Span S-20 coconut acid (sorbitan coconut fatty acid ester) is a nonionic surfactant based on coconut fatty acid ester structure. Its most prominent function is excellent water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifying ability, which can build a fine and uniform microstructure in the formulation to form a stable water-in-oil emulsion system. This characteristic makes it an indispensable basic emulsifier in skincare creams, lotions, sunscreen and color cosmetics products.
The product possesses outstanding dispersion and wetting properties, which can effectively reduce interfacial tension and promote uniform dispersion of pigments, fillers and other functional components in the system. In the field of coatings and inks, it can prevent pigment flocculation and floating, significantly improving product storage stability and tinting strength; in pesticide formulations, it can enhance wetting and spreading ability of the spray liquid on crop surfaces.
Furthermore, Span S-20 coconut acid has superior compatibility stability, can withstand high concentrations of electrolytes, acidic/alkaline environments and hard water conditions, maintaining functional stability in various complex formulation systems, greatly broadening the formulation design window. In terms of safety, the acute oral toxicity of this product is classified as practically non-toxic (rat LD50 > 5 g/kg), skin irritation and eye irritation evaluations are both negative, no sensitization reaction observed, mild and skin-friendly, suitable for personal care product formulations.
| Parameter Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Span S-20 Coconut Acid (Span 20) |
| Chemical Name | Sorbitan Coconut Fatty Acid Ester (Sorbitan Monolaurate) |
| CAS No. | 1338-39-2 |
| Ion Type | Nonionic Surfactant |
| Emulsion Type | W/O (Water-in-Oil) |
| Typical Appearance | Amber Viscous Liquid |
| Raw Material Source | Renewable Resources (Coconut Acid Base) |
| Acute Oral Toxicity | Rat LD50 > 5 g/kg (Practically Non-toxic) |
| Skin Irritation | Non-irritating (PII = 0) |
| Eye Irritation | Non-irritating |
| Skin Sensitization | No Sensitization Observed |
| Hazard Classification | Non-hazardous Chemical, Non-flammable |
Span S-20 coconut acid, with its multifunctional properties, is widely used in the following areas: