What is sodium stearoyl lactylate?

What is sodium stearoyl lactylate?

Sodium stearoyl lactylate (Stearoyl Lactylate, SSL) is a common food additive, which is widely used in food industry, cosmetics production and daily chemical products manufacturing. It is an ester substance produced by the reaction of higher fatty acids extracted from vegetable oils with lactic acid. It has a variety of functional properties, such as emulsification, stability and thickening. In this paper, the definition, physical properties, functional properties and application fields of sodium stearoyl lactylate are analyzed in detail.

1. SODIUM STAROYL LACTATE DEFINITION AND SOURCE

Sodium stearoyl lactylate is a white to light yellow powdery substance, tasteless and odorless, soluble in water and organic solvents. Its chemical structure is composed of stearic acid (a saturated 18-carbon fatty acid) and lactic acid to form esters of substances, and sodium hydroxide in the formation of sodium salt. Stearic acid is usually derived from vegetable oils, such as palm oil and coconut oil, while lactic acid is an organic acid found in dairy products. Therefore, the production process of sodium stearoyl lactylate includes three main steps: fatty acid extraction, esterification and neutralization.

2. PROPERTIES OF SODIUM STEAROYL LACTATE

As an ester, sodium stearoyl lactylate has good water solubility and emulsifying properties. Its solubility in water is low, but the solubility can be improved by heating or adding other cosolvents. Sodium stearoyl lactylate can form colloidal particles in aqueous solution. These particles have a certain emulsifying effect, which can stabilize the dispersed oil phase and prevent it from stratification or precipitation with other ingredients.

3. stearoyl lactylate

1. Emulsifying property Sodium stearoyl lactylate has excellent emulsifying properties and can disperse insoluble substances (such as fats and oils) into the aqueous phase to form a stable emulsion. This property has led to its widespread use as an emulsifier in the food industry, particularly in dairy products, ice cream and baked goods. Through emulsification, the taste and texture of the product can be improved, and the shelf life of the product can be extended.

2. Stability Sodium stearoyl lactylate can form a stable colloidal structure, thereby improving the stability of the system. In the process of food processing, it can prevent the precipitation of protein and starch and other ingredients, while inhibiting the oxidation and deterioration of fat. It also stabilizes the air bubbles in the emulsion, preventing them from bursting, thereby extending the shelf life of the product.

3. Thickening Sodium stearoyl lactylate can form a film after dissolving in water, giving the system a certain viscosity. This thickening effect allows it to be used as a thickener in cosmetics and daily chemicals, which can improve the rheological properties of the product, making it smoother and more uniform when applied.

4. sodium stearoyl lactylate main application fields

1. food industry Sodium stearoyl lactylate is most widely used in the food industry. It is often used as an emulsifier, stabilizer and thickener, and is suitable for dairy products, baked goods, meat products and beverages. For example, adding sodium stearoyl lactylate to ice cream can increase its overrun (expansion rate), making it more delicate and silky; in milk drinks, it can prevent protein precipitation and maintain the uniformity and stability of the product.

2. Cosmetics and daily chemical products In the field of cosmetics and daily chemicals, sodium stearoyl lactylate is mainly used as an emulsifier and thickener. It can help emulsify oily ingredients, form a stable emulsion structure, and at the same time increase the viscosity of the product, making it more smooth when used. For example, in facial cleansers and creams, sodium stearoyl lactylate can improve the texture of the product, making it easier to apply and absorb.

3. Pharmaceutical and Industrial Applications Sodium stearoyl lactylate is also used in medicine and industry. In the field of medicine, it can be used as a binder and disintegrant for tablets and capsules to help better dispersion and absorption of drugs. In industrial applications, it can be used as an emulsifier and dispersant for applications such as coatings, inks and plastics processing.

5. Future Outlook

With the progress of science and technology and the increasing demand for health food and high quality cosmetics, the application prospect of sodium stearoyl lactylate will be broader. In the future, researchers may further develop its application in functional foods and personalized cosmetics, such as the development of healthier and more environmentally friendly food and daily chemical products by adding sodium stearoyl lactylate.

As a multifunctional additive, sodium stearoyl lactylate plays an important role in the fields of food, cosmetics and medicine. Its emulsifying, stability and thickening properties make it ideal for many products. With the continuous advancement of technology, the application scope and functions of sodium stearoyl lactylate will be further expanded, bringing more convenience and comfort to people's lives.