Sorbitan Palmitate is a non-ionic sorbitan fatty acid ester derived from sorbitol and palmitic acid. It is primarily used as an emulsifier, surfactant and formulation stabilizer in cosmetic and personal-care products.
Sorbitan Palmitate helps support the formation and stability of suitable emulsions by assisting the interaction between oil and water phases. It can contribute to formulation consistency, dispersion and texture and is particularly useful in systems where a lipophilic emulsifying ingredient is required.
Sorbitan Palmitate is also known as Sorbitan Monopalmitate and is commonly associated with Span 40. It has the INCI name Sorbitan Palmitate and CAS Number 26266-57-9.
It can be evaluated in creams, lotions, moisturizers, cleansing products, makeup, body-care formulations and other personal-care systems, depending on the formulation requirements and selected grade.
Sorbitan Palmitate is a fatty acid ester of sorbitan formed using palmitic acid. It belongs to the family of sorbitan fatty acid esters.
The ingredient provides lipophilic emulsifying characteristics and can be combined with other emulsifiers to develop stable cosmetic formulations.
Key characteristics include:
The EU cosmetic ingredient inventory identifies Sorbitan Palmitate as an emulsifying ingredient.
Sorbitan Palmitate consists of a sorbitan structure esterified with palmitic acid. Palmitic acid is a saturated C16 fatty acid.
The combination produces an amphiphilic material with a predominantly lipophilic character, allowing it to function effectively in selected emulsion systems.
Important characteristics include:
ECHA identifies Sorbitan Palmitate with CAS 26266-57-9, EC 247-568-8 and molecular formula C₂₂H₄₂O₆.
Sorbitan Palmitate is primarily used as an emulsifying ingredient.
It can help support:
Its performance depends on the overall formulation, oil phase, aqueous phase, emulsifier combination, concentration and processing conditions.
Sorbitan Palmitate can be combined with other emulsifying ingredients to develop suitable cosmetic emulsion systems.
It may contribute to:
It is often evaluated as part of a complete emulsifier system rather than as the only emulsifying ingredient.
Sorbitan Palmitate can be evaluated in suitable creams and lotions.
Potential applications include:
It can support the physical structure and consistency of the finished formulation.
Sorbitan Palmitate can be incorporated into suitable skincare formulations where emulsification and formulation stability are required.
Potential applications include:
The final sensory and structural properties depend on the complete formulation.
Sorbitan Palmitate can be evaluated in selected emulsion-based color cosmetic formulations.
Potential applications include:
It can support emulsion structure and distribution of suitable oil-phase components.
Sorbitan Palmitate can be evaluated in selected cleansing formulations.
Potential applications include:
Its role depends on the overall formulation and the combination of other surfactants and emulsifiers.
Sorbitan Palmitate has surfactant properties and can reduce interfacial tension between compatible phases.
This functionality can support:
The European cosmetic ingredient inventory identifies its cosmetic function as emulsifying, while JECFA identifies Sorbitan Monopalmitate as an emulsifier.
Sorbitan Palmitate is a relatively lipophilic sorbitan ester. Commercial references commonly associate Sorbitan Palmitate with an HLB value around 6.7, although the exact value can vary according to the commercial grade and measurement methodology.
Because of its lipophilic character, it can be useful in formulations requiring a suitable low-HLB emulsifier or as part of a blended emulsifier system.
Important parameters when working with Sorbitan Palmitate include:
Commercial specifications may vary according to manufacturing process and grade.
Sorbitan Palmitate is generally handled as a solid or flake material and may require heating during processing.
Typical processing considerations include:
The exact processing temperature should be established according to the melting characteristics of the actual commercial grade.
Sorbitan Palmitate is a cosmetic raw material used primarily for emulsification and formulation stabilization.
Manufacturers and formulators can evaluate the material based on:
Sorbitan Palmitate suppliers can provide the ingredient for different cosmetic and personal-care formulation requirements.
Supplier evaluation may include:
Sorbitan Palmitate can be supplied as a cosmetic raw material for:
For bulk procurement, the required grade and technical specification should be clearly defined.
Important procurement parameters include:
Sorbitan Palmitate is a non-ionic sorbitan fatty acid ester derived from sorbitan and palmitic acid. It is primarily used as an emulsifier and surfactant in suitable cosmetic formulations.
The INCI name is Sorbitan Palmitate.
The commonly assigned CAS Number is 26266-57-9.
The molecular formula for Sorbitan Palmitate is C₂₂H₄₂O₆.
It is primarily used as an emulsifier and surfactant in suitable cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
Yes. It can be evaluated in suitable creams, lotions, moisturizers and other emulsion-based formulations.
Yes. It can be evaluated in selected emulsion-based makeup and color cosmetic formulations.
Sorbitan Palmitate has limited water compatibility and is generally incorporated into the appropriate formulation phase rather than being treated as a simple water-soluble ingredient.
Span 40 is a common commercial designation associated with Sorbitan Palmitate / Sorbitan Monopalmitate.
No. Sorbitan Palmitate and Polysorbate 40 are different sorbitan-based ingredients. Polysorbate 40 is a polyoxyethylene sorbitan ester, whereas Sorbitan Palmitate is the non-ethoxylated sorbitan ester.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Pale yellow to cream-colored / off-white |