Rate My SPF

Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate

What Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate is & what it does

A naturally derived emulsifier that creates mild, stable creams resembling skin lipids while conditioning the surface. It gives a soft, smooth feel.

What does Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate do in cosmetics?

Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate is commonly used as an emulsifier and skin conditioning agent, helping oil and water stay blended in creams and lotions. It can also give a product a smooth, pleasant texture. It is made from stearic acid and lactic acid components.

Is Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate safe for skin?

Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate is widely used in cosmetics and food and is generally considered well tolerated on skin. It functions mainly as a formulation aid rather than an active ingredient. Sensitivity is uncommon, but a patch test is reasonable for very reactive skin.

Is Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate natural or synthetic?

Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate is a synthetic ingredient, though it is made from naturally sourced building blocks such as stearic acid and lactic acid. The raw materials may be plant-derived. Checking with the brand can confirm whether a given grade is suitable for vegan products.

Sunscreens with Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate

We rate 62 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

← All ingredients