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Ingredient dictionary

Sodium Lactate

Sodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, a mild alpha hydroxy acid. It mainly helps skin and hair hold onto water. It is on the label of 44 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

What Sodium Lactate does

  • Draws water into the skin
  • Helps skin hold on to moisture
  • Keeps product pH steady

Sodium lactate is made by neutralizing lactic acid with a sodium base. Lactic acid is usually produced by fermentation, and it occurs naturally in the skin's own moisture-holding mix. Formulators like it because it is mild and easy to blend.

Its main job is to attract and hold water, so products feel more hydrating. It also helps balance a formula's pH, which keeps other ingredients stable. In a lotion or serum it feels light and smooth, not greasy or tacky.

Good for

Good for people with dry or sensitive skin, and for lotions, creams and bath products that need a light hydrating boost.

Frequently asked questions

Is sodium lactate good for dry skin?

Yes, it is a humectant, so it helps draw water into the skin and keep it there. It is often paired with other moisturizing ingredients in lotions and creams. Results depend on the full formula and your skin.

Does sodium lactate exfoliate the skin?

Sodium lactate is not a strong exfoliant. Its parent acid, lactic acid, is an alpha hydroxy acid that can gently loosen dead skin cells. The salt form is much milder and mainly works as a moisturizer and pH buffer.

Products with Sodium Lactate

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Amazon UK prices as of 6 November 2026, 06:08 GMT; Amazon sets the final price at checkout.