Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
- Esters
- CAS 25383-99-7
- IUPAC: Sodium (2R)-2-[(octadecanoyloxy)]-propanoate
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate (CAS 25383-99-7) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.
FDA-approved food additive (E481 in the EU). No known health hazards at any concentration used in personal care or industrial products. Non-irritating, non-sensitizing.
Sodium stearoyl lactylate (SSL) is an anionic emulsifier derived from stearic acid and lactic acid. It is perhaps best known as a food-grade emulsifier used in bread and dairy products. In personal care and leather conditioning formulas it stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions and imparts a smooth skin feel.
Its food-grade status indicates a high safety profile. Readily biodegradable and low in aquatic toxicity. One of the more environmentally benign emulsifiers used in cosmetic-grade formulations.
Health & environment profile
- VOC
- no
- Prop 65 listed
- no
- Asthmagen
- no
- EPA Safer Choice
- no
- Aquatic toxicity
- no
- Biodegradable
- yes
- Bioaccumulative
- no
- Persistent
- no
- Ozone depleting
- no
- Microplastic
- no
- PFAS
- no
- Env. score
- 5/5
Common questions about Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
- What is Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate used for in car care?
- Emulsifier and conditioning agent derived from stearic acid and lactic acid
- Is Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate a VOC?
- No. Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
- Is Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate on California's Proposition 65 list?
- No. Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
- Is Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate biodegradable?
- Yes. Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate has a confirmed biodegradable profile.
1 product contain this
Griot's Garage Leather 3-in-1 SprayProp 65leather-care
Related
Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.