Sorbitan Monostearate is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier produced by esterifying sorbitan with stearic acid, and Sorbitan Monostearate is widely used to stabilize emulsions and improve texture in food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations.
Sorbitan Monostearate is commonly known as Span 60, and Sorbitan Monostearate is valued for lipophilic emulsification, good compatibility with many fats and waxes, and usefulness in emulsifier blends where HLB adjustment is needed.
Sorbitan Monostearate is often used together with polysorbates to tune HLB and achieve stable emulsion systems, and Sorbitan Monostearate performance depends on oil polarity, processing temperature, and shear conditions.
CAS Number: 1338-41-6
EC Number: 215-664-9
Molecular Formula: C24H46O6
Molecular Weight: 430.62 g/mol
Synonyms: Sorbitan Monostearate, Span 60, Sorbitan Stearate, Sorbitan 1-Monostearate, Stearic Acid Sorbitan Ester, Sorbitan Monostearate Emulsifier, Nonionic Emulsifier Span 60, Sorbitan Stearate Surfactant, Sorbitan Monostearate Food Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate Cosmetic Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate Surfactant, Span 60 Emulsifier, Sorbitan Monostearate, Sorbitan Mono Stearate, Sorbitan Mono-Stearate, Sorbitan Monostearic Acid Ester, Sorbitan Ester of Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Monoester of Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Stearate Monoester, Sorbitan Monostearic Ester, Monostearate of Sorbitan, Sorbitan Octadecanoate Monoester, Sorbitan Mono(octadecanoate), Sorbitan Monoesters of Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Stearic Acid Monoester, Sorbitan Monostearate Emulsifier, Sorbitan Monostearate Food Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate Technical Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate Cosmetic Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate Pharmaceutical Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate Industrial Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate Emulsifier Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate Stabilizer Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate Additive Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate NF, Sorbitan Monostearate FCC, Sorbitan Monostearate USP, Sorbitan Monostearate EP, Sorbitan Monostearate BP, Sorbitan Monostearate Pure, Sorbitan Monostearate High Purity, Sorbitan Monostearate Powder, Sorbitan Monostearate Pellets, Sorbitan Monostearate Flakes, Sorbitan Monostearate Waxy Solid, Sorbitan Monostearate White Solid, Sorbitan Monostearate Cream Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate Lotion Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate Ointment Grade, Sorbitan Monostearate Food Additive, Sorbitan Monostearate Surface Active Agent, Sorbitan Monostearate Nonionic Emulsifier, Sorbitan Monostearate Dispersing Agent, Sorbitan Monostearate Stabilizer, Sorbitan Monostearate Solubilizer, Sorbitan Monostearate Processing Aid, Sorbitan Monostearate Functional Emulsifier, Sorbitan Monostearate Bakery Additive, Sorbitan Monostearate Personal Care Additive, Sorbitan Monostearate Texture Modifier, Sorbitan Monostearate Creaming Agent, Sorbitan Monostearate Lipophilic Emulsifier
APPLICATIONS
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in food emulsions to stabilize fat-based systems and improve texture in compatible products.
Sorbitan Monostearate is incorporated into bakery fats and shortenings to improve fat handling and emulsion stability.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in confectionery coatings to improve flow and reduce fat separation in compatible systems.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in margarine and spreads to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions and improve plasticity and spreadability.
Sorbitan Monostearate is incorporated into table spreads to reduce oiling-off and improve emulsion stability during storage.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in fat-based sauces and dressings to improve phase stability in compatible formulations.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in whipped toppings to stabilize foam structure and improve overrun in compatible systems.
Sorbitan Monostearate is incorporated into dessert creams to improve whipping performance and reduce foam collapse.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in non-dairy whipped products to stabilize emulsions and improve mouthfeel.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in ice cream and frozen desserts to improve body, reduce ice crystal growth, and improve meltdown behavior.
Sorbitan Monostearate is incorporated into frozen dairy desserts to improve creaminess and reduce iciness.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in non-dairy frozen desserts to stabilize fat and improve mouthfeel.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in water-in-oil cosmetic creams to stabilize emulsions and improve texture and spreadability.
Sorbitan Monostearate is incorporated into cold creams and rich moisturizers to maintain stable emulsion structure during storage.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in sunscreens where robust W/O stabilization supports water resistance and stability.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in pharmaceutical creams and ointments to stabilize emulsions and improve product consistency.
Sorbitan Monostearate is incorporated into topical emulsions to improve stability of oil phases and reduce separation.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in oral and topical formulations as a nonionic emulsifier where compatibility and safety requirements are met.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in makeup products such as foundations and concealers to improve pigment wetting and dispersion in oil phases.
Sorbitan Monostearate is incorporated into lipsticks and balms to improve uniformity and reduce pigment agglomeration.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in anhydrous makeup systems to improve spread and reduce grittiness.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in industrial lubricants and metalworking fluids as an emulsifier to stabilize oil-water systems.
Sorbitan Monostearate is incorporated into cutting fluids to improve emulsion stability and reduce phase separation.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in corrosion inhibitor emulsions to improve distribution and wetting on metal surfaces.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in coatings and inks to improve wetting and dispersion of pigments and fillers in oil-rich systems.
Sorbitan Monostearate is incorporated into pigment concentrates to reduce surface tension and improve milling efficiency.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in resin and polymer processing to stabilize emulsions in compatible manufacturing steps.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in food-grade release agents and processing aids to reduce sticking and improve demolding in compatible operations.
Sorbitan Monostearate is incorporated into pan release formulations to improve uniform coverage and reduce tearing.
Sorbitan Monostearate is valued because Sorbitan Monostearate provides reliable lipophilic emulsification and foam stabilization across many fat-rich systems, especially when blended to reach target HLB.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used as a low-HLB nonionic emulsifier for water-in-oil emulsions.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports stable dispersion of water droplets inside oil phases.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps reduce phase separation in fat-continuous formulations.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in food emulsions to stabilize water-in-oil systems in some applications.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports stable structure in fat-based spreads and specialty emulsions.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps improve texture stability by controlling droplet size.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in margarine and spreads to stabilize water-in-oil emulsion structure.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports smooth texture and reduces water weeping.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps improve spreadability across temperature ranges.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in bakery shortenings to improve emulsification of minor aqueous ingredients in fat systems.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports more uniform distribution of water, flavors, and salts in fat phase.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps improve consistency and plasticity of bakery fats.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in cake and biscuit production as an emulsifier in some formulations to improve fat dispersion.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports uniform batter behavior and improved texture in selected baked goods.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps reduce oil separation and improves mouthfeel in certain recipes.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in cake batters to improve aeration stability and crumb uniformity.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports stable foam and consistent gas cell structure.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps improve cake volume and tenderness.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in whipped toppings to stabilize fat-based systems and improve foam structure in some designs.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports stable air incorporation and reduced foam collapse.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps improve texture stability in aerated desserts.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in ice cream as an emulsifier to influence fat destabilization and texture.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports stable air cell structure and smoother meltdown behavior.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps reduce ice crystal growth during frozen storage.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in frozen desserts to improve microstructure stability during temperature cycling.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports heat shock resistance in distribution.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps maintain creamy texture and stable meltdown.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in confectionery fat fillings to improve fat dispersion and reduce oiling-off.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports smoother praline and nut creams in some systems.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps improve texture stability of fillings during storage.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in chocolate and confectionery as a processing aid in some formulations to improve fat-phase dispersion.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports improved flow and reduced processing defects in selected systems.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps improve coating uniformity in fat-based confectionery.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in chewing gum to improve plasticization and processing in some formulations.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports smoother gum texture and reduced sticking.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps improve ingredient distribution in gum bases.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in flavor and fragrance concentrates to stabilize dispersions in oil phases.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports uniform distribution of aroma compounds in oil-based concentrates.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps improve stability of concentrates during storage.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in emulsified flavor systems as part of surfactant blends to control droplet size.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports stable emulsions when paired with higher-HLB surfactants.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps maintain uniform flavor distribution in beverages.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in beverage cloud emulsions as a co-emulsifier in some systems.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports stable oil droplets that provide turbidity.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps reduce creaming and ring formation in beverages.