What Is Calcium Stearoyl Lactylate?
Calcium stearoyl lactylate is a calcium salt made from lactic acid, stearic acid and modest amounts of palmitic acid, forming a waxy powder that blends readily with both oil and water. The lactic acid component comes from fermenting plant sugars while stearic acid is usually sourced from vegetable oils, so the ingredient is considered plant derived. First patented for food use in the 1950s, it entered the personal care world when formulators noticed its ability to keep oil and water mixed without a soapy feel.
The manufacturing process starts with lactic acid reacting with fatty acids to form sodium stearoyl lactylate. This intermediate is then treated with calcium salts, replacing the sodium with calcium and giving the final material greater stability in varying pH ranges. After purification and drying, the finished powder is ready for creams, lotions and cleansers.
You will most often spot calcium stearoyl lactylate in wash-off cleansers, facial masks, day and night creams, lightweight moisturizers, hair conditioners and some tinted skin products that need a smooth, even texture.
Calcium Stearoyl Lactylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient earns its place in formulas thanks to two main jobs
- Cleansing: Its mild surfactant nature helps lift away dirt, excess oil and makeup without stripping the skin’s natural barrier, leading to a soft refreshed feel after rinsing
- Emulsifying: It binds water and oil into a stable emulsion so creams stay smooth, don’t separate on the shelf and spread evenly on skin, improving both performance and shelf life
Who Can Use Calcium Stearoyl Lactylate
Thanks to its gentle profile, calcium stearoyl lactylate is generally well tolerated by dry, oily, combination and even sensitive skin. It does not clog pores and its mild cleansing action makes it less likely to disrupt the skin barrier, so most people can use it without issue. Extremely reactive skin that flares up with any new ingredient should still proceed cautiously because, while rare, the lactic acid portion could trigger mild irritation in those who cannot handle alpha hydroxy compounds.
The material is typically sourced from plant-derived lactic and fatty acids, making it a vegan- and vegetarian-friendly choice. Anyone following a strict plant-only lifestyle should still verify that the brand uses vegetable rather than animal fat–derived stearic acid but in modern cosmetics this is the norm.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically at the low levels found in skincare. This is not medical advice, and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run any product past a qualified healthcare provider to be safe.
Calcium stearoyl lactylate does not cause photosensitivity, so there is no extra need for daytime sun protection beyond the usual recommendation to use sunscreen daily. It is also odorless, so it will not clash with fragrance-free routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient can vary from person to person. The issues listed below are possible outcomes, not the typical experience, and most users will never encounter them when products are formulated and used correctly.
- Irritation or redness in very sensitive or compromised skin
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to lactic or fatty acid derivatives
- Eye stinging if a cleanser containing the ingredient accidentally gets into the eyes
- Breakouts in extremely acne-prone skin if the overall formula is too rich or occlusive for that user
If any uncomfortable reaction develops stop using the product and consult a medical professional if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Calcium stearoyl lactylate is largely non-occlusive and used at low concentrations, so it rarely blocks pores. While it contains fatty acid chains, the calcium salt and lactylate portions reduce the likelihood that it will solidify on skin or build up inside follicles, keeping the clogging risk minimal.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most cases.
Because the overall formula also affects pore clogging, look at the entire ingredient list rather than judging by this single component alone.
Summary
Calcium stearoyl lactylate acts as a gentle cleanser and a dependable emulsifier. Its surfactant side loosens grime so it rinses away easily while its emulsifying side locks oil and water together, keeping creams stable and silky.
Although not a headline-grabbing star, it appears in a steady stream of cleansers, lotions and hair products because formulators value its reliability, plant-derived source and skin-friendly feel.
Safety data rate it low risk with only rare irritation reports, making it appropriate for most skin types. As with any new skincare ingredient, do a quick patch test when trying a fresh product to be cautious.