Emulsifier Ingredients

We've indexed 117 emulsifier ingredients. Of those, 27 confirmed vegan, 3 non-vegan, 87 that depend on the source. Use this hub to look up any emulsifier on a label and find vegan alternatives where needed.

What are emulsifier ingredients?

Emulsifiers help oil and water mix smoothly in foods like ice cream, margarine, and baked goods. Many emulsifiers are plant-derived (lecithin from soy or sunflower), but some — like mono- and diglycerides — can be sourced from either plant or animal fats.

Emulsifier at a glance

Non-vegan emulsifier ingredients to avoid

Commonly found in

MargarineCake mixesBaked goodsCosmeticsIce creamWhipped toppingsCreamsChocolate barsChewing gumLotionsProcessed foodsWhipping creams

All emulsifier ingredients (117)

Acetic Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides

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An emulsifier used to stabilize fats in cakes and whipped toppings.

Acetic Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides

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An emulsifier used to improve the aeration and stability of fats in cakes and whipped toppings.

Ammonium Phosphatides

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An emulsifier used primarily in the chocolate industry to control the flow and thickness of molten chocolate.

Ammonium Phosphatides

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An emulsifier used primarily in the chocolate industry.

Arachidyl Glucoside

Vegan

A mild, plant-based emulsifier often paired with arachidyl alcohol.

C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside

Vegan

A plant-based emulsifier.

Calcium Stearate

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A salt of stearic acid and calcium, used as a lubricant and anti-caking agent in foods and cosmetics.

Calcium Stearoyl Fumarate

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A dough conditioner.

Calcium Stearoyl Lactylate

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A dough conditioner very similar to SSL, used to strengthen bread.

Calcium Stearoyl Lactylate

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A versatile food additive used as a dough conditioner to strengthen bread and make it softer.

Calcium Stearoyl Lactylate

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A dough conditioner.

Calcium Stearoyl-2-lactylate

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A versatile food additive used as an emulsifier and dough strengthener in commercial baking.

Ceteareth-20

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A high-performance emulsifier used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions in cosmetics.

Ceteareth-25

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An emulsifier and thickener.

Cetearyl Glucoside

Vegan

A self-emulsifying cream base naturally derived from coconut and corn.

Cetearyl Olivate

Vegan

An emulsifier derived from olive oil, often paired with sorbitan olivate (Olivem 1000).

Cetearyl Olivate

Vegan

A plant-based emulsifier from olive oil.

Cetyl Alcohol

Vegan

A fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener in cosmetics. It is not 'drying' like regular alcohol.

Citric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides

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An emulsifier and antioxidant synergistic used to prevent oils from separating and fats from going rancid.

Citric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides

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An emulsifier used to prevent oils from separating and fats from going rancid.

DATEM (E472e)

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An emulsifier primarily used in baking as a dough conditioner to strengthen gluten networks, increase loaf volume, and create a uniform crumb.

Disodium Phosphate

Vegan

A sodium salt of phosphoric acid used as an anti-caking agent and emulsifier.

E422 (Glycerol / Glycerin)

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A sweet, syrupy liquid used as a humectant in foods and cosmetics.

E471 (Mono- and diglycerides)

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A common emulsifier used in baked goods, ice cream, and margarine.

E481 (Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate)

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An emulsifier used to improve the texture of baked goods.

Ethoxylated Mono- and Diglycerides

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An emulsifier.

Glycerol Esters of Wood Rosins

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A food additive used as an emulsifier and to keep essential oils in suspension.

Glycerol Monostearate

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An organic molecule used as an emulsifier, thickening agent, and anti-staling agent in food. It is produced from glycerol and stearic acid to improve food texture and blend oil-and-water components.

Glyceryl Stearate Citrate

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A popular emulsifier used in natural and vegan cosmetics to create stable oil-in-water emulsions.

Glyceryl Stearate SE

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A 'self-emulsifying' version of glyceryl stearate that contains a small amount of sodium or potassium stearate.

Gum Arabic (E414)

Vegan

A natural gum made from the hardened sap of two species of the Vachellia (Acacia) tree. It is used as a stabilizer, emulsifier, and thickening agent in food and beverages.

Lactic Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides

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An emulsifier used to improve the aeration and stability of whipped products and cakes.

Lactic Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides

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An emulsifier used to improve the stability of whipped products.

Laneth-10

Not Vegan

A polyethylene glycol ether of lanolin alcohol used as an emulsifier.

Laureth-4

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A surfactant and emulsifier.

Lecithin

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A highly effective emulsifier that prevents fats and waters from separating, crucial for the smooth texture of chocolate.

Lysolecithin

Vegan

A form of lecithin with powerful emulsifying properties.

Magnesium Stearate

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A magnesium salt of stearic acid used primarily as a lubricant in the production of tablets and capsules.

Methyl Glucoside-Coconut Oil Ester

Vegan

An emulsifier.

Mixed Acetic and Tartaric Acid Esters

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An emulsifier used in dough conditioning.

Mono- and Diglycerides of Fatty Acids

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A highly common emulsifier used to blend ingredients that normally separate, like oil and water, improving texture and shelf life.

Myristic Acid

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A common saturated fatty acid used in soaps, cosmetics, and as a food flavoring agent.

Oxidised Soya Bean Oil

Vegan

An emulsifier used to keep oil and water mixed in frying oils.

Palmitic Acid

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One of the most common saturated fatty acids, used as an emollient and emulsifier in cosmetics, and an additive in foods.

PEG-40 Stearate

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A cleansing agent and emulsifier in cosmetics.

Polyglycerol Esters of Fatty Acids

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An emulsifier that helps create stable structures in sponges and cakes.

Polyglycerol Esters of Fatty Acids

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An emulsifier that helps create a stable sponge structure in cakes and prevents oil separation in fats.

Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate

Vegan

An emulsifier used in chocolate to reduce cocoa butter costs.

Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate (PGPR)

Vegan

An emulsifier primarily used in the chocolate industry to improve flow properties and reduce the amount of expensive cocoa butter needed.

Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate

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An emulsifier used for water-in-oil formulations.

Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate

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A high-performance plant-based emulsifier for stable creams.

Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate

Vegan

A natural, cold-process emulsifier used to make bath oils turn into milk upon contact with water.

Polyoxyethylene (40) Stearate

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An emulsifier and stabilizer used in food and cosmetics.

Polyphosphates

Vegan

A class of synthetic mineral salts used as emulsifiers and stabilizers.

Polysorbate 20

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A surfactant and emulsifier used to dissolve essential oils into water-based products.

Polysorbate 20

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A surfactant and emulsifier used to dissolve essential oils into water-based products.

Polysorbate 40

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An emulsifier used to stabilize oils and waters.

Polysorbate 60

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A synthetic emulsifier that helps oil and water mix, heavily used in baked goods to increase volume and softness.

Polysorbate 65

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An emulsifier used in ice cream and baked goods.

Polysorbate 80

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A very common synthetic emulsifier used to keep ice cream smooth and to dissolve essential oils into liquids.

Polysorbate 80

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A synthetic emulsifier used in vaccines and liquid medicines.

Polysorbate 80 (E433)

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An emulsifier and solubilizer used to blend oil and water-based ingredients, preventing separation in foods like ice cream and salad dressings.

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate

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An emulsifier commonly used in sunscreens to boost water resistance.

Potassium Polyphosphate

Vegan

A chemical compound used as a thickening agent and emulsifier.

Potassium Polyphosphates

Vegan

A mixture of potassium salts used as an emulsifier and thickener.

Propane-1,2-diol Esters of Fatty Acids

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An emulsifier used primarily in cake mixes to help the batter rise and maintain a fine, airy texture.

Propane-1,2-diol Esters of Fatty Acids

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An emulsifier used primarily in cake mixes and specialty food processing.

Propylene Glycol Esters of Fatty Acids

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An emulsifier used in cake mixes.

Sodium Caseinate

Not Vegan

A food additive derived from casein, the main protein found in milk. It is used in processed foods as an emulsifier, thickener, and texturizer to improve mouthfeel and stability.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (E487)

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A surfactant occasionally used as a whipping agent in food.

Sodium Phosphates

Vegan

Mineral salts used as emulsifiers and thickeners.

Sodium Polyphosphate

Vegan

A synthetic mineral salt used as a stabilizer, emulsifier, and thickener.

Sodium Stearate

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The sodium salt of stearic acid, most commonly known as the major component of traditional bar soaps.

Sodium Stearoyl Fumarate

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A dough conditioner.

Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate

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An emulsifier used to improve the volume and softness of baked goods.

Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate

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A dough conditioner.

Sorbitan Isostearate

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An emulsifier used to keep oil and water mixed in lotions.

Sorbitan Monolaurate

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A synthetic emulsifier used in food and cosmetics to mix oil and water.

Sorbitan Monolaurate

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An emulsifier used to keep oil and water mixed.

Sorbitan Monooleate

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An emulsifier used in baking and cosmetics.

Sorbitan Monooleate

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An emulsifier used to keep water and oil mixed, especially in baking and cosmetics.

Sorbitan Monopalmitate

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An emulsifier used to keep oil and water mixed in foods.

Sorbitan Monopalmitate

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A synthetic wax-like emulsifier used to keep oil and water mixed in foods and cosmetics.

