Sodium Lactate
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
The sodium salt of lactic acid | Works as a hydration-enhancing ingredient due to its hygroscopic nature
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What Is Sodium Lactate?
Sodium lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid. In skin care, this ingredient is used primarily as a hydrating and buffering agent (to adjust a product’s pH value). It also offers antioxidant properties as a secondary benefit, while higher amounts (5% or more) in an acidic pH can exfoliate. Regarding exfoliation, it should be noted the salt aspect of sodium lactate makes it weaker for this purpose than lactic acid.
Of note, this ingredient is part of skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF), helping to maintain skin’s hydration.
Sodium lactate is described as a colorless or yellowish syrupy liquid. It is considered very hygroscopic (a substance that absorbs moisture from its environment and improves water retention).
Sodium lactate has a proven track record of safety within cosmetic use backed by decades of assessments. It is also classified as a food additive emulsifier by the US FDA further signifying its safety.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Nutrition Reviews Advance Article, July 2020, pages 1-16 [https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/issue/78/7]
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Code of Federal Regulations, April 2020, ePublication [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-184/subpart-B/section-184.1768]
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International Journal of Cosmetic Science, March 2014, pages 321-326 [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ics.12129]
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Materials Sciences and Applications, January 2012, pages 18-23 [https://www.scirp.org/journal/journalarticles?journalid=174]
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Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, February 2007, ePublication [https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(06)03045-3/abstract]
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International Journal of Toxicology, January 1998, pages 1-241 [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/109158189801700101]
From the Clinic
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Sodium Gluceptate
A chelating agent that helps stabilise formulations and reduce the impact of mineral impurities
Sodium Gluconate
The synthetic salt form of gluconic acid | Helps improve the stability of skin care formulas
Sodium Hydroxide
Highly alkaline ingredient | Used in small amounts in cosmetics (such as in exfoliants and cleansers) to adjust pH
Sodium Metaphosphate
A buffering agent that stabilises formulations and supports oral care products
Sodium Phytate
Synthetic salt form of the antioxidant phytic acid | Works as a chelating agent, keeping metals from binding to water in cosmetics
Sodium Polyitaconate
A chelating agent that helps stabilise formulations and reduce metal ion interference
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