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 38 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

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.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

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.