Product: Sorbitan Oleate
Rchem Sorbitan Oleate is a high-purity, non-ionic lipophilic surfactant, presented as an amber to brownish-yellow, viscous liquid at room temperature. Chemically known as Sorbitan Monooleate, it is the partial ester of oleic acid and sorbitol anhydrides. Renowned for its low hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB value of approximately 4.3), it is a cornerstone ingredient in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors for producing stable water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, acting as a co-emulsifier, and for its exceptional dispersing and solubilizing properties in non-aqueous systems.
Category: powder
Description
Key Features & Benefits:
● Excellent natural thickening agent with high viscosity at low concentrations
● Effective stabilizer for emulsions and suspensions in various formulations
● Clean-label ingredient suitable for organic and natural product formulations
● Improves texture and shelf life in food products
● Enhances viscosity and stability in cosmetic formulations
● Cost-effective alternative to synthetic thickeners and stabilizers
Technical Specifications Table:
Property
Detail
Apperance
Scent
Solubility
Uses
pH
Charge
Used In
Usage Rate
Product Origin
PALM DERIVATIVES STATUS
VEGAN SUITABLE
Chemical Formulae
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the "Span" numbering system, and how does Sorbitan Oleate compare to other sorbitan esters?
Span" is the trade name for sorbitan esters. The number indicates the fatty acid type: Span 20 – Sorbitan Laurate (C12) – HLB 8.6 – More hydrophilic, used in O/W systems Span 40 – Sorbitan Palmitate (C16) – HLB 6.7 Span 60 – Sorbitan Stearate (C18, saturated) – HLB 4.7 – Waxy solid, for thicker W/O creams Span 80 – Sorbitan Oleate (C18:1, unsaturated) – HLB 4.3 – Liquid, for fluid W/O emulsions Span 85 – Sorbitan Trioleate (three oleic chains) – HLB 1.8 – Highly lipophilic Sorbitan Oleate (Span 80) is preferred for fluid W/O emulsions, cold creams, and as a co-emulsifier with Tween 80 due to its liquid state and unsaturated fatty acid chain.
While Sorbitan Oleate can be used alone to form basic W/O emulsions, it is most powerful and flexible when paired with Polysorbate 80 (Tween 80, HLB 15). A blend of Span 80 and Tween 80 can be used to achieve any HLB value between 4.3 and 15. This allows formulators to precisely match the Required HLB of any oil phase, resulting in optimal emulsion stability. The ratio of Span 80 to Tween 80 determines the final HLB and emulsion type (more Span 80 = W/O; more Tween 80 = O/W).
Do I need to use Sorbitan Oleate with a co-emulsifier like Polysorbate 80?
Yes, Sorbitan Oleate is widely considered safe for topical use in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. It has been reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel and is listed as safe at current usage concentrations. It is also approved by the FDA for use in food-contact applications (as an indirect additive) and in certain topical pharmaceutical preparations. However, it may cause mild skin or eye irritation in very high concentrations; typical usage is 1-10% depending on the application
Is Sorbitan Oleate safe for use in cosmetics and topical pharmaceuticals?
Beyond cosmetics, Sorbitan Oleate has significant industrial uses: Textile Processing: Acts as a lubricant, antistatic agent, and dispersant for dyes and pigments. Metalworking Fluids: Emulsifies oils and provides corrosion protection. Agricultural Formulations: Disperses pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides in water-based sprays. Oilfield Chemicals: Used in drilling muds and emulsion breakers. Food Industry: Approved as an emulsifier (E494) for certain food applications (e.g., cocoa products, confectionery coatings)
Yes, Sorbitan Oleate is widely considered safe for topical use in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. It has been reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel and is listed as safe at current usage concentrations. It is also approved by the FDA for use in food-contact applications (as an indirect additive) and in certain topical pharmaceutical preparations. However, it may cause mild skin or eye irritation in very high concentrations; typical usage is 1-10% depending on the application
Handling: Sorbitan Oleate is a viscous liquid at room temperature; gentle warming (30-40°C / 86-104°F)
