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Moumoujus

SODIUM LACTATE.

Valuable CAS 72-17-3 / 867-56-1 / BUFFERING, HUMECTANT, KERATOLYTIC

Sodium Lactate is a vital component of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), known for its exceptional humectant properties that significantly boost skin hydration. It also functions as a mild exfoliant, promoting smoother skin texture, and effectively stabilizes product pH.

Summary

Humectant pH adjuster Moisturizer Keratolytic Barrier Support Antimicrobial

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a key constituent of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, Sodium Lactate acts as a highly effective humectant, drawing and binding atmospheric and dermal moisture to dramatically increase skin hydration and elasticity. This action prevents trans-epidermal water loss. Furthermore, it operates as a gentle keratolytic agent, aiding in the removal of superficial dead skin cells to enhance cellular turnover and refine skin texture, beneficial for conditions like keratosis pilaris. It also serves as a crucial pH regulator and buffering agent, ensuring formulation stability and supporting the skin's natural acidic mantle. Its mild antimicrobial properties contribute to product preservation, and it actively reinforces the skin's barrier function.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.5–10%
Optimal

2%

Key findings

  1. 01 Studies indicate an improvement in skin's moisture content by up to 84%.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Commonly dusted
Min. effective
0.5%
Red flag below
0.49%

While Sodium Lactate offers multiple benefits, concentrations below 0.5% are unlikely to provide significant humectant or keratolytic effects. Such low percentages may serve more as a label claim than a functional ingredient delivering discernible skin benefits.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH ≥3.5
0 7 14

Stability

Sodium Lactate should be incorporated into the water phase of formulations. It is highly effective in stabilizing pH, particularly when paired with lactic acid, preventing unwanted pH drift. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) recommends that final product formulations containing sodium lactate maintain a pH of 3.5 or greater.

Synergies

  • Lactic acid (for pH buffering)
  • Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) (enhanced efficacy)
  • General active ingredients (efficacy enhancement)

Conflicts

  • Electrolyte-sensitive emulsifiers and thickeners (due to its high electrolyte concentration)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
10%
Sensitization risk Low

Deemed safe for use in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 10%, provided the final formulation pH is 3.5 or greater. Products should either be formulated to avoid increasing sun sensitivity or include explicit directions for daily sun protection. It is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, though overuse or exceptionally high concentrations may lead to temporary skin discomfort. The ingredient is non-toxic to humans and the environment, being readily biodegradable.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

As a key NMF component, Sodium Lactate is a valuable ingredient for comprehensive skin hydration, gentle exfoliation, and pH balance, suitable for all skin types due to its low irritancy and comedogenicity.

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