Snapshot
- Overview
- A fermentation-derived humectant that helps skin hold moisture.
- Category
- Hydration
- Type
- Humectant
Sodium Lactate
Sodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, a fermentation-derived humectant and buffering agent for personal care. It's added to attract and retain water, improve feel in moisturizers and cleansers, and assist with pH adjustment.
Like this ingredient?
Our take
Is Sodium Lactate a Good Ingredient?
It earns a Great rating as a well-studied humectant related to skin's natural moisturizing factors that reliably boosts hydration, is formulation-friendly, and is generally low in irritation at typical use levels. Its stability and buffering capacity further support consistent performance across product types.
What it does
Skin Benefits
It boosts skin moisture levels for a smoother, more supple feel, and can help skin look fresher by supporting surface hydration balance.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
It's frequently included in moisturizers, serums, and hand creams for hydrating support, and used in gentle cleansers and body lotions to improve moisture retention in formulas.
Before you use it
Safety
It's usually well tolerated, but higher concentrations or application on compromised skin can cause transient stinging. Appropriate pH and concentration in leave-on products minimizes irritation; no broad regulatory restrictions apply at typical cosmetic levels.
Products with Sodium Lactate
