Gluconolactone is a specialty cosmetic ingredient belonging to the polyhydroxy acid (PHA) family. It is the cyclic ester, or lactone, of D-gluconic acid and is widely used in modern skin-care formulations for exfoliating, hydrating, chelating and skin-conditioning applications. Its INCI name is GLUCONOLACTONE.
Unlike smaller alpha hydroxy acids, Gluconolactone contains several hydroxyl groups within its molecular structure. These groups contribute to its water-compatible and moisture-supporting characteristics. In aqueous formulations, Gluconolactone can undergo hydrolysis to gluconic acid, establishing an equilibrium between the lactone and acid forms.
Gluconolactone is generally supplied as a white crystalline powder and is soluble in water. Its combination of PHA functionality and water compatibility makes it suitable for a range of skin-care and personal-care formulations.
Gluconolactone has the CAS Number 90-80-2 and EC Number 202-016-5. Its chemical name is D-Glucono-1,5-lactone, and it is also known as Glucono-Delta-Lactone, D-Gluconic Acid Delta-Lactone and GDL. The molecular formula is C₆H₁₀O₆, with a molecular weight of 178.14 g/mol.
The material is typically described as a white crystalline solid or powder. A USP/NF reference identifies Gluconolactone as C₆H₁₀O₆ and specifies an assay of 99.0–101.0%. Commercial analytical material is also described as crystalline, white, water soluble and melting/decomposing at approximately 160°C.
The lactone structure is important when distinguishing Gluconolactone from gluconic acid and gluconate salts. Although these materials are chemically related, their molecular identities and formulation properties are not interchangeable.
Gluconolactone is used as a PHA exfoliating, humectant, chelating and skin-conditioning ingredient. Cosmetic ingredient references specifically identify chelating and skin-conditioning functions, while cosmetic formulation references describe its broader PHA exfoliating and moisture-supporting role.
As a PHA, Gluconolactone is incorporated into products designed for controlled surface exfoliation and skin-texture care. Its multiple hydroxyl groups also support water interaction and humectant functionality.
Its chelating function allows it to interact with metal ions that can influence the stability or appearance of cosmetic formulations. This can be useful when developing formulations where trace-metal control is relevant.
The actual performance of Gluconolactone depends on concentration, pH, formulation composition and processing conditions. Therefore, a supplier specification and formulation trials should be used to establish the appropriate grade and processing parameters.
Gluconolactone can be used in a variety of skin-care and personal-care formulations, including facial serums, creams, lotions, toners, masks and exfoliating products. It is particularly relevant to formulations designed around PHA-based exfoliation and skin conditioning.
Because it is water soluble, Gluconolactone can be incorporated into suitable aqueous formulation phases. Its multifunctional nature allows formulators to combine exfoliating and moisture-supporting concepts within the same formulation system.
It can also be considered for formulations where chelating functionality is useful in addition to the desired skin-conditioning properties. The final application should always be evaluated according to the complete formulation, intended product type and applicable cosmetic requirements.
Gluconolactone is particularly sensitive to formulation pH considerations because its lactone ring can hydrolyze to gluconic acid in aqueous systems. Consequently, pH and processing conditions should be controlled during formulation development.
For raw-material quality control, the assay method should be clearly identified. The USP Gluconolactone monograph specifies 99.0–101.0%, but its assay is based on a titrimetric procedure rather than automatically representing an HPLC assay. Therefore, the numerical USP range should not be entered into the Assay (HPLC) field unless the actual cosmetic grade is tested by a validated HPLC method.
Moisture, residue, heavy metals, related substances and pH should be controlled according to the specification of the selected cosmetic grade. Where a universal cosmetic specification is unavailable, the appropriate value should remain specification-dependent rather than being inferred from an unrelated grade.
Gluconolactone is a versatile cosmetic ingredient for manufacturers developing PHA-based skin-care products with exfoliating, hydrating, chelating and skin-conditioning functionality. Its lactone structure and multiple hydroxyl groups distinguish it from conventional low-molecular-weight hydroxy acids.
For B2B cosmetic raw-material sourcing, the selected material should be identified by CAS number, molecular formula, assay method, physical form, moisture characteristics and applicable quality specifications. This provides consistency when developing, manufacturing and scaling skin-care formulations.
As a Gluconolactone Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India, the focus is on controlled raw-material specifications, consistent quality characteristics and suitability for cosmetic and personal-care formulation requirements.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |