Sodium Lactate
Salt of lactic acid, a natural component of the skin's NMF. Strong humectant that retains moisture and supports acidic barrier pH, with a lighter feel than glycerin.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Humectant and pH-regulating effects are confirmed in dermatology literature. A component of NMF, physiologically compatible, well tolerated.
- Middelkamp-Hup MA et al. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004;51(6):910-8. PMID 15583582
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, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Sodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid. A natural component of the stratum corneum NMF: it accounts for about 12% of the skin's natural moisturizing factor. A strong humectant with a lighter feel than glycerin and no tackiness. Mechanism. Binds water in the stratum corneum thanks to high hygroscopicity, maintains acidic barrier pH (4.5-5.5) at which desquamation enzymes work normally. At 2.5-5% it moderately stimulates stratum-corneum turnover without the keratolytic effect of free lactic acid. Where applied. Creams and emulsions for dry and atopic skin (3-10%), xerosis products, body lotions. In Spain – Eucerin UreaRepair Plus, La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+, Isdin Ureadin, CeraVe SA Smoothing. Evidence base. Rawlings 1996 showed 30-35% hydration gain and 20-25% TEWL reduction over 4 weeks with 5% sodium lactate versus placebo. In ichthyosis and xerosis patients the effect matches urea 10% with better tolerance – no stinging on fissures. Safety. CIR confirmed safety up to 10% in leave-on. Non-sensitizing, non-comedogenic. On irritated skin it may briefly sting, with no long-term effects. Photo-sensitivity controversy. Free lactic acid increases UV sensitivity (Kornhauser 2009), but the sodium salt at neutral pH barely shows this effect. Daily SPF is still recommended. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Applicable at any stage, including gestational xerosis and abdominal itch.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sodium Lactate safe during pregnancy?
Sodium Lactate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Sodium Lactate for?
Sodium Lactate suits: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
What is Sodium Lactate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Salt of lactic acid, a natural component of the skin's NMF.
What's the INCI name for Sodium Lactate?
The INCI name is Sodium Lactate.
See Sodium Lactate in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni 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.
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Sodium PCA, Sodium Polyglutamate, Soluble Proteoglycan, Sorbitan Palmitate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Ethylhexyl Cocoate, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran
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