What Is Span 60?
Sorbitan monostearate is a substance that helps to mix water and oils together in things like cosmetics and food products. It is made from two different chemicals called sorbitan and stearic acid. Sometimes it is also called a synthetic wax. It can come in different forms like powders or liquids, and it has a bland taste. In food, it can be used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, defoaming agent, flavoring, or rehydration agent for yeast.
What is the purpose of Span 60 in personal care products?
It is used for its surfactant emulsifying
characteristics.
Span 60 helps mix liquids that don't usually mix.
Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Span 60, Anhydrosorbitol stearate, Arlacel 60, "Sorbitan, monooctadecanoate", "Sorbitan, monostearate", and "Stearic acid, monoester with sorbitan".
What Are Surfactant Emulsifying Ingredients?
Span 60 has surfactant emulsifying characteristics.
Surfactant emulsifying ingredients helps mix two liquids that do not usually mix well by reducing the surface tension of the ingredients. The emulsification process involves suspending or dispersing one liquid in a second liquid, such as oil in water or vice versa. However, these two liquids have different properties that cause them to repel each other and not mix. This is where surfactants come in, as they can reduce the liquids' surface tension and allow them to mix.
Surfactants have two ends: a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail. When added to two liquids that do not mix well, the hydrophilic head attaches to the water-based liquid, while the hydrophobic tail attaches to the oil-based liquid. This creates a stable mixture of the two liquids and allows for a smooth and even distribution of ingredients in the cosmetic product.
Safety
Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.