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.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
Natural chelator – an EDTA substitute in clean formulas. Safety confirmed by CIR. No standalone skin activity.
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.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Sodium Gluconate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Sodium Gluconate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
Chelating agent from gluconic acid.
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
The INCI name is Sodium Gluconate. It may also appear as: Натрия глюконат, Глюконат натрия.
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