Compositions comprising a reaction product of a saccharide polymer and a fatty ester may be obtained in an aqueous phase in the presence of a hydroxide base and a neutral surfactant, the saccharide polymer comprising a dextran, a dextrin compound, or any combination thereof. The compositions also comprise one or more alcohols originating from the fatty ester upon forming the reaction product of the saccharide polymer and the fatty ester. The reaction product of the saccharide polymer and the fatty ester may be present in the aqueous phase at a concentration effective to lower a surface tension of the neutral surfactant. The fatty ester may comprise one or more glycerol esters, such as one or more plant and/or animal oils and/or fats, and the one or more alcohols originating from the fatty ester may comprise glycerol. Fatty acids originating from the fatty ester may be substantially straight-chain fatty acids.