Sodium Lactate

INCI: Sodium Lactate | Function: Humectant, pH Adjuster, NMF Component | Type: Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF)

What Is Sodium Lactate?

Sodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, a key component of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. It provides intense hydration, helps regulate skin pH, and has mild keratolytic properties at higher concentrations. Often used as a glycerin alternative in formulations.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Integral part of skin's NMF system
+ Superior water-binding capacity
+ Helps maintain optimal skin pH (4.5-5.5)
+ Mild exfoliating effect at higher concentrations

Pros

+ Highly effective humectant
+ Skin-identical compound
+ Non-irritating at typical use levels
+ Can replace or reduce glycerin in formulations

Cons

− Can be sticky at high concentrations (>5%)
− May increase formula pH (requires adjustment)
− Photosensitive — needs opaque packaging

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Eye, Body, Hair
Product Type	Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source	Plant-derived (fermentation) / Synthetic
Natural Level	Natural-derived

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	1/5 (very low)
Comedogenic Rating	0/5
EWG Score	1/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed — CIR safe
Japan (MHLW)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
ASEAN	No limit	No limit	Allowed
China (NMPA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Moisturizer / Serum	0.5 - 3%
Toner / Mist	1 - 2%
As pH buffer	0.1 - 0.5%
Body lotion	1 - 5%

References

Kraft JN & Lynde CW (2005) — Moisturizers review. PMID: 16051336
EWG Skin Deep — Score 1/10
CIR — Lactic Acid and salts safety assessment

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