lowering interfacial tension and forming an interfacial film.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C24H44O6
Molecular Weight: 428.62 g/mol
Common Name: Sorbitan Monooleate (Span 80)
Chemical Type: Nonionic surfactant; sorbitan ester emulsifier
Appearance: Amber to brown viscous liquid
Odor: Mild characteristic odor
Solubility: Soluble in oils and fats; insoluble in water; forms emulsions with proper processing
HLB Value: ~4.3 (typical)
Function: W/O emulsifier, wetting agent, dispersant, solubilization aid in blends
Viscosity: High; temperature dependent
Stability: Stable under normal storage; avoid strong oxidizers and excessive heat
Storage Temperature: 15–30°C, tightly closed
Shelf Life: Typically 24 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if mists are inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing aerosols during spraying and hot handling.
Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs or if a significant amount is swallowed.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote is required.
Provide supportive care as needed.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses, especially during bulk handling.
Avoid prolonged skin contact and avoid splashing into eyes.
Wash hands after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Ventilation:
Use general ventilation for normal handling.
Use local exhaust if heated handling generates mists.
Avoid aerosol formation in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place away from heat sources.
Protect from direct sunlight and strong oxidizers.
Keep containers properly labeled and protected from contamination.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Contain the spill and absorb with inert material.
Clean surfaces thoroughly because oily surfactants can create slip hazards.
Dispose of waste according to local regulations and facility procedures.
Handling Precautions:
Select Sorbitan Monooleate with appropriate HLB strategy and blend with polysorbates when an oil-in-water emulsion is required.
Control processing temperature and shear to achieve stable droplet size distribution and robust emulsion stability.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent quality and predictable emulsification performance.