Span 20 - Nonionic Surfactant Chemical Structure
Surfactant Emulsifier
Nonionic Surfactant

Span 20

Premium span 20 engineered for demanding surfactant applications including emulsification systems, pharmaceutical formulations, and cosmetic products. Our Span 20 delivers exceptional water-in-oil emulsification properties, consistent performance, and reliable supply for critical applications requiring superior nonionic surfactant properties with stringent quality standards.

  • 99%+ Purity Available
  • Superior W/O Emulsification
  • Low HLB Value (8.6)
  • Consistent Batch-to-Batch Quality
  • Pharmaceutical Grade
  • Cosmetic Applications
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Technical Specifications

INCI Name: Sorbitan Monolaurate
CAS Number: 1338-39-2
Alternative Name: Span 20
Molecular Formula: C18H34O6
Active Content: 95% minimum
Physical State: Amber viscous liquid to semi-solid
HLB Value: 8.6
Melting Point: 21-24°C
Acid Value: ≤ 7.0 mg KOH/g
Saponification Value: 158-170 mg KOH/g
Hydroxyl Value: 330-358 mg KOH/g
Iodine Value: ≤ 3.0
Water Content: ≤ 2.0%
Solubility: Oil soluble, water dispersible
Packaging Options: 200kg drums, 1000kg IBC

Applications

W/O Emulsions
Cosmetic Formulations
Lotions & Creams
Food Emulsifiers
Pharmaceutical Formulations
Color Cosmetics
Hand Creams
Industrial Emulsions
Baby Care Products
Sunscreen Products
Textile Processing
Metal Working Fluids

Industry-Specific Grades

DRAVYOM offers specialized Span 20 grades with varying purity levels and melting points, optimized for cosmetic, food, pharmaceutical, and industrial emulsification applications requiring reliable performance.

Cosmetic Grade
Purity: 98% min Low color Odor controlled Application: Personal care
Food Grade
Purity: 95% min FDA approved E493 compliant Application: Food emulsification
Pharmaceutical Grade
Purity: 99% min USP/Ph.Eur compliant Ultra-pure Application: Drug formulation
Industrial Grade
Purity: 95% min Cost-effective Bulk applications Application: Industrial processes

Quality Standards

DRAVYOM's Span 20 is manufactured under stringent quality control protocols, meeting international emulsifier standards including USP, Ph.Eur, and FDA regulations for multiple applications.

ISO 9001:2015 Certified Manufacturing
USP/Ph.Eur Compliance
FDA Food Grade Approval
Cosmetic Grade Standards
HLB 8.6 Emulsifier
Melting Point Consistency
Certificate of Analysis
Food/Pharma Grade Transportation

Advanced Chemical Properties & Performance

Surfactant Grade Span 20 exhibits excellent nonionic emulsifier properties with superior lipophilic characteristics for cosmetic and food applications. Its sorbitan monolaurate structure ensures reliable performance in water-in-oil emulsions with outstanding stability and texture enhancement properties.

Emulsifier Properties
HLB Value: 8.6 (lipophilic)
Emulsion Type: Water-in-oil (W/O)
Surface Activity: Excellent interfacial tension reduction
Charge Type: Nonionic
Physical Properties
Appearance: Amber to brown viscous liquid
Melting Point: -5 to 0°C
Viscosity: 3000-7000 cP at 25°C
Solubility: Oil soluble, water dispersible
Application Performance
Cosmetic Creams: Stable W/O emulsions
Food Emulsions: Margarine, chocolate applications
Pharmaceutical: Ointments and topical formulations
Texture Enhancement: Smooth, creamy feel
Composition Standards
Ester Content: ≥ 95%
Acid Value: ≤ 3 mg KOH/g
Saponification Value: 158-170 mg KOH/g
Hydroxyl Value: 330-358 mg KOH/g
Stability Properties
Shelf Life: 36 months (unopened)
Thermal Stability: Stable up to 100°C
pH Stability: Stable 4-8 pH range
Oxidation Resistance: Good antioxidant stability

Performance Characteristics

Performance metrics demonstrate Surfactant Grade Span 20 reliability in emulsification applications with consistent quality, superior stability, and cost-effective operation for cosmetic and food formulations.

Emulsion Stability

Stability: >95% emulsion retention

Superior W/O emulsion performance
Skin Feel

Texture: Smooth, non-greasy application

Excellent cosmetic properties
Food Applications

Performance: FDA approved food emulsifier

Safe for food contact
Cost Effectiveness

Usage: 0.5-5% typical concentration

Economical emulsifier system
Quality Consistency

Variation: ±2% HLB value stability

Reliable formulation performance
Processing Ease

Handling: Easy incorporation at room temperature

Convenient manufacturing

Safety Information

Generally safe nonionic emulsifier approved for cosmetic and food use. Handle with standard manufacturing protocols including appropriate protective equipment as needed. FDA approved for food contact applications and suitable for cosmetic formulations with minimal safety concerns.

