Sodium lactate (60%) 乳酸納 (60%)

Sodium Lactate (60%) is a highly effective and practical natural additive widely used in handcrafted soaps (especially cold process/CP soap) and DIY skincare products. As the sodium salt of lactic acid, its most common commercial specification is a 60% concentration aqueous solution, which appears as a clear, colorless, or slightly yellowish liquid.

Functions in Handcrafted Soap

Commonly recognized as the ultimate "hardening and demolding secret weapon," sodium lactate significantly improves soap-making efficiency and final quality:

Accelerates Hardening & Easy Demolding: Adding sodium lactate to lye water allows the soap to harden much faster. This is especially beneficial when formulating "high-percentage soft oil soaps" (such as pure olive oil soap or Marseille soap) or when using intricate silicone molds. It shortens the curing wait time, makes demolding effortless without sticking, and prevents the soap from crumbling during cutting.

Enhances Moisturization & Skin Feel: Sodium lactate is a natural humectant. When incorporated into soap, it delivers a gentler, more deeply hydrating wash, reducing post-cleansing tightness. This makes it highly suitable for soap bars tailored to dry or sensitive skin types.

Improves Texture and Appearance: Soaps crafted with sodium lactate typically exhibit a silky, jelly-like sheen and a refined, smooth surface texture, significantly upgrading the overall presentation.

Functions in Skincare Products (e.g., Toners, Lotions, Serums)

As a component of the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), sodium lactate serves as a high-performance functional ingredient:

Intensive Natural Hydration: Its moisture-binding capacity is considered to be more than twice that of glycerin or sorbitol. It locks in atmospheric moisture and seals it within the skin's surface layer, providing instant and long-lasting hydration for dry skin.

pH Buffering & Balance: Often paired with lactic acid, it acts as a highly efficient pH buffer in skincare formulations. It stabilizes the product's acidity at a skin-friendly, weakly acidic level (pH 4.5–5.5), thereby minimizing potential skin irritation.

Recommended Dosage: 1% – 3% of the total oil weight for soap making.

Formulation Note: Since sodium lactate is a water-soluble liquid, it should be added and mixed directly into the Water Phase when formulating DIY emulsions, lotions, or creams.

Appearance: Clear, transparent liquid (60% aqueous solution)

Origin: Netherlands

Storage: Store in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Keep out of reach of young children and pets.

Cautions: For external use only. Do not use on infants and young children. Perform a skin patch test prior to full use to verify there is no allergic reaction. Avoid contact with eyes and open wounds.