Sodium Lactate is a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient widely used in skin-care, hair-care and personal-care formulations. It is the sodium salt of lactic acid and is particularly valued for its humectant, moisturising and pH-adjusting properties. The INCI name is SODIUM LACTATE. Sodium Lactate has CAS Number 72-17-3, EC Number 200-772-0, molecular formula C₃H₅NaO₃, and an anhydrous molecular weight of 112.06 g/mol.
Sodium Lactate is strongly associated with the skin's natural moisturising system because lactate is one of the components found in the natural moisturising factor. Its ability to interact with water makes it useful in formulations designed to support hydration and maintain a smooth, comfortable skin feel.
Commercial Sodium Lactate is most commonly supplied as an aqueous solution, with products available at different active concentrations. USP describes Sodium Lactate Solution as an aqueous preparation containing at least 50% monosodium lactate, while FCC notes that commercial solutions are commonly available at approximately 60–80% concentration.
Sodium Lactate is chemically known as sodium 2-hydroxypropanoate or monosodium lactate. Its structure contains a carboxylate group, a hydroxyl group and a sodium ion. The anhydrous molecular formula is C₃H₅NaO₃ with a formula weight of 112.06.
The material is generally supplied as a clear, colourless to practically colourless, slightly viscous liquid when provided as an aqueous solution. It is miscible with water.
The concentration of the commercial solution is an important technical characteristic. A 60% Sodium Lactate solution contains substantially more active material than a 50% solution, so the formulation dosage must be calculated according to the actual active concentration shown on the Certificate of Analysis.
Sodium Lactate may also be supplied in stereochemically defined forms, including sodium L-lactate and sodium DL-lactate. The applicable stereochemical identity should therefore be confirmed in the product documentation.
Sodium Lactate is primarily used as a humectant and moisturising cosmetic ingredient. Its water-binding characteristics allow it to support moisture retention in cosmetic formulations and contribute to the hydrated feel of the finished product.
It can also function as a pH-regulating ingredient, helping formulators adjust or maintain the desired acidity of an aqueous formulation. This makes Sodium Lactate particularly useful in systems where both moisturising functionality and pH control are required.
Sodium Lactate can be combined with other humectants such as glycerin, Sodium PCA, Betaine, Sorbitol and other water-compatible ingredients. The resulting formulation can provide a broader moisture-management system than a single humectant alone.
Sodium Lactate Cosmetic Ingredient can be used in a broad range of skin-care, hair-care and personal-care formulations. Applications include moisturising creams, facial lotions, body lotions, serums, gels, toners, cleansers, shampoos, conditioners and other aqueous cosmetic products.
In skin-care products, Sodium Lactate can be incorporated into hydration-focused formulations where moisture retention is an important product objective. It can complement emollients, occlusive materials and other humectants.
Its pH-adjusting functionality can also make it useful in formulation systems where maintaining a controlled pH is important. The actual amount used should be established according to the desired formulation characteristics rather than applying a single universal concentration.
In hair-care formulations, Sodium Lactate can be considered where moisture management and water-compatible conditioning functionality are required.
The active concentration of Sodium Lactate should be considered carefully during formulation. Commercial materials are commonly supplied as aqueous solutions rather than as 100% anhydrous material. USP identifies Sodium Lactate Solution as containing not less than 50% monosodium lactate, while other commercial grades may contain approximately 60% or 70% active material.
Sodium Lactate is water miscible, allowing it to be incorporated into the aqueous phase of appropriate formulations. However, the water contributed by the commercial solution must be included in the formulation calculation.
pH should be evaluated using the actual test concentration and method specified for the product. For example, a Japanese food-additive specification reports a pH range of 6.5–7.5 under its defined test conditions, while commercial laboratory grades may use different concentration and testing conditions.
For commercial procurement, the actual Certificate of Analysis should determine active content, pH, density, impurities, heavy metals and other quality parameters. A specification for a 60% grade should not automatically be transferred to a 70% or 50% grade.
As a Sodium Lactate Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India, Swapnroop focuses on supplying cosmetic raw materials for skin-care, hair-care and personal-care formulation requirements.
Sodium Lactate is suitable for manufacturers seeking a water-compatible humectant and pH-adjusting ingredient. For bulk procurement, the selected grade should clearly identify its active concentration and applicable quality specifications.
Important quality parameters include identity, Sodium Lactate concentration, appearance, pH, density, water content, impurities and heavy-metal controls where applicable.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |