What Is Sodium lauroyl lactylate?
Sodium lauroyl lactylate is a chemical that is added to cosmetics to help mix oil and water-based ingredients together. It works as a surfactant, which means it helps to break down the surface tension of liquids and allows them to mix more easily. Sodium lauroyl lactylate also acts as an emulsifier, which means it helps keep ingredients from separating over time. In simple terms, it makes sure all the different ingredients in your cosmetic product stay mixed together consistently while you use it.
What is the purpose of Sodium lauroyl lactylate in personal care products?
It is used for its surfactant emulsifying
characteristics.
Sodium lauroyl lactylate helps mix liquids that don't usually mix.
Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium 2-(1-carboxylatoethoxy)-1-methyl-2-oxoethyl laurate, Sodium 2-{[2-(dodecanoyloxy)propanoyl]oxy}propanoate, and "Dodecanoic acid, 2-(1-carboxyethoxy)-1-methyl-2-oxoethyl ester, sodium salt (1:1)".
What Are Surfactant Emulsifying Ingredients?
Sodium lauroyl lactylate has surfactant emulsifying characteristics.
Surfactant emulsifying ingredients helps mix two liquids that do not usually mix well by reducing the surface tension of the ingredients. The emulsification process involves suspending or dispersing one liquid in a second liquid, such as oil in water or vice versa. However, these two liquids have different properties that cause them to repel each other and not mix. This is where surfactants come in, as they can reduce the liquids' surface tension and allow them to mix.
Surfactants have two ends: a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail. When added to two liquids that do not mix well, the hydrophilic head attaches to the water-based liquid, while the hydrophobic tail attaches to the oil-based liquid. This creates a stable mixture of the two liquids and allows for a smooth and even distribution of ingredients in the cosmetic product.
Safety
Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.