Potassium Gluconate is the potassium salt of D-gluconic acid and is a water-soluble cosmetic ingredient with gluconate-based formulation functionality. It is also known as Potassium D-Gluconate, Monopotassium D-Gluconate and D-Gluconic Acid Monopotassium Salt. Potassium Gluconate is generally available as a white crystalline or powdered material and is readily soluble in water.
The ingredient is chemically related to gluconic acid and other gluconate salts, but its potassium counter-ion gives it a distinct chemical identity and molecular weight. It should therefore be specified separately from Sodium Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate and Gluconolactone.
Potassium Gluconate can be considered for cosmetic and personal-care formulations where a water-soluble gluconate ingredient is required. Its multiple hydroxyl groups contribute to its hydrophilic character, while the gluconate structure provides functionality relevant to metal-ion interaction and formulation support.
Potassium Gluconate has CAS Number 299-27-4 and EC Number 206-074-2 for the anhydrous material. Its chemical name is D-Gluconic Acid, Monopotassium Salt, with molecular formula C₆H₁₁KO₇ and molecular weight 234.25 g/mol.
Potassium Gluconate can exist in anhydrous and monohydrate forms. The monohydrate has CAS Number 35398-15-3, molecular formula C₆H₁₃KO₈ and molecular weight 252.26 g/mol.
This hydration-state distinction is important for cosmetic raw-material specifications because the molecular weight, water content and assay basis can differ. USP specifically defines Potassium Gluconate as either anhydrous or containing one molecule of water of hydration.
Potassium Gluconate is primarily relevant as a chelating and formulation-supporting cosmetic ingredient. Gluconate ions can interact with certain metal ions, making gluconate chemistry useful in formulation systems where control of trace metals is required.
Its high water solubility makes Potassium Gluconate particularly suitable for aqueous cosmetic systems. It can be incorporated into formulations where a potassium-based gluconate salt is preferred over other gluconate salts.
The actual contribution of Potassium Gluconate depends on formulation concentration, pH, the presence of competing ions and the other raw materials used. It should therefore be evaluated as part of the complete formulation rather than treated as interchangeable with every other gluconate ingredient.
Potassium Gluconate can be considered for water-based skin-care and personal-care formulations, including creams, lotions, gels, cleansing products and specialty cosmetic systems where a water-soluble gluconate ingredient is appropriate.
Its strong water compatibility supports incorporation into aqueous formulation phases. Potassium Gluconate is also known for its sequestrant functionality in other applications, demonstrating the metal-ion-binding characteristics associated with gluconate chemistry.
The selection of Potassium Gluconate over Sodium Gluconate or another gluconate salt can depend on the desired ionic composition and formulation requirements. The finished product should be evaluated for compatibility, stability and intended cosmetic performance.
Hydration state should be clearly identified when purchasing Potassium Gluconate. The anhydrous form has a molecular weight of 234.25 g/mol, whereas the monohydrate has a molecular weight of 252.26 g/mol.
USP specifies 97.0–103.0% Potassium Gluconate calculated on the dried basis. The USP monograph also specifies that the material may be anhydrous or monohydrate.
The USP assay is based on determination of potassium using an atomic-absorption procedure rather than an HPLC assay. Therefore, the USP 97.0–103.0% range should not be entered as an “Assay (HPLC)” value in the CMS.
USP also gives loss-on-drying requirements that distinguish the forms: the anhydrous form loses NMT 3.0%, while the monohydrate loses 6.0–7.5% under the specified test conditions.
Potassium Gluconate is a water-soluble cosmetic ingredient suitable for formulations requiring gluconate-based functionality and controlled ionic composition. Its chemical identity, hydration state and assay basis should be clearly established when developing cosmetic raw-material specifications.
For B2B cosmetic ingredient sourcing, quality documentation should distinguish anhydrous and monohydrate forms and specify the applicable analytical method for assay, moisture, impurities and other quality parameters.
As a Potassium Gluconate Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India, the focus is on controlled raw-material specifications, consistent physical characteristics and suitability for bulk cosmetic and personal-care ingredient requirements.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | 97.0–103.0% |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 1.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.5% |
| Water Content | NMT 1.0% |
| Melting Point | 150°C – 154°C |