5-Lactone ●
TL;DR. This ingredient primarily functions as a mild exfoliating acid, humectant, and pH adjuster in skin care. It can also support preservation systems by helping control formula pH and binding trace metals.
What does 5-Lactone do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient primarily functions as a mild exfoliating acid, humectant, and pH adjuster in skin care. It can also support preservation systems by helping control formula pH and binding trace metals.
Is 5-Lactone clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is generally well-tolerated and has low sensitization concern compared with stronger exfoliating acids. It is not a common restricted-list issue, though formulas using it still need pH and use-level context for sensitive skin.
Is 5-Lactone sustainable?
This material is typically derived from carbohydrate feedstocks such as glucose, often via fermentation or oxidation chemistry. It is water-soluble and readily biodegradable, with a comparatively favorable environmental profile.
Is 5-Lactone COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic when made from allowed feedstocks and processing routes. Its renewable carbohydrate origin, water compatibility, and ready biodegradability fit well with Green Chemistry principles.
How does 5-Lactone work chemically?
The molecule is a cyclic ester of a sugar acid that slowly hydrolyzes in water to the corresponding hydroxy acid, giving it both acidifying and water-binding behavior. In skin care it is commonly used around 2 to 10% for smoothing and humectancy, performs best in acidic systems, and pairs well with buffers, chelators, and barrier-supporting moisturizers.
Last updated 2026-05-13