Ingredient glossary
Sodium Lactate
On your shelf ✓What Sodium Lactate does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Sodium Lactate
In short: Sodium Lactate delivers hydration and pH buffer, suits most skin types, and the evidence behind it is moderate. One thing to know: needs the right pH to work.
- What it does
- Hydration, pH buffer
- Best for
- Most skin types
- Watch out
- Needs the right pH to work
- Evidence
- Moderate
The molecule
The Glow take
Genuinely worth a spot in your routine.
When your goal is deep, lasting hydration, Sodium Lactate pulls genuine weight, with a solid amount of evidence behind it. It only performs at the right pH, so it is worth buying from brands that get the formulation details right.
— Maya
What it does
- hydration
- pH buffer
moderate evidenceStudies on natural moisturizing factor components support sodium lactate as an effective water-binding agent that enhances hydration at modest levels.
On a label: usually effective at 1-5%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- dry
- dehydrated
- all
Approach with care
- very sensitive if high pH
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskLow
- pH-dependentIts effect depends on the product's pH
How it fits each skin type
- DrySuits
- CombinationSuits
- OilySuits
- SensitiveSuits
Take extra care if any of these apply to you: very sensitive (if the formula is high pH).
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- humectants
- emollients
Sodium Lactate, answered
Is Sodium Lactate safe during pregnancy?
Yes. Sodium Lactate is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As with anything, if you are unsure it is worth a quick word with your doctor or midwife.
Who should avoid Sodium Lactate?
Approach Sodium Lactate with care if any of these apply to you: very sensitive (if the formula is high pH).
What concentration of Sodium Lactate actually works?
Sodium Lactate tends to do its job in the 1 to 5% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.
This, for every label you own
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