Sodium Lactate
AKA “72-17-3, Sodium DL-lactate, sodium 2-hydroxypropanoate, Lactic acid sodium salt, Monosodium lactate, Lacolin, Per-glycerin, Lactic acid, monosodium salt, Sodium alpha-hydroxypropionate
Humectant
Ingredient Facts
Sodium lactate
AKA: 72-17-3, Sodium DL-lactate, Sodium 2-hydroxypropanoate, Lactic acid sodium salt, Monosodium lactate, Lacolin, Per-glycerin, Lactic acid, Monosodium salt, Sodium alpha-hydroxypropionate
Humectant · Humectant · EWG: 5
Synthetic
Rx Active
Humectant
Chemical Exfoliant
Not Clean
Based on the available information included in this report, the CIR Expert Panel concludes that Glycolic and Lactic Acid, their common salts and their simple esters, are safe for use in cosmetic products at concentrations less than or equal to 10%, at final formulation pH greater than or equal to 3.5, when formulated to avoid increasing sun sensitivity or when directions for use include the daily use of sun protection. These ingredients are safe for use in salon products at concentrations less than or equal to 30%, at final formulation pH greater than or equal to 3.0, in products designed for brief, discontinuous use followed by thorough rinsing from the skin, when applied by trained professionals, and when application is accompanied by directions for the daily use of sun protection...Sodium Lactate...
Effective at 25.0%
Formula
C3H5NaO3
Mol. Weight
112.06
CAS #
72-17-3, 867-56-1
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Buffering
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Keratolytic
A pharmaceutical-grade active. These are the heavy hitters — often prescription-strength or regulated for potency.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
Lactic acid, a naturally occurring compound from milk fermentation, was identified in the 18th century; its sodium salt form was developed synthetically for use in cosmetics as a humectant and pH buffer in the 20th century.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
5
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Phototoxicity Concern
Concentration Guide
0.0002%
50.0%
0%70%
Effective Range
CIR reported use: 0.0004-0.92 | 0.0002-8 | <0.1-50c
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
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Nano, micro particulate and cosmetic delivery systems of polylactic acid: A mini review.
Abu Hajleh MN, Al-Samydai A, Al-Dujaili EAS
Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2020
LDHA-Associated Lactic Acid Production Blunts Tumor Immunosurveillance by T and NK Cells.
Brand A, Singer K, Koehl GE, Kolitzus M, Schoenhammer G et al.
Cell metabolism, 2016
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Glycolic Acid, Ammonium, Calcium, Potassium, and Sodium Glycolates, Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl, and Butyl Glycolates, and Lactic Acid, Ammonium, Calcium, Potassium,
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report: Safety Assessment of Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Poly(3-Hydroxyoctanoic Acid, and Polylactic Acid as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Lactic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polylactic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Sodium Lactate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Lactic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Polylactic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Sodium Lactate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Effectiveness and Safety of Sculptra Poly-L-Lactic Acid Injectable Implant in the Correction of Cheek Wrinkles.
Fabi S, Hamilton T, LaTowsky B, Kazin R, Marcus K et al.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 2024
Physiochemical Characteristics of Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA).
Fitzgerald R, Bass LM, Goldberg DJ, Graivier MH, Lorenc ZP
Aesthetic surgery journal, 2018
Recommendations on the Use of Injectable Poly-L-Lactic Acid for Skin Laxity in Off-Face Areas.
Haddad A, Menezes A, Guarnieri C, Coimbra D, Ribeiro E et al.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 2019
Lactic acid
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Lavandula stoechas extract incorporated polylactic acid nanofibrous mats as an antibacterial and cytocompatible wound dressing.
Mutlu B, Çiftçi F, Üstündağ CB, Çakır-Koç R
International journal of biological macromolecules, 2023
Polylactic acid/tapioca starch/banana peel-based material for colorimetric and electrochemical biosensing applications.
Rai P, Mehrotra S, Gautam K, Kar AK, Saxena A et al.
Carbohydrate polymers, 2023
Efficacy and Safety of Poly-l-Lactic Acid in Facial Aesth...
Roberta Signori, Antony de Paula Barbosa, Fernando Cezar-Dos-Santos, Ana Claudia Carbone, Silvio Ventura, Bryanne Brissian de Souza Nobre + 4 more
Polymers, 2024
Efficacy and Safety of Poly-l-Lactic Acid in Facial Aesth...
Roberta Signori, Antony de Paula Barbosa, Fernando Cezar-Dos-Santos, Ana Claudia Carbone, Silvio Ventura, Bryanne Brissian de Souza Nobre + 4 more
Polymers, 2024
Efficacy and Safety of Poly-l-Lactic Acid in Facial Aesth...
Roberta Signori, Antony de Paula Barbosa, Fernando Cezar-Dos-Santos, Ana Claudia Carbone, Silvio Ventura, Bryanne Brissian de Souza Nobre + 4 more
Polymers, 2024
Advancements in chain elongation technology: Transforming lactic acid into caproic acid for sustainable biochemical production.
Suo M, Liu L, Fan H, Li N, Pan H et al.
Bioresource technology, 2025
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR