Sorbitan Tristearate

Functions
Emulsifier
Surfactant
CAS Number(s)
26658-19-5
EINECS number(s)
247-891-4
FDA UNII
6LUM696811

Sorbitan tristearate is a sorbitol ester (triester) with stearic acid, a white creamy solid. Sorbitan esters are also known as Spans and tristearate may be marked as Span 65. It is a lipophilic surfactant with emulsifying properties (HLB value 2.1) in water-based formulations.

Spans generally are nonionic ester surfactants that have excellent emulsification, emollient, and lubricant properties. Consequently, they have many uses in foods, personal care, pharmaceutical and agrochemical formulation, cleaning, fiber finish, paints & coatings, lubricants, chemical processing, and other industrial applications.

Sorbitan tristearate is soluble in oil and or dispersible in water forming water-in-oil emulsions. It is a hydrophobic emulsifier for applications where high viscosity is not desired, except that it is a waxy solid and provides increased viscosity. The oil solubility of Span™ 65 makes it a very effective coupling agent and co-emulsifier for mineral oil. It is used in deodorants and hair grooming aids. Vegetable-derived grade is available as Span™ 65 V.

This surfactant is useful for its excellent emulsification properties and low irritancy in personal care applications, safety (in the EU it is not classified as hazardous for the user, the aquatic environment, or transport), and sustainability as it is derived from renewable vegetable-based raw materials and is substantially biodegradable in water.

It is listed on EINECS (Europe), TSCA (USA), AICS (Australia) ENCS (Japan), ECL (Korea), and PICCS (Philippines) inventories. Sorbitan tristearate is complying with European Pharmacopoeia specifications are required for pharmaceutical applications and recommended for food contact applications.

Synonyms
Sorbitan Tristearate

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