Span 60 1 kg

Building reliable water-in-oil creams at scale with sorbitan stearate

Span 60 is a nonionic lipophilic emulsifier derived from sorbitan and stearic acid, widely used in the production of creams, ointments, lotions, and body milks. The 1 kg pack size suits studio-scale and small-batch cosmetic production, as well as labs that need a steady stock of raw material for recurring batches without frequent reordering. This product belongs to the Emulsifiers category, which brings together components for building stable oil-water systems across various formulation types.

The main field of use for Span 60 is cosmetic manufacturing, where it forms water-in-oil emulsions and acts as a co-emulsifier in oil-in-water systems. Because of its low hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value (around 4.7), it stabilizes the oil phase more effectively, so it is almost always paired with a hydrophilic partner, most commonly polysorbate 60 (Tween 60). This combination allows precise tuning of the final HLB for a given formula, whether it is a nourishing cream, a balm, a sunscreen, or a hair conditioner. Beyond cosmetics, the material is used in pharmaceutical production for ointment and suppository bases, and in food manufacturing as an emulsifier for margarines, chocolate products, and certain confectionery masses, where its use follows relevant food safety regulations.

Span 60 should be introduced into the oil phase of a formula during heating, since its melting point sits around 53 to 57 degrees Celsius. Typically, both the oil and water phases are heated to 70-75 degrees, the emulsifier is dissolved in the fats and oils under stirring until fully clear, and then the phases are combined at a matching temperature. A common dosage ranges from 1 to 6 percent of the total formula weight, depending on the desired viscosity and emulsion stability. When working with larger batches, maintaining even heating and thorough mixing is essential, otherwise the system may separate on cooling.

Span 60 blends well with vegetable oils, waxes, silicones, and other emulsifiers of different chemical nature, making it a flexible tool for adjusting the texture of the finished product. For lighter and more fluid emulsions, it is often combined with multifunctional systems such as Emulsifier EMULPHARMA PG20, which broadens the range of compatible textures. In formulas built around gentle, naturally derived complexes, Sucragel AOF can be an interesting addition, while cold-process or lightweight emulsions often pair well with Emul-active Iso.

Span 60 should be stored in a dry area at room temperature, in tightly closed packaging protected from direct sunlight and moisture. Under proper storage conditions, the raw material retains its properties for an extended period, making the 1 kg pack convenient for ongoing production runs without risking spoilage of leftover stock.

Rich hand and body cream built on Span 60

Span 60 - 22 g

Polysorbate 60 - 8 g

Shea butter - 45 g

Sweet almond oil - 55 g

Cetyl alcohol - 12 g

Distilled water - 340 g

Glycerin - 22 g

Aloe vera extract - 6 g

Preservative - 4 g

Heat the oil phase containing shea butter, almond oil, cetyl alcohol, and Span 60 to 75 degrees while stirring until fully melted and clear. Separately heat the water phase with glycerin to the same temperature and dissolve polysorbate 60 in it, then slowly pour the water phase into the oil phase while stirring continuously. Cool the mixture to 40 degrees, blend in the aloe vera extract and preservative, stir until smooth, and transfer the finished cream into prepared containers.