Lactobionic Acid

Lactobionic Acid

Gentle exfoliating and hydrating PHA for improved skin texture, visible radiance, and moisture retention

INCI: Lactobionic Acid.

Appearance: White to off-white powder.

Solubility: Water-soluble.

Typical Use Level: 2–10%.

Lactobionic Acid is a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that helps gently exfoliate the skin while also attracting and retaining moisture. It is valued for improving the appearance of dullness, rough texture, and uneven tone without the harsher feel often associated with stronger exfoliating acids. Its hydrating and skin-comforting profile makes it especially useful in daily-use, sensitive skin, and barrier-conscious formulations.

What It Does

Lactobionic Acid is a multi-functional PHA active designed to deliver gentle resurfacing while helping the skin feel hydrated and comfortable.

It works by loosening the buildup of dead surface cells to improve skin smoothness, clarity, and brightness, while its humectant properties help support moisture retention. This balance makes it a strong choice for formulations that need visible exfoliating benefits without pushing the skin into irritation drama.

Key Benefits

• Provides gentle exfoliation for smoother, softer-looking skin.
• Helps improve dullness, rough texture, and uneven skin tone.
• Supports hydration and moisture retention while resurfacing.
• Suitable for sensitive skin and lower-irritation exfoliating systems.
• Helps promote a brighter, clearer, more refreshed-looking complexion.
• Works well in daily-use and treatment-focused formulas.

Suggested Use Levels

• 2–4% in daily-use toners, serums, and gentle exfoliating products.
• 4–8% in texture-refining and radiance-focused treatments.
• 8–10% in more intensive resurfacing systems, depending on the full formula.

Ideal Applications

• Gentle exfoliating toners and serums
• Hydrating resurfacing treatments
• Sensitive skin formulations
• Texture-refining and radiance-boosting products
• Daily-use smoothing and brightening systems

Formulation Notes

• Dissolve in the water phase until fully clear.
• Typically used in formulations with a pH range of approximately 3.5–5.5, depending on the desired performance and formula design.
• Works well with soothing and hydrating actives such as panthenol, hyaluronic acid, betaine, and niacinamide in properly balanced systems.
• Final pH adjustment is important to achieve the desired exfoliating performance and skin feel.

As with any acid-based system, final pH, compatibility, and stability should be tested in the finished formulation. Strange concept, I know.

Documents

• Certificate of Analysis (COA)
• Safety Data Sheet (SDS)