Sorbitan Tristearate is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier produced by esterifying sorbitan with stearic acid to form a predominantly triester, and Sorbitan Tristearate is used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and structuring agent in food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations.
Sorbitan Tristearate is commonly known as Span 65, and Sorbitan Tristearate is valued for strong lipophilic emulsification, high melting behavior, and wax-like structuring that can improve stability and texture in fat-rich systems.
Sorbitan Tristearate is often used in emulsifier blends to tune HLB and to improve stability of water-in-oil systems, and Sorbitan Tristearate performance depends on fatty acid composition, processing temperature, and dispersion method.
CAS Number: 26658-19-5
EC Number: 247-897-9
Molecular Formula: C60H114O8
Molecular Weight: 963.52 g/mol
Synonyms: Sorbitan Tristearate, Span 65, Sorbitan Stearate (Triester), Sorbitan Tristearate Emulsifier, Sorbitan Tristearate Surfactant, Sorbitan Triester of Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Tristearate Food Grade, Sorbitan Tristearate Cosmetic Grade, Nonionic Emulsifier Span 65, Sorbitan Tristearate Structurant, W/O Emulsifier Sorbitan Tristearate, Span 65 Emulsifier, Sorbitan Tristearate, Sorbitan Tri Stearate, Sorbitan Tri-Stearate, Sorbitan Tristearic Acid Ester, Sorbitan Ester of Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Triester of Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Stearate Triester, Sorbitan Tristearic Ester, Tristearate of Sorbitan, Sorbitan Octadecanoate Triester, Sorbitan Tri(octadecanoate), Sorbitan Triesters of Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Stearic Acid Triester, Sorbitan Tristearate Emulsifier, Sorbitan Tristearate Food Grade, Sorbitan Tristearate Technical Grade, Sorbitan Tristearate Cosmetic Grade, Sorbitan Tristearate Pharmaceutical Grade, Sorbitan Tristearate Industrial Grade, Sorbitan Tristearate Emulsifier Grade, Sorbitan Tristearate Stabilizer Grade, Sorbitan Tristearate Additive Grade, Sorbitan Tristearate NF, Sorbitan Tristearate FCC, Sorbitan Tristearate USP, Sorbitan Tristearate EP, Sorbitan Tristearate BP, Sorbitan Tristearate Pure, Sorbitan Tristearate High Purity, Sorbitan Tristearate Powder, Sorbitan Tristearate Pellets, Sorbitan Tristearate Flakes, Sorbitan Tristearate Waxy Solid, Sorbitan Tristearate White Solid, Sorbitan Tristearate Cream Grade, Sorbitan Tristearate Lotion Grade, Sorbitan Tristearate Ointment Grade, Sorbitan Tristearate Food Additive, Sorbitan Tristearate Surface Active Agent, Sorbitan Tristearate Nonionic Emulsifier, Sorbitan Tristearate Dispersing Agent, Sorbitan Tristearate Stabilizer, Sorbitan Tristearate Solubilizer, Sorbitan Tristearate Processing Aid, Sorbitan Tristearate Functional Emulsifier, Sorbitan Tristearate Bakery Additive, Sorbitan Tristearate Personal Care Additive, Sorbitan Tristearate Texture Modifier, Sorbitan Tristearate Creaming Agent, Sorbitan Tristearate Lipophilic Emulsifier, Sorbitan Tristearate Ester, Sorbitan Stearate Ester, Sorbitan Fatty Acid Ester, Sorbitan Stearic Ester, Sorbitan Triester, Sorbitan Triple Stearate, Sorbitan Tristearate Blend
APPLICATIONS
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in water-in-oil cosmetic creams to stabilize emulsions and improve richness and texture.
Sorbitan Tristearate is incorporated into cold creams and barrier creams to improve structure and reduce phase separation.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in sunscreens where robust W/O stabilization and wax-like structuring improve stability and water resistance.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in pharmaceutical creams and ointments to stabilize emulsions and to adjust consistency and firmness.
Sorbitan Tristearate is incorporated into topical emulsions to improve stability of oil phases and reduce separation.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in anhydrous ointment bases to improve structure and reduce oil bleed.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in food emulsions to stabilize fat-based systems and improve texture in compatible products.
Sorbitan Tristearate is incorporated into bakery fats and shortenings to improve fat structuring and emulsion stability.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in confectionery coatings to improve viscosity control and reduce fat separation in compatible systems.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in margarine and spreads to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions and improve plasticity and spreadability.
Sorbitan Tristearate is incorporated into table spreads to reduce oiling-off and improve emulsion stability during storage.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in fat-based sauces and dressings to improve phase stability in compatible formulations.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in whipped toppings and dessert creams in some systems to support foam stability and texture.
Sorbitan Tristearate is incorporated into fat-based whipping systems to improve consistency and reduce collapse.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in non-dairy whipped products where high-melting emulsifiers help maintain structure.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in make-up products such as foundations and concealers to improve pigment wetting and dispersion in oil phases.
Sorbitan Tristearate is incorporated into lipsticks and balms to improve structure and reduce sweating.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in pressed powders as a binder and structuring aid in compatible formulations.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in industrial lubricants and metalworking fluids as an emulsifier to stabilize oil-water systems.
Sorbitan Tristearate is incorporated into cutting fluids to improve emulsion stability and reduce phase separation.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in corrosion inhibitor emulsions to improve distribution and wetting on metal surfaces.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in coatings and inks to improve wetting and dispersion of pigments and fillers in oil-rich systems.
Sorbitan Tristearate is incorporated into pigment concentrates to reduce surface tension and improve milling efficiency.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in resin and polymer processing to stabilize emulsions in compatible manufacturing steps.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in food-grade release agents and processing aids to reduce sticking and improve demolding in compatible operations.
Sorbitan Tristearate is incorporated into pan release formulations to improve uniform coverage and reduce tearing.
Sorbitan Tristearate is valued because Sorbitan Tristearate provides high-melting, lipophilic emulsification and structuring that improves stability and texture in many fat-rich systems when properly dispersed.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used as a very low-HLB nonionic emulsifier for water-in-oil emulsions.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports stable dispersion of water droplets inside highly lipophilic oil phases.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps reduce phase separation in fat-continuous formulations.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in fat-based food systems to stabilize water-in-oil structures in some formulations.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports stable structure in specialty spreads and fat fillings.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps improve texture stability by controlling droplet size.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in margarine and specialty spreads to support robust water-in-oil emulsion stability.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps reduce water weeping and improves emulsion resilience.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports stable spread texture under temperature fluctuation.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in bakery fats and shortenings to improve distribution of minor aqueous ingredients in fat phase.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports more uniform distribution of water, flavors, and salts in fat systems.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps improve consistency and plasticity of bakery fats.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in confectionery fat fillings to improve structure and reduce oiling-off in some systems.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports stable fat networks in praline and nut creams.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps reduce fat separation during storage of fillings.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in chocolate and compound coatings as a processing aid in some formulations.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports improved fat-phase stability in selected confectionery systems.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps reduce separation-related defects in fat coatings.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in chewing gum as a processing aid and dispersant in some formulations.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports improved distribution of fats and softeners in gum base.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps reduce sticking and improves chew texture consistency.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in specialty cosmetic creams as a W/O emulsifier in some formulations.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports stable water-in-oil emulsions with rich sensory feel.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps improve emulsion stability in high-oil systems.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in cold creams and heavy barrier creams to stabilize oil-rich emulsions.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports stable texture and reduced phase separation.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps improve occlusive feel and spread.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in sunscreens as a co-emulsifier in water-in-oil systems in some designs.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports uniform dispersion of oil-soluble UV filters.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps improve water resistance and film integrity in compatible formulations.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in foundations and concealers with W/O emulsion architecture in some formulations.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports stable emulsions with good payoff and wear.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps reduce separation during storage of oil-rich makeup.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in lipsticks and solid cosmetic sticks as a structuring and dispersing aid in some systems.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports uniform pigment distribution and reduced sweating.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps improve stick integrity and smoother pay-off.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in deodorant sticks as a structuring and glide aid in some formulations.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports improved firmness and reduced crumbling.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps improve application smoothness and reduced drag.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in ointments as a consistency modifier and emulsifier in some systems.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports stable texture and reduced oil separation.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps improve spreadability in lipophilic topical bases.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in pharmaceutical creams as an emulsifier where suitable excipient selection is required.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports stabilization of oil-rich topical emulsions.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps maintain uniform distribution of actives in creams.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in pigment dispersions to improve wetting of powders in oils.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports stable, high-pigment dispersions in nonpolar systems.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps reduce viscosity spikes and improves milling efficiency.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in industrial grease and lubricant formulations as a thickening and stabilizing aid in some systems.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports stable structure in specialty lubricant emulsions.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps improve resistance to oil separation in storage.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in wax-based polishes to improve dispersion of ingredients and reduce separation.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports stable consistency in shoe polishes and floor polishes.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps improve gloss uniformity by stabilizing the wax phase.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in release agent formulations as a lipophilic emulsifier in some designs.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports stable blends of waxes and oils.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps improve release performance on metal molds in selected processes.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in plastics processing as an internal lubricant in some polymer systems.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports reduced friction during extrusion and molding.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps improve surface finish and demolding behavior.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in rubber compounding as a processing aid in some formulations.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports improved dispersion of fillers in elastomers.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps reduce sticking on mills and calenders.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in adhesives and sealants as a rheology and dispersion modifier in some formulations.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports stable paste structure and reduced oil bleed.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps improve long-term storage stability of thick pastes.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in printing inks as a dispersant for pigments in oil-based systems in some applications.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports better pigment wetting and stable viscosity.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps improve rub resistance and print uniformity in selected inks.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in coatings as a dispersant in solvent-based systems in some designs.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports wetting of pigments and fillers in nonpolar binders.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps improve film uniformity and reduce pigment float.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in textile processing to emulsify oils and waxes for finishing in some applications.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports stable oil emulsions for fabric softening and finishing.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps improve uniform pickup on textile fibers.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in leather finishing to disperse oils and waxes in formulations.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports stable finishing emulsions and improved penetration.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps improve leather softness and surface appearance.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in agrochemical formulations as an emulsifier in some oil-based concentrates.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports stable dispersion of hydrophobic actives in oil carriers.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps improve emulsion formation upon dilution in spray tanks when paired with co-surfactants.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in household products such as polishes and waxes to improve stability and application feel.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports uniform spreading of wax films.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps reduce separation and improves product consistency in storage.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in laboratory research as a lipophilic surfactant for W/O emulsion studies.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports controlled interfacial tension and droplet stabilization experiments.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps create reproducible water-in-oil emulsions for testing.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in quality control to benchmark W/O emulsifier performance and stability under heat cycling.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports evaluation of separation, viscosity drift, and droplet size stability.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps optimize emulsifier blends for robust products.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in manufacturing troubleshooting when W/O emulsions show water separation or sweating.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports corrective adjustment of emulsifier selection and mixing conditions.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps restore stability when root causes are controlled.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in product development to create rich, stable water-in-oil creams with improved barrier feel.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports balancing of stability, firmness, and spreadability.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps improve consumer sensory experience in oil-rich creams.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in formulation work to reduce oil bleed in waxy sticks and ointments.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports improved structuring and reduced sweating.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps maintain uniform appearance and performance in solid products.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in specification setting to control acid value, saponification value, and ester composition for consistent performance.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports stable manufacturing outcomes across batches.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps maintain predictable emulsification and structuring behavior.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in education and training as an example of very low-HLB W/O emulsifiers in surfactant selection.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports teaching about HLB, emulsion type, and processing effects.
Sorbitan Tristearate helps illustrate why lipophilic emulsifiers are chosen for oil-continuous systems.
Sorbitan Tristearate is used in pilot trials to evaluate synergy with polysorbates in forming stable emulsions.
Sorbitan Tristearate supports blended emulsifier systems that tune emulsion type and droplet size.
DESCRIPTION
Sorbitan Tristearate is a sorbitan ester formed by reacting sorbitan with stearic acid, and Sorbitan Tristearate is predominantly a triester with a waxy, high-melting character.
Sorbitan Tristearate is a low-HLB emulsifier suited for water-in-oil systems, and Sorbitan Tristearate is often used with higher-HLB emulsifiers such as polysorbates to create balanced emulsifier systems.
Sorbitan Tristearate stabilizes emulsions by reducing interfacial tension and forming interfacial films, and the high stearate content also provides structuring and firmness in oil phases.
Sorbitan Tristearate performance depends on processing temperature and shear, and Sorbitan Tristearate typically requires melting for uniform dispersion in formulations.
Sorbitan Tristearate is generally compatible with many oils, waxes, and nonionic surfactants, but electrolytes and extreme pH can influence stability of some complex emulsion systems.
Sorbitan Tristearate should be selected based on purity, color, odor, and regulatory grade, especially for food and pharmaceutical use.
Sorbitan Tristearate should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Sorbitan Tristearate should be protected from overheating during processing to avoid degradation and odor development.
Sorbitan Tristearate should be used according to supplier specifications and applicable regulations for the intended market and product category.
Sorbitan Tristearate is a nonionic surfactant made by esterifying sorbitan with stearic acid to a high degree.
Sorbitan Tristearate is commonly known as Span 65 and is used as an emulsifier and structuring agent.
Sorbitan Tristearate is typically a waxy solid with very lipophilic character.
Sorbitan Tristearate has a very low HLB value, so it strongly favors water-in-oil emulsions and oil-phase applications.
Sorbitan Tristearate is often used with higher-HLB surfactants such as polysorbates to balance emulsion type.
Sorbitan Tristearate stabilizes emulsions by lowering interfacial tension and forming a strong interfacial film.
Sorbitan Tristearate can also contribute to structuring because the stearate chains can form crystalline networks in oils.
Sorbitan Tristearate performance depends on oil phase composition, temperature, and processing shear.
Sorbitan Tristearate can influence texture, firmness, and sensory glide in rich formulations.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C60H114O8
Molecular Weight: 963.52 g/mol
Common Name: Sorbitan Tristearate (Span 65)
Chemical Type: Nonionic surfactant; sorbitan triester emulsifier; oil phase structurant
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: ~2.1 (typical)
Melting Range: ~50–60°C (typical; grade dependent)
Function: W/O emulsifier, stabilizer, thickener/structurant, wetting agent in oil phases
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:
Melt and disperse Sorbitan Tristearate properly to achieve uniform emulsification and stable texture in W/O systems.
Blend with suitable co-emulsifiers to reach target HLB and to prevent phase separation in complex emulsions.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent quality and predictable emulsification performance.