Top 10 Companies in the Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate Market (2025): Leading Innovators in Food and Cosmetic Ingredients

In Business Insights
November 02, 2025


The Global Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate Market was valued at USD 245.8 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 345.2 Million by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.8% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This growth is being driven by increasing demand for processed foods, clean-label ingredients, and multifunctional emulsifiers across bakery, pharmaceutical, and personal care sectors worldwide.

As the food and cosmetic industries transition toward natural, sustainable, and efficient additive solutions, the focus shifts to key manufacturers driving innovation in emulsification, texture enhancement, and shelf-life extension. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate Industry—a mix of chemical giants, specialty ingredient suppliers, and sustainable innovators shaping the future of SSL applications.


🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Emulgade® and other SSL grades for bakery, dairy, and cosmetic formulations

BASF is a global leader in chemical solutions, offering high-purity Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate for multiple industries. Their food ingredients division provides SSL for dough conditioning, crumb softening, and volume improvement in baked goods.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of bio-based SSL variants

  • Partnerships with global food manufacturers for custom solutions

  • Commitment to carbon-neutral production by 2050

Download FREE Sample Report: Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. Cargill, Incorporated

Headquarters: Wayzata, Minnesota, USA
Key Offering: Premium SSL powders for bakery, dairy, and convenience foods

Cargill is one of the world’s largest food ingredient suppliers, with a diverse portfolio that includes specialized SSL products. Their global distribution network ensures consistent supply to food manufacturers worldwide.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Investments in clean-label and non-GMO SSL solutions

  • Partnerships with farmers for sustainable raw material sourcing


8️⃣ 3. Croda International Plc

Headquarters: Snaith, United Kingdom
Key Offering: High-purity SSL for pharmaceutical and personal care applications

Croda specializes in high-performance ingredients for demanding applications. Their SSL products are known for consistent quality and performance in both food and cosmetic formulations.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Focus on pharmaceutical-grade SSL for tablet coatings and drug delivery systems

  • Development of SSL-based delivery systems for active ingredients


7️⃣ 4. Kerry Group

Headquarters: Tralee, Ireland
Key Offering: Tasteless and odorless SSL for sensitive food applications

Kerry’s extensive R&D capabilities allow for customized SSL solutions tailored to specific customer needs across multiple industries.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Expansion of SSL production capacity in Asia-Pacific

  • Clean-label SSL development for natural and organic product lines

Download FREE Sample Report: Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. The Lubrizol Corporation

Headquarters: Wickliffe, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: SSL powders and custom blends for cosmetic and personal care products

Lubrizol offers specialized SSL grades for emulsification, stabilization, and texture modification in skincare, haircare, and color cosmetics.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of multifunctional SSL for hot-process emulsions

  • Technical support for formulators in optimizing SSL performance


5️⃣ 6. Stepan Company

Headquarters: Northfield, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: Food-grade and cosmetic-grade SSL with varying HLB values

Stepan Company has been a trusted supplier of SSL for over 50 years, serving global markets with consistent quality and technical expertise.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Expansion of SSL applications in plant-based meat alternatives

  • Sustainable sourcing initiatives for SSL raw materials


4️⃣ 7. Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: Specialty SSL grades for Asian bakery and confectionery markets

Nikko Chemicals specializes in high-performance SSL for demanding cosmetic applications where texture and stability are critical.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of temperature-stable SSL for hot-filled products

  • Customization of SSL properties for specific regional preferences


3️⃣ 8. Palsgaard A/S

Headquarters: Juelsminde, Denmark
Key Offering: SSL emulsifiers for margarine, shortening, and whipped toppings

Palsgaard focuses on SSL solutions that enable manufacturers to reduce or eliminate other additives while maintaining product quality.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Investment in renewable energy for SSL production facilities

  • Development of “next-generation” SSL with improved functionality at lower usage levels


2️⃣ 9. Riken Vitamin Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: High-purity SSL for pharmaceutical tableting and nutritional supplements

Riken Vitamin has expertise in developing SSL for specific applications where purity and consistency are paramount.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Focus on SSL for functional foods and nutraceuticals

  • Quality control systems ensuring batch-to-batch consistency for sensitive applications


1️⃣ 10. Tate & Lyle Plc

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
Key Offering: Food-grade SSL with improved dispersibility and hydration properties.

Tate & Lyle leverages its extensive experience in carbohydrate chemistry to develop specialized SSL products with enhanced functionality.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of reduced-sodium SSL options

  • Sustainable sourcing programs for SSL raw materials

Get Full Report Here: Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate is Multifunctional and Clean-Label

The SSL market is experiencing significant transformation as consumer preferences shift toward natural, minimally processed foods and cosmetics. The industry is investing heavily in bio-based alternatives, improved functionality, and sustainable production methods to meet evolving market demands.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Rising demand for clean-label emulsifiers in bakery and convenience foods

  • Increasing SSL applications in plant-based and alternative protein products

  • Expansion of pharmaceutical-grade SSL for advanced drug delivery systems

  • Growing adoption of SSL in natural and organic cosmetic formulations

Get Full Report Here: Sodium Stearoyl-2-Lactylate Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying global food and cosmetic industries—they’re pioneering the next generation of multifunctional food additives.