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in vitamin emulsions to disperse fat-soluble vitamins in aqueous systems.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports stable emulsions before spray drying or filling.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps improve uniform dosing of vitamins and oils.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in pharmaceuticals as a nonionic emulsifier for topical and oral formulations.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports solubilization of lipophilic actives in emulsions.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps stabilize creams, ointments, and suspensions.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in ointments to improve consistency and active dispersion.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports stable texture and reduced oil separation in ointment bases.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps improve spreadability on skin.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in creams and lotions as a W/O emulsifier or co-emulsifier in some formulations.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports stable emulsions with good sensory glide.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps reduce separation during storage of oil-rich creams.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in sunscreens to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions in some designs.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports uniform dispersion of oil-soluble UV filters.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps improve water resistance and film uniformity on skin.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in foundations and concealers based on water-in-oil emulsion architecture.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports stable emulsions with good payoff and spread.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps reduce separation during storage of W/O makeup.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in lipsticks and lip glosses in some formulations to improve pigment wetting.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports uniform pigment distribution and reduced settling.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps improve smoothness and color consistency in lip products.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in pigment dispersions to improve wetting of hydrophilic pigments in oils.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports stable, high-pigment dispersions in nonpolar systems.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps reduce viscosity spikes and improves milling efficiency.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in hair conditioners and masks to improve emulsion stability in some systems.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports uniform distribution of oils and conditioning agents.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps improve slip and manageability on hair.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in cleansing oils and cleansing balms to support emulsification during rinse-off.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports transformation from oil phase to milky rinse when water is added.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps improve makeup removal and rinseability.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in fragrance emulsions and solubilization systems in some aqueous products.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports dispersion of perfume oils in water-based sprays when paired with co-surfactants.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps maintain stability and reduce separation in fragrance mists.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in emulsified concentrates for flavors, fragrances, and actives as a stabilizer.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports production of stable concentrates for dilution.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps reduce creaming and separation in stored concentrates.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in industrial emulsions such as lubricants and metalworking fluids in some formulations.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports stable oil-in-water emulsions for cutting and cooling fluids.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps improve wetting of metal surfaces in machining.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in textile processing as a wetting and emulsifying agent in some steps.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports wetting of fibers and dispersion of oils in scouring baths.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps improve uniform processing in textile operations.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in leather processing to emulsify oils and improve penetration in some formulations.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports more uniform fatliquoring and finishing.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps improve softness and reduce surface greasiness.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in agrochemical formulations as an emulsifier in some emulsifiable concentrates.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports stable emulsification of hydrophobic actives in water.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps improve spray coverage and penetration.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in household cleaners as an emulsifier for oily soils in some formulations.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports dispersion of greasy soils in cleaning solutions.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps improve cleaning performance on kitchen surfaces.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in laboratory research as a nonionic surfactant for emulsion studies.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports controlled interfacial tension and droplet stabilization experiments.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps create reproducible emulsions for testing.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in quality control to benchmark emulsifier performance and HLB selection in formulations.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports stability testing under heat and shear.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps optimize emulsifier blends for robust products.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in manufacturing troubleshooting to address emulsion breaking, oil separation, and poor W/O stability.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports corrective adjustment of emulsifier system and mixing conditions.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps restore product stability when root causes are controlled.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in product development to create stable W/O emulsions with improved sensory glide.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports balancing of emulsion stability and spreadability.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps improve consumer feel and reduces greasy separation.
Sorbitan Monostearate is used in pharmaceutical topical products to stabilize emulsions and improve spread.
Sorbitan Monostearate supports uniform distribution of oils and active ingredients in ointments.
Sorbitan Monostearate helps improve dosing consistency and product appearance.
