Stearyl Lactate

Other names: Octadecyl 2-hydroxypropanoate, Octadecyl lactate

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Stearyl lactate is a chemical substance that finds wide application in industry under other names such as Octadecyl 2-hydroxypropanoate or Octadecyl lactate. It is an ester of lactic acid and stearyl alcohol, which is formed by the reaction of these two substances. Although the chemical name may be intimidating to some people, it is actually a common ingredient in many products we encounter in everyday life.

Most commonly, Stearyl lactate is used as an emulsifier for its ability to bind water and oil together, ensuring the homogeneity of the final product. It is therefore widely used in the cosmetics industry, where it is a component of shampoos, conditioners, body creams, make-up and other body and hair care products. It can also be found in the food industry where it is added to baked goods, confectionery, beverages and other foods as a stabilizer, quality improver and shelf-life extender. It is also suitable for baked goods and pasta, as it can improve their quality by retaining moisture and giving a soft consistency. According to some sources, Stearyl lactate is also a component of some medicines and pharmaceutical products. It is important to mention that although it is a chemical substance, it is considered safe for normal use.