Quick answer
The synthetic salt form of gluconic acid; Helps improve the stability of skin care formulas; Can function as a humectant, helping skin retain water; The human body can produce gluconates on its own Key benefits: Hydration.
Sodium Gluconate
Updated
Sodium gluconate
Purpose
This synthetically derived ingredient binds to metal ions to increase the stability of skin care formulas. It also serves as a humectant, meaning it helps skin retain moisture.
Rating
GOOD
Category
Chelating Agent, Humectant
INCI Purpose
CHELATING, SKIN CONDITIONING
Benefits
Alternative Names
At a Glance
The synthetic salt form of gluconic acid
Helps improve the stability of skin care formulas
Can function as a humectant, helping skin retain water
The human body can produce gluconates on its own
Article
Sodium gluconate for skin is the salt form of gluconic acid, a mild acid produced from the sugar glucose. Despite the in-part sugar origins, sodium gluconate in skin care is a synthetic ingredient.
In skin care, sodium gluconate functions as a chelating agent. Chelating agents are ingredients that bind with metal ions to enhance the stability of other ingredients. Interestingly, the human body produces gluconates on its own to assist in obtaining nutrients from minerals.
In addition to being a chelating agent, sodium gluconate in skin care can also function as a humectant, meaning it helps skin retain a balanced amount of water. Its typical use level in cosmetics is 0.1-1.0%.
See: Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
References