Gluconic Acid
AKA “D-gluconic acid, 526-95-4, dextronic acid, maltonic acid, Glycogenic acid, (2R, 3S, 4R, 5R)-2, 3, 4, 5, 6-pentahydroxyhexanoic acid, Glosanto, Pentahydroxycaproic acid, D-Gluco-hexonic acid
Acid
Ingredient Facts
Gluconic acid
AKA: D-gluconic acid, 526-95-4, Dextronic acid, Maltonic acid, Glycogenic acid, (2R, 3S, 4R, 5R)-2, 3, 4, 5, 6-pentahydroxyhexanoic acid, Glosanto, Pentahydroxycaproic acid, D-Gluco-hexonic acid
Acid · Buffering · EWG: 1
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Acid
Clean
Gluconic Acid is the carboxylic acid formed by the oxidation of the first carbon of glucose with antiseptic and chelating properties. Gluconic acid, found abundantly in plant, honey and wine, can be prepared by fungal fermentation process commercially. This agent and its derivatives can used in formulation of pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and food products as additive or buffer salts. Aqueous gluconic acid solution contains cyclic ester glucono delta lactone structure, which chelates metal ions and forms very stable complexes. In alkaline solution, this agent exhibits strong chelating activities towards anions, i.e. calcium, iron, aluminium, copper, and other heavy metals.
Solubility FREELY SOL IN WATER; SLIGHTLY SOL IN ALC, INSOLUBLE IN ETHER AND MOST OTHER ORGANIC SOLVENTS
Formula
C6H12O7
Mol. Weight
196.16
CAS #
526-95-4
Form
Liquid
State
NKRA; Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Buffering
Removes Metal Ions
Adds Fragrance
Adds pleasant scent
Binds metal ions
Traditional Use
Developed in the 20th century as a mild chelating and exfoliating acid. Created to provide gentler chemical exfoliation than stronger acids, it is used in modern skincare formulations to improve skin texture without the irritation of traditional alpha hydroxy acids.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
1
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR