What it is
Sodium lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid and is a recognized part of skin's natural moisturizing factor, the mixture of water-binding compounds in the outer skin layer. It attracts and holds water, supports moisturization, and helps stabilize a formula's pH as a buffer. In sunscreens it contributes to hydration and pH control.
Safety & warnings
Sodium lactate is generally well tolerated and is normally less irritating than free lactic acid because it is a neutralized salt. At high use levels it can increase skin's sensitivity to sun, so it is typically used at moderate humectant levels. It is not a recognized fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
Produced by neutralizing lactic acid, which is typically obtained through fermentation of carbohydrates such as sugars or corn; the resulting salt is the same compound found naturally in skin.
Questions everyone asks
What is sodium lactate used for?
It acts as a humectant that binds water to support moisturization and as a buffer that helps keep a product's pH stable.
Is sodium lactate related to skin's own moisturizers?
Yes. It is a component of skin's natural moisturizing factor, the group of water-binding substances found in the outer skin layer.