Sodium Lactate (60% Solution)
Sold by weight (g or Kg) for formulation accuracy.Reference only: 250 g ≈ 208 mL (at 20°C).
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INGREDIENT OVERVIEW
Sodium Lactate (60% Solution)
Sodium lactate is a water-soluble humectant and buffering agent used in cosmetic formulations to support hydration and contribute to pH stability. It is widely used across cleansers, toners, serums, and emulsions where both moisture retention and formulation balance are required.
Our cosmetic-grade sodium lactate is supplied as a high-purity aqueous solution with a verified active content of 60.8% and L-isomer purity of 98.2% . It is selected for consistent composition, controlled colour (42 APHA) , and reliable batch-to-batch performance.
In formulations, sodium lactate helps attract and retain moisture while supporting a balanced skin feel. It is typically used in combination with other humectants to strengthen hydration systems and improve overall formulation performance.
QUALITY & SOURCING
- High active content (60.8% sodium lactate)
- High L-isomer purity (98.2%) for consistent performance
- Controlled colour (42 APHA) suitable for clear formulations
- pH balanced (7.2 in solution)
- Clean microbial and heavy metal profile (USP compliant)
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
- Ingredient: Sodium Lactate (60%) – 60%
- INCI: Sodium Lactate
- CAS: 72-17-3
- Solubility: Water soluble
- Typical use level:
- Leave-on: 1–3%
- Rinse-off: 1–5%
- Higher levels may increase tack and require pH adjustment.
- Often used in combination with glycerin or glycols
- Starter: 2-3% for most cosmetic formulations.
FORMULATION NOTES
Processing notes
Add to the water phase with mixing until uniform. Suitable for cold-process and heated systems.
Compatibility notes
- Compatible with most cosmetic ingredients
- Supports pH stability in formulations
- Works well in humectant blends
pH notes
Effective within typical cosmetic pH ranges. Contributes to buffering around neutral pH (~6–7).
Formulation examples
Hydrating toner or mist
- Sodium lactate: 2–4%
- Glycerin: 2–3%
- Actives as required
- Preserved aqueous base to 100%
Enhances hydration while supporting moisture retention.
Serum or gel system
- Sodium lactate: 2–5%
- Complementary humectants as required
- Polymer thickener: as required
- Neutralise and preserve appropriately
Improves hydration performance and contributes to pH stability.
Cream or lotion (emulsion)
- Sodium lactate: 1–3% (water phase)
- Emollients and emulsifier system as required
- Preserved to finished formula
Supports hydration and contributes to formulation balance
Troubleshooting
- Too tacky / sticky feel → reduce sodium lactate level or balance with lower-tack humectants (e.g. propanediol or pentylene glycol)
- pH drifting or too high → adjust with acid (e.g. lactic acid or citric acid) and re-check final system pH
- Formula thinning → review thickener system; sodium lactate can reduce viscosity in some gels and emulsions
- Irritation or sensitivity (rare) → reduce use level and rebalance overall humectant system
Cloudiness in clear systems → check compatibility with other ingredients and overall ionic load
COMPARISON & ALTERNATIVES
- Stronger hydration vs glycerin
- Less slip than glycols
- Complementary to propanediol and pentylene glycol
- Alternative: sodium PCA (more expensive, more elegant feel)
SENSORY PROFILE
Sodium lactate contributes strong hydration but may feel slightly more tacky than glycols at higher use levels. It is typically used in combination with other humectants to balance sensory profile and improve overall formulation feel. Sensory outcome is formulation-dependent; bench testing is recommended.
STORAGE & HANDLING
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Keep container sealed
- Shelf life: 2 years when properly stored
PRODUCT SAFETY
- Low irritation potential.
- Suitable for leave-on and rinse-off systems within recommended levels.
- Follow standard good manufacturing practices (GMP).
- Refer to Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available for download.
DOCUMENTATION
- Cosmetic grade
- Active content: 60.8%
- L-isomer content: 98.2%
- pH: 7.2
- Colour: 42 APHA
- Microbial limits compliant
- USP standard compliant
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