Sodium Levulinate
Reviewed by Rosie · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Levulinic Acid, Sodium Salt, Pentanoic Acid, 4-Oxo-, Sodium Laevulinate, Sodium 4-oxovalerate
Salt of levulinic acid | Levulinic acid helps condition and soften skin
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What Is Sodium Levulinate?
Sodium levulinate is the salt of levulinic acid, a synthetic organic acid that helps condition and soften skin. Sodium levulinate is sometimes part of preservative blend because it exhibits antimicrobial action, although this is more common in food than for cosmetics. The levulinic acid component can be transformed by naturally occurring microbes on skin into other helpful substances, including the moisturizing ingredient trehalose. The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review board is currently reviewing data on the safety of sodium levulinate as used in skin care products. Currently, concentrations below 5% are permitted for use in cosmetics. Sodium levulinate is almost always part of a blend rather than being used on its own.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Natural Microbiology, December 2017, pages 1,624-1,634 [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41564-017-0028-z]
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Journal of Food Science, June 2008, pages M230-M244 [URL not found]
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Lebensm Wiss Technol, December 2004, pages 865–871 [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17330155/]
From the Clinic
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