INCI Name Gluconolactone
CAS Number 90-80-2
Origin
Gluconolactone is a naturally derived polyhydroxy acid (PHA) produced through the fermentation of plant-based glucose. Unlike stronger exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs, its larger molecular structure allows it to work gently on the skin’s surface, making it ideal for sensitive, dry, and reactive skin types. Initially used in the food and pharmaceutical industries for its stabilizing and antioxidant properties, it later gained popularity in skincare for its mild exfoliating and hydrating benefits. Its natural, plant-based origin makes it a trusted ingredient in clean and gentle skincare formulations.
Purpose
In skincare, Gluconolactone serves as a gentle exfoliant that removes dead skin cells, smooths texture, and brightens the complexion without irritation. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the skin from environmental stressors and free radicals that cause premature aging. Additionally, Gluconolactone is a natural hydration booster, helping the skin retain moisture and strengthen its barrier, reducing dryness and sensitivity over time. Its soothing, multi-benefit profile makes it ideal for sensitive, acne-prone, and mature skin, commonly found in cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers.
| Feature | Description |
| Name | Gluconolactone |
| Type | Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA), gentle exfoliant, antioxidant |
| Source | Naturally derived through fermentation of plant-based glucose |
| PH | 3.5 – 5.5 |
| Solubility | Water-soluble |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Color | White to off-white |
| Physical State | Crystalline powder or granules |
| Concentration | 1% – 15% |
| Boiling Point | 230.35°C |
Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) with Large Molecular Structure
Gluconolactone belongs to the PHA family, featuring a larger molecular size than AHAs and BHAs. This slows down its skin penetration, minimizing irritation while delivering effective exfoliation. It’s ideal for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin, offering gentle resurfacing without disrupting the skin barrier.
Dual Function: Exfoliant and Antioxidant
It gently removes dead skin cells while providing antioxidant protection, neutralizing free radicals caused by UV exposure, pollution, and stress. This dual-action ability makes Gluconolactone a valuable multitasking ingredient in modern skincare.
Humectant and Moisture-Boosting Properties
Gluconolactone acts as a humectant, attracting moisture from the environment and deeper skin layers to the surface. It boosts hydration, improves elasticity, and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), leaving skin soft, plump, and supple.
Skin Barrier Friendly
Unlike stronger exfoliants, Gluconolactone respects and supports the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Its mild action exfoliates without stripping essential lipids, while its hydrating qualities enhance barrier strength, improving skin resilience and reducing sensitivity over time.
Non-Photosensitizing
A unique benefit is that Gluconolactone doesn’t increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. This makes it safer for daytime use when paired with SPF, allowing for ongoing exfoliation and antioxidant protection without heightening the risk of UV damage.
Anti-Aging with Skin-Soothing Benefits
It minimizes the appearance of fine lines, improves skin texture, and enhances radiance while remaining gentle on reactive skin. Its antioxidant and moisturizing actions calm inflammation, reduce redness, and promote even skin tone, making it ideal for sensitive and mature skin.
Suitable for Acne-Prone and Rosacea-Prone Skin
Its mild exfoliating action clears pores and smooths skin texture without triggering inflammation. It’s non-comedogenic, hydrating, and calming — perfect for blemish-prone, rosacea-prone, and eczema-prone skin types where harsher acids might cause flare-ups.
Stability in Formulations
Gluconolactone remains stable across a wide pH range (3.5–5.5) and maintains its efficacy over time. It resists degradation in both water-based and emulsion formulations, ensuring long-lasting product stability.
Compatible with Other Actives
This versatile active pairs well with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, peptides, and even mild retinoids. It enhances skincare routines by delivering gentle exfoliation and hydration without increasing irritation risk, making it a go-to ingredient for sensitive skin formulations.
Storage
Keep in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and moisture. Ensure containers remain tightly sealed to avoid contamination and humidity exposure.
Shelf Life
Approximately 24 months when stored under recommended conditions. Within finished skincare products, Gluconolactone maintains stability in a pH range of 3.5–5.5, offering dependable performance for the product’s life cycle.
Applications of Gluconolactone in Skincare
Gentle Exfoliation
Gluconolactone is primarily valued for its ability to provide mild, controlled exfoliation. Unlike AHAs and BHAs that can be harsh on sensitive skin, it gently removes dead skin cells from the skin’s surface without disrupting the barrier. This helps improve texture, radiance, and overall smoothness while minimizing the risk of irritation.
Hydration and Moisture Retention
Thanks to its humectant properties, Gluconolactone attracts and retains moisture in the skin. It helps boost skin hydration levels, reduce dryness, and support a plump, dewy complexion. Its ability to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL) makes it a reliable ingredient in moisturizers and hydrating serums.
Antioxidant Defense
As an antioxidant, Gluconolactone neutralizes free radicals caused by environmental aggressors like UV rays and pollution. This antioxidant function helps prevent premature aging signs such as fine lines, dullness, and uneven skin tone, making it a staple in anti-aging formulations.
Barrier Repair and Protection
Its gentle, non-irritating action makes Gluconolactone an ideal choice for repairing and maintaining the skin’s natural moisture barrier. It soothes inflammation and reduces sensitivity, promoting a healthier, more resilient complexion over time.
Non-Photosensitizing Exfoliant for Daytime Use
Unlike traditional acids that can make the skin more susceptible to sun damage, Gluconolactone is non-photosensitizing. This allows it to be safely used in morning skincare routines when paired with sunscreen, ensuring continuous exfoliation and antioxidant protection throughout the day.
Suitable for Problematic and Reactive Skin
Its mild nature makes it suitable for use in products targeting acne-prone, rosacea-prone, and eczema-prone skin. It gently clears pores, improves skin texture, and soothes redness without triggering flare-ups, making it a preferred choice in formulations for sensitive or compromised skin.
