As global demand for non-ionic emulsifiers continues to rise across food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial sectors, Sorbitan Monooleate has become an increasingly important product for procurement teams and formulation specialists alike. Also known as Span 80, this lipophilic emulsifier plays a critical role in stabilizing water-in-oil emulsions, and its versatility has made it a staple ingredient in countless formulations worldwide. For buyers seeking a reliable Sorbitan Monooleate supplier, understanding the key specifications, application areas, and quality parameters of this product is essential for making informed purchasing decisions.
Sorbitan Monooleate is a non-ionic surfactant derived from sorbitol and oleic acid, with a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value of approximately 4.3. This low HLB value makes it particularly effective for creating water-in-oil emulsions, where the oil phase forms the continuous medium. The product typically appears as a pale yellow to amber viscous liquid or soft solid at room temperature, depending on the specific grade and purity level. Its chemical identity is defined by CAS number 1338-43-8, and it is widely available in both food-grade and industrial-grade specifications to meet different regulatory and application requirements.
One of the primary reasons manufacturers seek Sorbitan Monooleate is its exceptional emulsifying capability. When combined with its ethoxylated counterpart, Polysorbate 80, it forms a highly stable emulsifier system capable of producing emulsions with excellent shelf life and temperature stability. This synergistic effect is widely utilized in the food industry for products such as ice cream, whipped toppings, salad dressings, and baked goods, where consistent texture and long-term stability are critical. In these applications, food-grade Sorbitan Monooleate helps prevent fat separation, improves aeration, and extends product shelf life without affecting taste or appearance.
In the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, Sorbitan Monooleate serves as a key excipient in topical creams, lotions, ointments, and injectable formulations. Its ability to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions makes it valuable for products requiring a rich, occlusive feel, such as skin creams and sunscreens. For pharmaceutical manufacturers, the availability of Sorbitan Monooleate with documented compliance to pharmacopoeial standards such as USP, EP, or BP is essential. Buyers should verify that their Sorbitan Monooleate supplier can provide a certificate of analysis confirming conformity to these standards, along with a safety data sheet and, where applicable, a food-grade or kosher/halal certification.
Beyond food and personal care, Sorbitan Monooleate finds extensive use in industrial applications including metalworking fluids, textile lubricants, agrochemical formulations, and oilfield chemicals. In these sectors, the product functions as an emulsifier, dispersant, or corrosion inhibitor, helping to improve product performance and stability under demanding conditions. Industrial-grade Sorbitan Monooleate is typically available at more competitive price points than food-grade or pharmaceutical-grade material, and buyers should ensure that the grade selected matches the intended application to avoid unnecessary cost premiums.
For procurement professionals evaluating Sorbitan Monooleate price and availability, several quality considerations deserve attention. The product should be tested for acid value, saponification value, hydroxyl value, and moisture content, as these parameters directly influence emulsification performance and formulation stability. Appearance, color, and odor should also be checked, particularly for food and cosmetic applications where sensory characteristics matter. Reputable suppliers provide batch-specific certificates of analysis and maintain consistent production processes to ensure batch-to-batch reproducibility. For bulk Sorbitan Monooleate orders, packaging options typically include 25 kg drums, 200 kg drums, and 1,000 kg IBC containers, with bulk quantities available for large-scale manufacturers.
As a professional Sorbitan Monooleate supplier, INNO provides stable quality products with full documentation support, competitive pricing for bulk orders, and technical guidance to help customers select the right grade for their specific application. Whether you require food-grade Sorbitan Monooleate for a new product development project or industrial-grade material for ongoing production, our team is ready to assist with samples, specifications, and customized supply arrangements. For more information or to request a quotation, please contact our sales team.
