Gluconolactone

Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid formed from gluconic acid and used across leave-on and rinse-off skincare formats. It provides mild exfoliation along with humectant and antioxidant functions, supporting smoother texture and comfortable hydration in formulas.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A gentle PHA that smooths texture and hydrates without irritation.
Category
Exfoliating, Hydration, Sensitive Skin, Antioxidant, Tone/Texture
Type
Exfoliant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Great

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Gently refines uneven texture while drawing in moisture, leaving skin soft and more even-looking; often suitable for easily irritated skin.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Common in leave-on toners, serums, and moisturizers for daily smoothing. Also found in low-strength peel solutions and cleansers designed for sensitive-skin exfoliation.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Usually well tolerated, including on sensitive skin, though mild stinging or dryness can occur, so start slowly. As with any exfoliant, increased sensitivity to sun is possible; use sunscreen. No widely recognized topical regulatory restrictions.

Is Gluconolactone a Good Ingredient?

It earns Great as a well-supported PHA that delivers gentle exfoliation along with humectant and antioxidant benefits, and clinical and in-use data consistently show lower irritation than many AHAs. It's also formulation-friendly and generally stable in water-based systems, which together justify the top rating.

Products with Gluconolactone

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