Sodium Pyruvate
A salt of pyruvic acid, a metabolic intermediate. It joins a cofactor complex to support skin. Well tolerated.
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 pyruvate (INCI: Sodium Pyruvate) is the salt of pyruvic acid, a metabolite of cellular energy metabolism. In cosmetics it appears in cofactor complexes meant to support the skin and, to a degree, gives a mild exfoliating effect as an alpha-keto acid. As an active it belongs in the supporting category. The idea of feeding the skin's metabolism from the outside has a modest scientific basis in cosmetics; what it really adds is nuance, not transformation. It works inside a formula rather than as a lead. Topically it is not systemically relevant, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding without concern. Tolerance is high, with low irritation and allergy potential, suitable for sensitive skin at usual concentrations.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sodium Pyruvate safe during pregnancy?
Sodium Pyruvate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Sodium Pyruvate for?
Sodium Pyruvate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Sodium Pyruvate and what does it do in cosmetics?
A salt of pyruvic acid, a metabolic intermediate.
What's the INCI name for Sodium Pyruvate?
The INCI name is Sodium Pyruvate.
See Sodium Pyruvate 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.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Sodium Saccharin, Sodium Salicylate, Sodium Silicate, Sodium Stearate, Benzisothiazolinone, Diethyl Phthalate, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
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