SODIUM STEAROYL LACTYLATE

Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate (SSL) is an esterified fatty acid derived from stearic acid and lactic acid. This compound, with the chemical formula C₁₈H₃₅NaO₄, is a widely used emulsifier, stabilizer, and surfactant in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It is known for its ability to improve the texture and stability of emulsions, enhance the shelf life of products, and improve their sensory characteristics. Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate is non-toxic, biodegradable, and safe for use in consumer products, making it a preferred ingredient in many formulations.

Applications:

1. Food Industry

• Emulsifier: Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate is widely used as an emulsifier in baked goods, dairy products, and dressings. It helps to improve the mixing of ingredients, particularly in oil-water systems, ensuring a uniform texture and preventing the separation of fats and liquids.
• Dough Conditioner: It is often used in bread and bakery products to improve dough handling properties. It enhances the volume, texture, and shelf life of baked goods, ensuring softer and fresher products.
• Fat Replacer: In low-fat food products, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate acts as a fat replacer, contributing to the desired texture and mouthfeel without adding additional fat.
• Stabilizer in Beverages: It is used in beverage formulations to maintain uniformity and prevent ingredient separation. It is particularly effective in emulsifying oil-based flavoring agents in beverages like smoothies or milkshakes.
• Anti-caking Agent: SSL is also used in powdered food products like powdered drink mixes, powdered spices, and instant soups to prevent clumping and improve free-flowing characteristics.

2. Cosmetic and Personal Care

• Emulsifier in Creams and Lotions: Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate is widely used in cosmetics as an emulsifier to create stable emulsions in creams, lotions, and body washes. It helps to bind water and oil-based ingredients, ensuring uniform texture and ease of application.
• Stabilizer in Hair Care Products: In shampoos and conditioners, it acts as a stabilizer, enhancing product texture and preventing the separation of ingredients.
• Moisturizing Agent: Due to its emollient properties, it provides a soft and smooth feel on the skin, making it ideal for moisturizing formulations.
• Thickening Agent: It contributes to the desired viscosity in cosmetic formulations, ensuring a creamy consistency in products such as sunscreens and facial creams.

3. Pharmaceutical Industry

• Tablet Disintegrant and Binder: In pharmaceutical formulations, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate is used as a disintegrant and binder in tablet formulations. It helps the tablet break down and dissolve more effectively in the body, improving drug bioavailability.
• Suspending Agent: It is used as a suspending agent in liquid pharmaceutical formulations, helping to keep insoluble ingredients evenly dispersed throughout the solution.
• Lubricant in Capsules: It serves as a lubricant in capsule manufacturing, helping to improve the flow and ease of capsule filling during production.

4. Industrial Applications

• Polymer Processing: Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate is used as a dispersing agent in polymer processing to improve the consistency of polymer-based materials.
• Surface Treatment: It is also used in the textile and paper industries for surface treatment, improving the smoothness and finish of fabrics and paper products.

5. Agricultural Industry

• Pesticide Formulations: In agriculture, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate is used as an emulsifying agent in pesticide formulations. It helps in the uniform distribution of active ingredients and improves the stability of pesticide emulsions, enhancing their effectiveness.

Safety Guidelines:

1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
   • Wear gloves and protective clothing when handling Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate to avoid skin contact, especially in its powder form.
   • Use safety goggles to protect the eyes from any splashes or dust.
   • Wear a respirator or dust mask if handling large quantities of powder to avoid inhalation of dust particles.
2. Storage:
   • Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.
   • Ensure containers are tightly sealed to prevent contamination and degradation of the product.
   • Avoid storing with strong acids or bases, which may react with Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate and alter its properties.
3. First Aid:
   • Inhalation: Move the affected person to fresh air immediately. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
   • Skin Contact: Wash with plenty of soap and water. If irritation occurs, seek medical advice.
   • Eye Contact: Rinse eyes immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. If irritation persists, consult a doctor.
   • Ingestion: If ingested, rinse the mouth with water. Seek medical attention if a significant amount is swallowed.
4. Disposal:
   • Dispose of Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate according to local regulations. It is biodegradable but should be disposed of responsibly to prevent environmental contamination.