Sodium stearoyl lactate (and the similar calcium stearoyl lactate) is made by combining lactic acid and stearic acid, and then reacting the result with sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide to make the sodium or calcium salt. It is used as an emulsifier in processed foods.

Replacing the lactic acid with fumaric acid gives sodium steroyl fumarate, a compound with same uses as the other two.

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