emulsifier

Span 40

INCI: Sorbitan Palmitate

What is it?

Span 40 is made by dehydrating sorbitol into a ring-shaped molecule called sorbitan, then esterifying it with palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid. 'Span' was originally a trademark, but the numbering system is now used industry-wide as the standard generic way formulators refer to this whole family of sorbitan-est...

How is it used?

Melt it into the oil phase along with other waxy oil-phase ingredients before combining with the water phase. For HLB blending, pair it with a matching Tween using a weighted average: multiply each emulsifier's HLB by its share of the total blend, then add the two results together to get your blend's overall HLB.

Forms

Available forms and grades affect how this ingredient behaves and how it should be selected for a formula.

Appearance

Color, texture, and physical characteristics can vary between suppliers and product grades.

Usage rate

Recommended incorporation levels depend on product type, supplier guidance, and the intended result.

Why we use it

Formulators choose this ingredient for specific performance, sensory, and stability benefits.

Strengths and limitations

Its advantages, compatibility considerations, and practical tradeoffs should be weighed during development.

Alternatives and substitutions

Possible replacements depend on the ingredient's role, desired skin feel, and formulation system.

Storage and shelf life

Appropriate storage conditions help protect quality and performance throughout the ingredient's usable life.

Span 40

What is it?

How is it used?

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