Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate (SSL)

Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate — SSL for short — is a lovely, naturally-derived emulsifier that makes beautifully soft, cushiony creams and lotions.

INCI: Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate

What it does: brings oil and water together into stable, rich lotions and creams, with a soft, powdery skin-feel.

What to make with it: oil-in-water creams and lotions, often paired with a co-emulsifier like cetearyl alcohol.

Good to know:

• Typical usage: around 1–4%
• Derived from stearic acid and lactic acid
• Melt into the oil phase; pairs well with fatty alcohols for body