Sodium Levulinate

Sodium Levulinate is the sodium salt of levulinic acid used in cosmetics as a preservation component. It supports product freshness through antimicrobial activity that depends on pH, concentration, and co-preservatives across leave-on and rinse-off products.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A preservative that helps keep formulas free of microbial growth.
Category
Preservative
Type
Preservative

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

It contributes to microbial control to keep formulas fresher and extend usable life, though performance varies with pH and formulation partners, so results depend on the overall preservation system.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

It's included in moisturizers, serums, and cleansers as part of multifunctional preservation blends, and often paired with sodium anisate or organic acids in both leave-on and rinse-off products.

Comedogenic Rating

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

Safety

It's generally low irritation at cosmetic levels, though acidic salts may sting on compromised or very sensitive skin. Efficacy and tolerance are influenced by the finished formula's pH.

Is Sodium Levulinate a Good Ingredient?

It rates Good as a reliable contributor to preservation when supported by suitable pH and co-preservatives. It doesn't rate higher because it's rarely sufficient as a sole preservative on its own.

Products with Sodium Levulinate

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