Sodium Gluceptate
Chelator from a 7-carbon aldonic acid. Binds metal ions more strongly than gluconate but less so than EDTA. A safe EDTA substitute in clean formulas. Low allergenicity, pregnancy-safe.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Sodium Gluceptate is the sodium salt of glucoheptonic acid, a 7-carbon aldonic acid produced by oxidizing glucose and extending the chain. INCI: Sodium Gluceptate (synonym Sodium Glucoheptonate). In cosmetics it works as a chelator. It binds iron, copper, calcium, and zinc ions and protects vitamin C, retinol, and phenolic-antioxidant extracts from oxidation. It is 1.5-2 times more effective than sodium gluconate thanks to the extra hydroxyl group, while still less effective than EDTA. Use levels are 0.05-0.3%. Also used in pharmacology. Sodium gluceptate is part of technetium-99m radiopharmaceuticals for renal scintigraphy (Tc-99m gluceptate), where it chelates the radioactive metal. In cosmetics the same function is applied to ordinary ions. Pregnancy safety. Topical use is safe. Systemic absorption through intact skin is minimal. No teratogenic effects in the literature. Skin tolerance. Low irritation and allergen potential. Non-comedogenic. When gluceptate is chosen. When stronger metal binding than gluconate is needed while keeping a natural positioning. Common in vitamin C oil-based formulas (ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, THD ascorbate) and in retinol serums of 0.5%+. No standalone active effects on skin. This is a supporting stabilizer without penetrating activity.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sodium Gluceptate safe during pregnancy?
Sodium Gluceptate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Sodium Gluceptate for?
Sodium Gluceptate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Sodium Gluceptate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Chelator from a 7-carbon aldonic acid.
Is Sodium Gluceptate comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Sodium Gluceptate?
The INCI name is Sodium Gluceptate. It may also appear as: Sodium Glucoheptonate.
See Sodium Gluceptate in a product composition right on the store page
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Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Glycolate, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Sodium Isethionate, Agar, Citric Acid, Isopropyl Myristate, Pistacia Lentiscus Gum
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