Sodium Gluconate
Chelating agent from gluconic acid. Binds metal ions (iron, copper, calcium) and stabilizes formulas with vitamin C and other antioxidants. A safe EDTA substitute in clean formulas. 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 Gluconate is the sodium salt of gluconic acid, produced by oxidizing glucose. The molecule has multiple hydroxyl groups and a single carboxyl group, which lets it chelate metal ions. INCI: Sodium Gluconate. Food code E576. In cosmetics it works as a mild chelator. It binds iron, copper, zinc, and calcium ions that come from tap water or raw materials and catalyze the oxidation of actives (vitamin C, retinol, omega-3 oils) or precipitate in the formula. Use levels are 0.05-0.5%. The main advantage is natural origin. It substitutes EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) and its salts, which are synthetic and poorly biodegradable. Sodium gluconate is fully biodegradable and approved by ECOCERT, COSMOS, and NATRUE organic standards. Pregnancy safety. Topical use is safe. Systemic absorption through intact skin is minimal. Gluconic acid is a natural metabolite that circulates in the body. It has a long history in food and infusion pharmacology. Skin tolerance. Low irritation and allergen potential. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for sensitive skin. Weaker than EDTA. As a heavy-metal binder, sodium gluconate is 2-5 times less effective than disodium EDTA. In formulas with very unstable actives (fresh vitamin C, retinaldehyde) manufacturers sometimes keep EDTA despite the clean positioning. In most creams and serums gluconate is enough. No standalone active effects. This is a formula-stability auxiliary.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sodium Gluconate safe during pregnancy?
Sodium Gluconate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Sodium Gluconate for?
Sodium Gluconate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Sodium Gluconate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Chelating agent from gluconic acid.
Is Sodium Gluconate 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 Gluconate?
The INCI name is Sodium Gluconate.
See Sodium Gluconate in a product composition right on the store page
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Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Sodium Glycolate, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Sodium Isethionate, Sodium Laurate, Algin, Citronellyl Methylcrotonate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Pogostemon Cablin Oil
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