Sodium Lactate

Sodium Lactate is a cosmetic ingredient used as a buffering, humectant agent. It appears in about 2% of cosmetic products in our 90,000+ product dataset. It is regulated in the EU (listed in a Cosmetics Regulation annex). PubMed carries 277 studies of its skin or topical use.

INCI nameSODIUM LACTATE
FunctionBUFFERING, HUMECTANT, KERATOLYTIC
CAS number72-17-3 / 867-56-1
EC number200-772-0 / 212-762-3
Prevalence1,517 products (1.63% of dataset)
Most used inSkincare
EU statusRestricted (annex )
Scientific studies277 on PubMed (skin/cosmetic/topical)
Monthly searches3,600

Used in

Serums 21.1%Toners 12.3%General Moisturizers 10.7%Face Cleansers 9.6%Body Lotions 4.4%Body Washes 3.8%

Frequently asked

What does Sodium Lactate do in skincare?
Sodium Lactate functions as a buffering, humectant agent in cosmetic formulas.
Is Sodium Lactate allowed in cosmetics?
Yes, but it is regulated in the EU — it appears in a Cosmetics Regulation annex with usage conditions.
What products contain Sodium Lactate?
It is most commonly found in Skincare products, especially serums (21.1% of its uses).

Manufacturers with experience using Sodium Lactate

Match with vetted US contract manufacturers that have hands-on experience formulating with this ingredient.