Lactose is a naturally occurring disaccharide commonly known as milk sugar. It is composed of galactose and glucose units connected through a β-(1→4) glycosidic linkage. As a carbohydrate-based cosmetic ingredient, Lactose can be used in personal-care formulations where humectant and skin-conditioning functionality is desired.
Lactose has a long history of use in pharmaceutical and food applications and is also recognized as a cosmetic ingredient. Its water-affinity and crystalline characteristics make it useful for formulation systems where a soluble carbohydrate raw material is required.
The cosmetic INCI name is LACTOSE, with CAS Number 63-42-3 and EC Number 200-559-2. Cosmetic ingredient references identify Lactose primarily as a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient.
Anhydrous Lactose has the molecular formula C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁ and molecular weight 342.30 g/mol. Lactose can exist in different anomeric forms, including α- and β-lactose. Commercial material may also be supplied as Lactose Monohydrate, which contains one molecule of crystallization water and has a molecular weight of approximately 360.31 g/mol.
USP-NF recognizes separate monographs for Anhydrous Lactose and Lactose Monohydrate. The anhydrous material is defined as β-lactose or a mixture of α- and β-lactose. The monographs include controls for identification, water, optical rotation, residue on ignition, acidity or alkalinity and other quality characteristics.
Because Lactose can be supplied in different physical and hydration forms, the exact commercial specification should always identify the form supplied and its applicable quality standard.
Lactose is primarily associated with humectant and skin-conditioning functionality in cosmetic formulations. Humectants interact with water and can contribute to moisture management within a formulation and at the skin surface. Cosmetic safety assessments of monosaccharides, disaccharides and related ingredients identify Lactose as a skin-conditioning agent with humectant functionality.
Its carbohydrate structure and high polarity make Lactose suitable for water-containing formulations. It may be considered where formulators want to incorporate a naturally occurring sugar-based ingredient into a skincare or personal-care system.
Lactose should not, however, be described as a universal moisturiser or active treatment. Its contribution depends on the concentration, formulation environment and other ingredients used.
Lactose Cosmetic Ingredient can be evaluated for applications including:
Its water solubility makes it particularly relevant to aqueous and water-containing formulations. The selection of anhydrous or monohydrate Lactose should be based on the intended formulation and required water balance.
The hydration state of Lactose is an important formulation consideration. Anhydrous Lactose and Lactose Monohydrate have different molecular weights and water contents, so they should not be substituted on a simple weight-for-weight basis without considering the formulation calculation.
Lactose is freely but slowly soluble in water and practically insoluble in alcohol according to pharmacopeial descriptions. Formulators should therefore consider dissolution time, processing temperature and the order of addition when developing aqueous products.
The raw material should also be evaluated for moisture, optical rotation, impurity profile and microbiological quality where relevant to the intended cosmetic application. If USP-NF or another recognized standard is specified, the applicable current monograph should be used rather than assuming that every cosmetic grade meets the same limits.
Swapnroop supplies Lactose Cosmetic Ingredient for manufacturers and formulators seeking a carbohydrate-based raw material for personal-care applications. Lactose can be considered for skincare, cleansing and other formulations where humectant and skin-conditioning characteristics are relevant.
As a cosmetic ingredient manufacturer and bulk supplier in India, Swapnroop supports B2B sourcing requirements for cosmetic raw materials. The supplied Lactose grade should be selected according to the required hydration state, purity, technical specification and intended formulation.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |