Sodium Lactate

* A preservative and buffering agent, sometimes an exfoliant

Functions:

Sodium Lactate is the natural salt derived from a natural fermentation product, lactic acid. It is naturally produced in the skin, according to an article published in Cosmetics and Toiletries, and also occurs naturally in all animal and human muscle tissue, according to Sodium-Lactate.com. It is often found in meat and poultry products as a preservative, thanks to its antimicrobial action and ability to inhibit bacteria development, and is also seen in cosmetics and beauty products, especially shampoos and liquid cleansers, as a preservative, buffering agent, pH controlling agent, or exfoliant (Wikipedia).

Sodium Lactate is CIR approved when used under certain concentrations, and is considered "Safe when formulated to avoid increasing sun sensitivity or when directions for use include daily use of sun protection," because of its exfoliating properties (Cosmetics Database). It is also FDA approved.

Safety Measures/Side Effects:

The Cosmetics Database finds Sodium Lactate to be a moderate hazard ingredient because of concerns regarding cancer, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity. However, although the EWG notes concerns regarding cancer, it goes on to classify Sodium Lactate as "not likely to be carcinogenic" and no studies were found to corroborate this link.

The Material Safety Data Sheet for Sodium Lactate notes that it is an eye, skin and respiratory irritant, but further research found that it is only considered irritating in extremely high doses unlike those found in cosmetics and personal care products.

Recommended Products w/ Sodium Lactate:

Aveda Hand Relief, Jack Black Clear Complexion Solution, Buster’s Organic Face Moisturizer, Pevonia Botanic’s SpaTeen, DermaScyne Intense Daily Serum with NMF by Aminogenesis, Philip B Botanicals Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo, Lancster’s Sunslim, MD Formulations Vit-A-Plus Clearing Complex Mask, Dr. Spiller’s Celltresor Cream and Gel