Lithium Gluconate
A lithium and gluconic acid salt. It helps calm irritated and seborrhea-prone skin. Well tolerated at cosmetic levels.
Evidence by route
Topical application
A soothing active. Safe at cosmetic levels.
- CIR Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessment
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Lithium gluconate (INCI Lithium Gluconate) is a salt of lithium and gluconic acid. In cosmetics it is used to soothe irritated, seborrhea-prone skin and shows up mainly in products for seborrheic dermatitis and the scalp. Here efficacy has some backing: there are older clinical studies of lithium gluconate in seborrheic dermatitis with favorable results, though the body of evidence is not large. As a soothing component aimed at seborrheic skin it works reasonably; it is not an anti-aging active or a moisturizer. Applied topically at usual cosmetic concentrations it is not systemically relevant, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding without issue. Tolerability is good. Irritation and allergy potential are low at cosmetic doses, suitable for sensitive and reactive skin. There is no data on relevant comedogenicity.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lithium Gluconate safe during pregnancy?
Lithium Gluconate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Lithium Gluconate for?
Lithium Gluconate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Lithium Gluconate and what does it do in cosmetics?
A lithium and gluconic acid salt.
What's the INCI name for Lithium Gluconate?
The INCI name is Lithium Gluconate.
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