Sorbitan Monostearate

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An emulsifier often used to protect dry yeast cells.

Sorbitan Monostearate

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An emulsifier used to protect active dry yeast.

Sorbitan Monostearate

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An emulsifier often referred to as 'synthetic wax,' used to keep mixtures of oil and water from separating.

Sorbitan Olivate

Vegan

A mild emulsifier based on olive oil and sorbitol.

Sorbitan Olivate

Vegan

A natural emulsifier derived from olive oil and sorbitol (plant-based).

Sorbitan Sesquioleate

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An emulsifier and soothing agent.

Sorbitan Trioleate

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A synthetic emulsifier used in food formulations and topical ointments.

Sorbitan Tristearate

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An emulsifier and stabilizer used to prevent 'bloom' (white spots) in chocolate and to improve the texture of fats.

Sorbitan Tristearate

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An emulsifier used to prevent fat bloom in chocolate.

Sorbitan Tristearate

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An emulsifier used in chocolate to prevent fat bloom.

Soy Lecithin

Vegan

A food additive extracted from raw soybeans that is used primarily as an emulsifier. It helps keep fats and oils suspended in water-based ingredients, improving texture and stability.

Starch Sodium Octenyl Succinate

Vegan

A modified starch used as an emulsifier for flavor oils in beverages.

Steareth-2

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An emulsifier used in stick deodorants.

Steareth-21

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An emulsifier often paired with Steareth-2.

Stearic Acid

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A fatty acid used as a binding agent, thickener, and lubricant in supplements, cosmetics, and chewing gum.

Stearyl Alcohol

Vegan

A fatty alcohol that acts as a thickener and stabilizer in beauty products, providing a smooth, pearly appearance.

Stearyl Citrate

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An emulsifier and antioxidant synergist.

Stearyl Citrate

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An emulsifier used in baking.

Stearyl Lactylate

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A food additive used as an emulsifier and dough conditioner.

Stearyl Tartrate

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An emulsifier and dough strengthener used in the baking industry.

Stearyl Tartrate

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A dough strengthener used in baking.

Sucroglycerides

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An emulsifier made by reacting sugar with triglycerides.

Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate

Vegan

An emulsifier used to stabilize essential oils in beverages.

Sucrose Esters (E473)

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An emulsifier and stabilizer made from sucrose (sugar) and fatty acids, used to improve texture and shelf life in foods like non-dairy creamers and candy.

Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids

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An emulsifier used to stabilize oils in drinks.

Sucrose Esters of Fatty Acids

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An emulsifier made by joining sucrose (sugar) with fatty acids, used to stabilize oils and improve the texture of dairy alternatives.

Sucrose Palmitate

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A natural emulsifier made from sugar and palmitic acid.

Sucrose Stearate

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An emulsifier consisting of sugar and stearic acid.

Sunflower Lecithin

Vegan

An emulsifier and stabilizer extracted from sunflower seeds, used to blend immiscible ingredients like oil and water and to improve texture.

Talloweth-6

Not Vegan

A polyethylene glycol ether of tallow alcohol used as an emulsifier.

Tartaric Acid Esters

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An emulsifier.

Tartaric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides

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Also known as DATEM, this emulsifier is crucial in the baking industry for dough strengthening.

Tartaric Acid Esters of Mono- and Diglycerides

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Also known as DATEM, this emulsifier is crucial in the baking industry for strengthening dough and increasing loaf volume.

Thermally Oxidized Soya Bean Oil

Vegan

An emulsifier used to keep oil and water mixed.

Frequently asked about emulsifier

Are all emulsifier ingredients vegan?

Not all. Of 117 emulsifier ingredients indexed, 27 are vegan, 3 are non-vegan, and 87 can go either way depending on the manufacturer.

Which emulsifier ingredients should vegans avoid?

The most common non-vegan emulsifier ingredients are Laneth-10, Sodium Caseinate, Talloweth-6. See the list below for the full breakdown and vegan alternatives for each.

What are vegan alternatives to emulsifier ingredients?

Popular plant-based replacements include Plant-based PEGs, Soy Protein Isolate, Soy Lecithin, Guar Gum. Each non-vegan entry below lists specific alternatives suited to its function.

How do I spot emulsifier ingredients on a food label?

Look for the substance name or its E-number. Common emulsifier E-numbers include E472a, E472a, E442, E442, E470a. When in doubt, check the manufacturer's vegan certification or contact them directly.

Why are some emulsifier ingredients listed as "check label"?

87 emulsifier ingredients we've indexed can be derived from either plant or animal sources depending on the manufacturer. The vegan status only becomes clear when you check the brand or look for vegan certification.