FDA Approved
Cosmetic Safe
Food Grade

Storage & Handling

Store in original containers in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Keep containers tightly closed and use food-grade storage equipment. Maintain proper inventory management for cosmetic and food manufacturing facilities.

Store at 15-30°C
Protect from direct sunlight
Viscous liquid
Food grade protocols

Chemical Mechanisms & Reaction Pathways

Span 20 demonstrates controlled nonionic surfactant mechanisms through sorbitan ester structures, enabling predictable emulsification performance with well-characterized HLB properties for reliable W/O emulsion applications.

W/O Emulsification

Water-in-oil emulsion formation through low HLB value

Primary emulsification mechanism
HLB Control

Hydrophilic-lipophilic balance optimization for stable emulsions

Predictable emulsion behavior
Food Compatibility

Food-safe emulsification with FDA approval

Safe food system integration
Stability Enhancement

Long-term emulsion stability through sorbitan chemistry

Enhanced shelf life properties

Regulatory Compliance & Documentation

Comprehensive regulatory compliance ensures safe use in food and cosmetic applications with complete documentation packages supporting FDA food additive approval and cosmetic regulations.

Food Additive Approval

FDA and FSSAI food additive compliance

Cosmetic Standards

FDA and EU cosmetic regulation compliance

GRAS Status

Generally Recognized as Safe status for food use

International Standards

Global food additive and cosmetic regulations

Documentation

Complete safety and functionality studies

Testing Protocols

Validated food safety and performance testing methods

Technical Support & Value-Added Services

DRAVYOM's emulsification support team provides comprehensive guidance, formulation assistance, and technical expertise to optimize Span 20 use in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications.

Food Application Support
  • Food emulsion system development
  • Bakery product texture enhancement
  • Dairy emulsion optimization
  • Chocolate and confectionery applications
Cosmetic Services
  • W/O emulsion formulation guidance
  • Skin care product development
  • Cosmetic texture optimization
  • Stability testing assistance
Regulatory Services
  • Food safety regulatory guidance
  • Cosmetic compliance assistance
  • International market approval support
  • Documentation preparation
Supply Solutions
  • Food-grade packaging and handling
  • Temperature-controlled logistics
  • Custom concentration development
  • Quality assurance documentation

Environmental Impact & Sustainability

Our Span 20 production emphasizes environmental responsibility through sustainable sourcing, biodegradable chemistry, and comprehensive environmental impact management for eco-friendly applications.

Natural Source

Derived from renewable sorbitol and fatty acids

Biodegradable

Readily biodegradable with environmental safety

Clean Production

Energy-efficient manufacturing with reduced emissions

Food Safety

Supporting safe and sustainable food production

Environmental Standards

ISO 14001 environmental management compliance

Sustainability Programs

Continuous improvement in environmental performance

Manufacturing Excellence & Quality Control

DRAVYOM's food-grade manufacturing facility employs advanced esterification technology and stringent quality monitoring to ensure consistent Span 20 quality and performance across all production batches.

Food-Grade Production

Advanced esterification with food-safe processing protocols

Highest food safety standards
Quality Testing

Comprehensive testing including HLB, purity, and functionality

Complete food-grade characterization
Quality Systems

ISO 22000 food safety and HACCP compliance

Certified food-safe manufacturing
Food-Safe Packaging

Food-contact approved packaging with complete traceability

Protected food-grade storage

Market Applications & Performance Data

Comprehensive application data demonstrating Span 20 effectiveness across food and cosmetic applications with validated performance metrics and consumer acceptance.

Food Applications
Emulsification: Superior W/O emulsion stability Texture: Enhanced food texture and mouthfeel Shelf Life: 40% improvement in product stability
Cosmetic Applications
Performance: Stable W/O creams and lotions Feel: Enhanced skin feel and absorption Stability: Long-term formulation stability
Industrial Applications
Quality: Consistent emulsification performance Supply Reliability: 99.8% on-time delivery Technical Support: 97% customer satisfaction

DRAVYOM Competitive Advantages

Food-Grade Excellence

FDA-approved emulsifier technology with superior food safety and functionality

Emulsification Expertise

Specialized W/O emulsion technology with HLB optimization and stability enhancement

Quality Assurance

Rigorous food safety systems with HACCP compliance and complete documentation

Multi-Application Focus

Expertise in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications with regulatory support

Sustainable Solutions

Natural-source emulsifier with biodegradable chemistry and environmental responsibility

Partnership Approach

Long-term application partnerships with comprehensive technical and regulatory support services