• Oil-soluble emulsifier for W/O emulsions
• Improves consistency and creaminess in formulations
• Acts as a co-emulsifier with Span 80 or beeswax
• Stabilizes thick, occlusive formulations
• Mild and non-irritating; ideal for skin and hair care

Span 60 (Sorbitan Stearate) – Non-Ionic Emulsifier for Creams & Balms

 Span 60 (Sorbitan Stearate) is a non-ionic emulsifier commonly used in water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions and as a co-emulsifier in oil-rich skincare formulations. With an HLB value around 4.7, Span 60 helps create stable, creamy, and thick textures in cold creams, body butters, balms, and ointments. It is also used to enhance consistency and provide a luxurious feel in skin conditioning products. Derived from stearic acid and sorbitol, it is biodegradable, skin-friendly, and highly compatible with both natural and synthetic oils.

INCI Name: Sorbitan Stearate

CAS Number: 1338-41-6

Solubility: Oil-soluble

Add Phase: Heated oil phase

pH Stability: Stable from 4 – 9

Processing Temperature: 60–75°C

Appearance: White to off-white waxy flakes or beads

Odor: Odorless to mild

Molecular Formula: C24H46O6

Molecular Weight: 430.62 g/mol

Flash Point: > 200°C

Density: ~1.02 g/cm³

HLB Value: ~4.7

Chemical Type: Non-ionic surfactant

Functional Groups: Ester, Polyol

Primary Cosmetic Uses: Creams, ointments, cold creams, balms, makeup bases, sunscreen sticks

• Usage Rate: 1% – 6%
• Phase: Oil phase (melt above 60°C)
• Ideal For: W/O emulsions, balm creams, body butters, ointments

🧴 For rich, creamy textures that don’t separate, combine Span 60 with Span 80, Cetearyl Alcohol, or Beeswax. This improves stability and sensory profile in cold-process emulsions.

✔️ Suitable for normal, dry, and sensitive skin

✔️ Excellent for barrier repair and moisturization

❗ Use lower % in oily skin products to avoid greasiness

1. Cold Cream Base:

Use 3% Span 60 with mineral oil and beeswax to create a stable and nourishing cleansing cream.

2. Heavy Body Butter:

Combine with shea butter and Span 80 to emulsify thick butters for dry skin.

3. Barrier Hand Cream:

Add to thick, occlusive formulas for hand repair and moisture retention.

4. Lip Balm with W/O Texture:

Use in oil-phase to emulsify small amounts of actives or flavors in lip care products.

5. Herbal Ointment Base:

Incorporate in oil-based medicinal creams to stabilize herbal extracts.

Serums
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not suitable for lightweight or water-based systems.



Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Perfect for thick creams and occlusive lotions.



Toners
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Incompatible with water-only products.



Face Masks
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Useful in emollient or overnight masks.



Cleansers
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Use in cleansing creams or balm-type emulsions.



Hair Masks
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Adds richness and emulsifying power to hair masks.



Deodorants
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Stabilizes oil phase in solid deodorants.



Eye Creams
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Mild and stable emulsifier for eye-area products.



Shampoos
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not intended for use in aqueous surfactant systems.



Soaps
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Can help stabilize creamy soap bars.



Conditioners
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Useful in oil-rich leave-in products.



Lip Balms
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Excellent texture enhancer for balm bases.



Body Butters
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Thickens and emulsifies heavy body products.



Ointments
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Used in pharmaceutical W/O ointments.

Q1: Can Span 60 be used alone as an emulsifier?

A1: Yes, but it works best in combination with other W/O emulsifiers like Span 80 for stability.

Q2: Is it natural?

A2: Span 60 is derived from natural sorbitol and stearic acid, and is biodegradable.

Q3: Can it be used in facial products?

A3: Yes, especially in eye creams, night balms, and W/O foundations, where rich emollience is desired.