Aqueous compositions comprising a reaction product of a saccharide polymer and a fatty acid or a fatty ester may be obtained in an aqueous fluid in the presence of a hydroxide base and a neutral surfactant or a reaction product form thereof, the saccharide polymer comprising a dextran, a dextrin compound, or any combination thereof. When further combined with a zwitterionic surfactant in a sufficient concentration, emulsifying compositions may be obtained. The emulsifying compositions may be contacted with an oleaginous substance to produce an emulsified fluid, which may define an oil-in-water emulsion.

Aqueous compositions comprising a reaction product of a saccharide polymer and a fatty acid or a fatty ester may be obtained in an aqueous fluid in the presence of a hydroxide base and a neutral surfactant or a reaction product form thereof, the saccharide polymer comprising a dextran, a dextrin compound, or any combination thereof. When further combined with a zwitterionic surfactant in a sufficient concentration, emulsifying compositions may be obtained. The emulsifying compositions may be contacted with an oleaginous substance to produce an emulsified fluid, which may define an oil-in-water emulsion.