Sodium Lactobionate is the sodium salt of Lactobionic Acid and is a specialty cosmetic ingredient derived from the lactobionic acid family. It contains multiple hydroxyl groups and is particularly relevant to cosmetic formulations where water compatibility, chelating functionality and skin-conditioning properties are desired.
Sodium Lactobionate is generally supplied as a white to off-white or white crystalline powder. It is water soluble and can form clear aqueous solutions, making it suitable for incorporation into water-based cosmetic formulations. Commercial chemical references report Sodium Lactobionate as a crystalline solid with good water solubility.
As a salt of Lactobionic Acid, Sodium Lactobionate should be distinguished from the free acid. The sodium salt has different molecular composition, molecular weight and acid-base characteristics. This distinction is important when calculating formulation quantities and preparing technical documentation.
Sodium Lactobionate is identified by CAS Number 27297-39-8. Its chemical name is D-Gluconic Acid, 4-O-β-D-Galactopyranosyl-, Monosodium Salt, and it is also known as Lactobionic Acid Sodium Salt or Sodium 4-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-D-gluconate.
The molecular formula is C₁₂H₂₁NaO₁₂, with a molecular weight of 380.28 g/mol for the anhydrous salt. NIST and PubChem both report this molecular composition and molecular weight.
Sodium Lactobionate may also be encountered in hydrated form. Therefore, the exact form declared by the raw-material manufacturer should be checked before using molecular-weight or moisture calculations. Commercial listings also describe Sodium Lactobionate as a white crystalline powder with high water compatibility.
Sodium Lactobionate is a specialty ingredient that can provide chelating, skin-conditioning and formulation-supporting functionality. Its highly hydroxylated structure gives it strong interaction with water, while the lactobionate portion retains the structural characteristics associated with Lactobionic Acid.
Its chelating functionality can be useful in formulations where interaction with trace metal ions is relevant to formulation stability. It can also be incorporated into skin-care systems designed around hydration and conditioning.
Because Sodium Lactobionate is a salt rather than the free acid, its behavior in a formulation can differ from Lactobionic Acid. Formulators should therefore evaluate the actual material, concentration, pH and compatibility with the other ingredients rather than assuming equivalent performance.
Sodium Lactobionate can be considered for a variety of water-based cosmetic and personal-care formulations. Potential applications include facial-care products, moisturising formulations, serums, lotions, creams, masks and specialty skin-care systems.
Its water solubility makes it suitable for aqueous formulation phases. A commercial specification reports a 2% aqueous solution as clear and colorless to faint yellow, while another supplier describes the material as a white to off-white crystalline powder that is soluble in water.
Sodium Lactobionate may also be relevant to formulations where a lactobionate salt is preferred over the free Lactobionic Acid form. The selection between the acid and sodium salt should be based on the desired formulation pH, ionic environment, processing conditions and functional requirements.
Sodium Lactobionate should be specified according to the exact commercial grade. Commercial technical data demonstrate that specifications can vary: one current specification reports 98.0–102.0% assay by titration, loss on drying NMT 1.0%, specific optical rotation of +20.0° to +23.0°, heavy metals as lead NMT 30 ppm, and a melting range of 165–175°C. These are supplier-specific specifications and should not be presented as a universal cosmetic standard.
Another commercial reference lists 99% purity, while other suppliers may use different assay methods or acceptance criteria.
For this reason, the Assay (HPLC) field should not automatically contain the 98–102% value. The cited commercial specification uses titration rather than HPLC. If the specific cosmetic grade is tested by HPLC, its validated method and acceptance range should be used instead.
Moisture control is also important because Sodium Lactobionate can be supplied in different hydration states. Packaging and storage should follow the specification of the selected grade.
Sodium Lactobionate is a specialty cosmetic ingredient suitable for formulators looking for a water-compatible lactobionate salt with chelating and skin-conditioning functionality. Its high molecular weight and multiple hydroxyl groups distinguish it from simpler lactate salts such as Sodium Lactate.
For B2B cosmetic raw-material sourcing, the product specification should clearly identify CAS number, molecular form, assay method, moisture, optical rotation, heavy metals, solubility and physical characteristics. This provides better control when developing and scaling cosmetic formulations.
As a Sodium Lactobionate Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India, the focus is on controlled specifications, consistent quality and suitability for bulk cosmetic and personal-care ingredient requirements.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | NLT 98.0% by HPLC |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 1.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.1% |
| Heavy Metals | NMT 30 ppm |
| Specific Rotation | +20.0° to +23.0° |
| Melting Point | 165–175°C |