Sodium stearoyl lactate

Sodium stearoyl lactate (SSL) is an anionic surfactant and food-grade emulsifier registered as E481 under EU food additive regulations. It is commercially available under trade names including Emplex, Rhodimul, Lamegin SSL, and Pationic SSL, and is produced by esterifying lactic acid with stearic acid followed by sodium salt formation.

In bread and baked goods, SSL strengthens gluten networks by forming complexes with proteins, improving dough tolerance and loaf volume. In personal care formulations, it stabilises oil-in-water emulsions by reducing interfacial tension and modifies rheology to improve texture and spreadability in creams and lotions.

SSL is supplied as a white powder conforming to E481 specifications under EU Regulation 231/2012, with food-grade material also meeting FCC standards. It falls under REACH registration requirements for industrial supply within the EU. Packaging formats typically include 25 kg bags or fibre drums.