DESCRIPTION
Sorbitan Monostearate is a sorbitan ester derived from dehydration of sorbitol followed by esterification with stearic acid, and Sorbitan Monostearate is typically a waxy solid.
Sorbitan Monostearate is a low-HLB emulsifier suited for water-in-oil systems, and Sorbitan Monostearate is often paired with higher-HLB emulsifiers such as polysorbates to stabilize oil-in-water systems when needed.
Sorbitan Monostearate stabilizes emulsions by reducing interfacial tension and forming interfacial films, and Sorbitan Monostearate can also influence fat crystallization and aeration in whipped and frozen systems.
Sorbitan Monostearate performance depends on oil polarity, temperature, and shear, and controlled heating helps achieve uniform dispersion without overheating.
Sorbitan Monostearate is generally compatible with many oils, waxes, and nonionic surfactants, but electrolytes and extreme pH can affect stability of some emulsion systems.
Sorbitan Monostearate should be selected based on purity, color, odor, and regulatory grade, especially for food and pharmaceutical use.
Sorbitan Monostearate should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Sorbitan Monostearate should be melted for processing in many systems, and appropriate temperature control supports consistent emulsification performance.
Sorbitan Monostearate should be used according to supplier specifications and applicable regulations for the intended market and product category.
Sorbitan Monostearate is a nonionic surfactant made by esterifying sorbitan with stearic acid.
Sorbitan Monostearate is commonly known as Span 60 and is used as an emulsifier and dispersant.
Sorbitan Monostearate is typically a waxy solid with strong lipophilic character.
Sorbitan Monostearate has a low HLB value, so it tends to favor water-in-oil emulsions and oil-phase applications.
Sorbitan Monostearate is often used with higher-HLB surfactants such as polysorbates to balance emulsion type.
Sorbitan Monostearate stabilizes emulsions by lowering interfacial tension and forming an interfacial film.
Sorbitan Monostearate is widely used in foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial emulsions for improved stability and wetting.
Sorbitan Monostearate performance depends on oil phase composition, temperature, electrolyte level, and processing shear.
Sorbitan Monostearate can influence texture and mouthfeel in foods by controlling droplet size and emulsion stability.
Sorbitan Monostearate is generally stable but can oxidize depending on fatty acid quality and storage conditions.
Sorbitan Monostearate should be stored in tightly closed containers away from heat, light, and strong oxidizers.
Sorbitan Monostearate is valued for versatile emulsification, good compatibility, and predictable performance in formulated products.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C24H46O6
Molecular Weight: 430.62 g/mol
Common Name: Sorbitan Monostearate (Span 60)
Chemical Type: Nonionic surfactant; sorbitan ester emulsifier
Appearance: Waxy solid, flakes, or beads (grade dependent)
Odor: Mild characteristic odor
Solubility: Soluble in oils and fats; insoluble in water; forms emulsions with proper processing
HLB Value: ~4.7 (typical)
Melting Range: ~53–57°C (typical; grade dependent)
Function: W/O emulsifier, stabilizer, wetting agent, dispersant, aeration aid in blends
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 dust or heated fumes are inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing aerosols during hot handling.
Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
For molten product contact, cool the area with water and seek medical attention for burns.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
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 when handling molten material.
Avoid splashing into eyes and avoid prolonged skin contact with hot product.
Wash hands after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Ventilation:
Use general ventilation for normal handling.
Use local exhaust if heated processing generates fumes or aerosols.
Avoid aerosol formation in enclosed spaces without adequate airflow.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place away from heat sources.
Protect from moisture contamination and strong odors because fats can absorb odors.
Keep containers properly labeled and protected from contamination.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
For solids, collect spilled material and clean residues to prevent slip hazards.
For molten spills, allow to cool and solidify, then remove mechanically.
Dispose of waste according to local regulations and facility procedures.
Handling Precautions:
Select Sorbitan Monostearate with appropriate HLB strategy and blend with polysorbates when an oil-in-water emulsion is required.
Control processing temperature to fully melt and disperse Sorbitan Monostearate for consistent emulsification and foam stabilization performance.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent quality and predictable emulsification performance.