Tween 80 VS. Span 80: What is the Difference

Date:2024-10-18

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Tween 80 and Span 80 are two commonly used nonionic surfactants, often found in a wide range of applications, from food and cosmetic to pharmaceuticals and industrial processes. Despite their similar names, these two emulsifiers differ in structure, function, and applications. Understanding the differences between Tween 80 and Span 80 can help manufacturers and formulators choose the right emulsifier for their specific needs.

This article will discover the key differences between Tween 80 and Span 80, including their chemical structures, functionality, and common uses in various industries.

What are Tween 80 and Span 80?

Both Tween 80 and Span 80 are derived from sorbitan, a natural compound found in many plants. However, they differ in the nature of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups attached to the sorbitan backbone.

What are Tween 80? Tween 80, also known as Polysorbate 80, is a non-ionic surfactant widely used as an emulsifier in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Its primary role is to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions, meaning it helps mix and maintain oils in water-based solutions.

What are Span 80? Span 80, or Sorbitan Monooleate, is also a non-ionic surfactant but primarily stabilizes water-in-oil emulsions. This means it helps water stay dispersed in oil-based systems. Span 80 is commonly used in industrial applications such as lubricants, coatings, and even certain food formulations.

Chemical Structure and Properties

The fundamental difference between Tween 80 and Span 80 lies in their chemical structure, which determines their behavior in emulsifying systems.

Tween 80 (Polysorbate 80): Tween 80 is a derivative of sorbitol and oleic acid, with polyoxyethylene chains attached. These polyoxyethylene chains make Tween 80 hydrophilic (water-attracting), which is why it is effective at stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions. Its chemical structure allows it to interact with both the oil and water phases, reducing surface tension and promoting emulsion stability.

Span 80 (Sorbitan Monooleate): Span 80, on the other hand, is a simpler molecule made from sorbitol and oleic acid but without the polyoxyethylene chains. This structure makes Span 80 more hydrophobic (water-repelling) and better suited for stabilizing water-in-oil emulsions. Span 80’s structure is more lipid-soluble, which explains its preference for dispersing water droplets in an oil matrix.

Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) Values

One of the key indicators of how emulsifiers function is their Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance (HLB) value. The HLB system helps formulators choose the right emulsifier based on whether they need to create an oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsion.

Tween 80 has an HLB value of around 15, which makes it highly hydrophilic and ideal for stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions. Its high HLB value means it favors dissolving in water, helping oils remain suspended in aqueous systems.

Span 80 has a much lower HLB value of around 4.3, which makes it more lipophilic and suitable for water-in-oil emulsions. Its low HLB value means it dissolves more easily in oils, making it ideal for dispersing water droplets in oil-based systems.

Applications of Tween 80 and Span 80

Although both Tween 80 and Span 80 are emulsifiers, their different chemical properties mean they are used in distinct applications.

Food industry: Tween 80 is extensively used in the food industry as a stabilizer in various products. It helps stabilize emulsions in salad dressings, sauces, ice creams, and other dairy products. It also improves the texture and consistency of foods, preventing the separation of ingredients. While Span 80 is less commonly used in food than Tween 80, it is still applied in certain margarine and shortening formulations where water needs to be dispersed within an oil phase.

polysorbate 80 emulsifier prices.

Cosmetics and Personal Care: Tween 80 is commonly found in skincare products, lotions, and shampoos, where it helps blend oil and water-based ingredients to create smooth, stable formulations. Span 80 is used in certain cosmetic products where a water-in-oil emulsion is needed, such as in heavy creams and ointments.

Pharmaceuticals: Tween 80 is used in the pharmaceutical industry as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and stabilizer for drug delivery systems. Span 80 is also used in pharmaceutical formulations, especially in products designed for topical application.

Industrial Applications: Both surfactants are used in various industrial applications, including textile processing, metalworking, and agricultural chemicals.

Key Differences Between Tween 80 and Span 80

Emulsion Type:
Tween 80 is ideal for oil-in-water emulsions, where oil is dispersed in a water phase.
Span 80 is used for water-in-oil emulsions, where water is dispersed in an oil phase.

Chemical Structure:
Tween 80 has polyoxyethylene chains, making it hydrophilic and suitable for water-based systems.
Span 80 lacks these chains, making it more hydrophobic and suited for oil-based systems.

HLB Value:
Tween 80 has a high HLB value (~15), favoring its use in oil-in-water emulsions.
Span 80 has a low HLB value (~4.3), making it suitable for water-in-oil emulsions.

Applications:
Tween 80 is used in a wider range of applications, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
Span 80 is more common in industrial applications and certain specialized food formulations.

How to Choose the Right Emulsifier for Your Application?

When deciding between Tween 80 and Span 80, it’s essential to consider the type of emulsion you need to stabilize. If your product requires an oil-in-water emulsion, such as in sauces, dressings, or cosmetic lotions, Tween 80 is the best choice. On the other hand, if your formulation requires a water-in-oil emulsion, such as in industrial lubricants or heavy creams, Span 80 would be more appropriate.

Additionally, consider the overall formulation, processing conditions, and desired product characteristics when selecting an emulsifier. In some cases, a blend of emulsifiers may be necessary to achieve the perfect balance of stability and texture.

Concluding Thoughts

Tween 80 and Span 80 are both valuable emulsifiers with distinct chemical properties and functionalities. While Tween 80 excels in stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions, Span 80 is better suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Understanding their differences, from chemical structure to HLB values and specific applications, can help manufacturers and formulators choose the right emulsifier for their products, whether in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or industrial formulations.

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