Glucono Delta Lactone ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is used as a gentle acidifying agent, pH adjuster, chelator, and polyhydroxy-acid exfoliant. It can also support humectancy because its structure binds water well.
What does Glucono Delta Lactone do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is used as a gentle acidifying agent, pH adjuster, chelator, and polyhydroxy-acid exfoliant. It can also support humectancy because its structure binds water well.
Is Glucono Delta Lactone clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is generally well-tolerated and has little restricted-list friction. Like any acidifying exfoliant, comfort depends on final formula pH, concentration, and barrier condition.
Is Glucono Delta Lactone sustainable?
This material is commonly made from glucose through fermentation or controlled oxidation, so it can come from renewable carbohydrate feedstocks. It is readily biodegradable and does not raise major persistence or bioaccumulation concerns.
Is Glucono Delta Lactone COSMOS-approved?
It is generally compatible with COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic standards when produced through allowed natural-origin processes. Its renewable sourcing potential, biodegradability, and low aquatic persistence fit well with Green Chemistry priorities.
How does Glucono Delta Lactone work chemically?
The molecule is a cyclic ester of a sugar-derived acid with multiple hydroxyl groups, and in water it gradually ring-opens into the corresponding mild acid form. Typical use can range from below 1% for pH and chelation support to about 2% to 10% in leave-on smoothing formulas, with performance strongly shaped by final pH and buffering.
Last updated 2026-05-13