Sodium Lactate Liquid 100 g

Humectant & Hardening Additive for Soap and Cosmetic Formulations

Sodium Lactate Liquid is a versatile water-soluble ingredient widely used in handmade soap making, skincare and personal care formulations.

It is the sodium salt of lactic acid and is commonly produced from lactic acid obtained through fermentation processes.

In cold process soap making, sodium lactate is particularly popular because it can help produce firmer soap bars and easier unmolding, especially in formulations that would otherwise remain soft for a longer period.

In cosmetic products such as lotions, creams, shower gels and selected hair-care formulations, sodium lactate is primarily valued for its humectant properties, helping formulations attract and retain moisture.

What Is Sodium Lactate?

Sodium lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid.

It is typically supplied as a clear or nearly clear aqueous liquid and dissolves readily in water.

Its main functions in cosmetic and soap formulations can include:

• Humectancy
• Supporting moisture retention
• Improving cold process soap hardness
• Supporting easier unmolding
• Formulation buffering
• Improving sensory properties in selected products

The exact performance depends on concentration, formulation and supplier specification.

Why Use Sodium Lactate in Soap Making?

One of the most common uses of sodium lactate is in cold process soap.

Fresh cold process soap can sometimes remain soft for several days, especially when a recipe contains large amounts of soft oils or relatively high water levels.

Adding an appropriate amount of sodium lactate can help the soap become firmer sooner.

This can make:

• Unmolding easier
• Cutting cleaner
• Bars less prone to deformation
• Production more convenient

It is particularly useful when working with detailed silicone molds or softer soap formulations.

Benefits in Cold Process Soap

Helps Produce Harder Bars

Sodium lactate can increase the initial firmness of cold process soap.

This does not replace proper formulation or curing, but it can make bars easier to handle during the first days after production.

Easier Unmolding

A firmer bar is generally easier to remove from:

• Silicone molds
• Individual cavity molds
• Loaf molds
• Detailed decorative molds

This may help reduce damaged edges and distorted soap surfaces.

Cleaner Cutting

Soap loaves that are excessively soft can deform during cutting.

Sodium lactate can help improve early firmness, allowing cleaner and more consistent cuts.

Improved Durability During Use

A properly formulated harder soap bar may resist becoming soft or mushy during use more effectively.

The final durability of the soap still depends on the entire fatty acid profile, water content and curing period.

Sodium Lactate in Skincare Products

Sodium lactate is also widely used as a humectant in cosmetic formulations.

Humectants help attract and retain water within a formulation and on the skin surface.

For this reason, sodium lactate can be found in:

• Moisturizing creams
• Lotions
• Body care products
• Hand creams
• Shower gels
• Cleansing products
• Selected hair-care formulations

Use in Lotions and Creams

In emulsions such as lotions and creams, sodium lactate can contribute to:

• Moisture retention
• Softer skin feel
• Improved hydration profile
• Better sensory properties

It is generally incorporated into the water phase of the formulation.

Use in Shampoo and Shower Gel

Sodium lactate may also be used in surfactant-based products such as:

• Shampoos
• Shower gels
• Hand washes
• Liquid cleansers

In these systems it is mainly used as a humectant and formulation-supporting ingredient.

Compatibility should always be checked because electrolytes can affect the viscosity of certain surfactant systems.

Is Sodium Lactate a pH Adjuster?

Sodium lactate can contribute to the buffering characteristics of a formulation, but it should not generally be treated as the primary pH-adjusting ingredient.

If the pH of a cosmetic product needs to be changed significantly, dedicated acids or bases are normally used according to the formulation requirements.

Always measure the final product pH rather than assuming sodium lactate alone will produce the desired value.

Typical Usage Levels

Usage levels depend on the product and supplier concentration.

Cold Process Soap

A common starting range is approximately:

1–3% of total oil weight

Some formulators use different levels depending on:

• Oil composition
• Water content
• Mold type
• Desired hardness
• Sodium lactate concentration

Excessive use may produce bars that are overly hard or brittle.

Lotions and Creams

Typical formulation levels may be around:

1–5%

depending on the intended product and desired humectant effect.

Shampoo and Shower Gel

Typical levels may be approximately:

0.5–2%

depending on the complete surfactant system and formulation.

These ranges are general formulation guidance only. Always follow the technical documentation supplied with the actual raw material.

How to Use Sodium Lactate in Cold Process Soap

1. Prepare the Lye Solution

Prepare sodium hydroxide and water according to your validated soap recipe.

Always add sodium hydroxide slowly to water.

Never pour water directly onto sodium hydroxide.

2. Allow the Lye Solution to Cool

After the sodium hydroxide has dissolved completely, allow the solution to cool.

3. Add Sodium Lactate

Add the measured sodium lactate to the cooled lye solution and stir carefully until evenly dispersed.

This is generally preferable to adding it at trace because it allows more uniform distribution.

4. Continue Soap Making Normally

Combine the lye solution with the oils according to your normal cold process procedure.

Blend to trace, add fragrance and other additives, then pour into the mold.

Important Formulation Note

Do not assume that more sodium lactate will always produce better soap.

Excessive quantities can result in:

• Excessively hard bars
• Brittle soap
• Cracking
• Difficult cutting
• Unwanted formulation changes

Always begin within the recommended range and adjust only after testing.

Product Details

Product Name: Sodium Lactate
Form: Liquid
Weight: 100 g
Chemical Type: Sodium Salt of Lactic Acid
Solubility: Fully soluble in water
Appearance: Clear to nearly clear liquid
Primary Functions: Humectant, soap hardening aid, formulation additive
Typical Applications: Soap, lotions, creams, shampoos, shower gels and personal care formulations

pH: Depends on concentration and supplier specification; refer to the product specification or COA for the actual batch.

Suitable Applications

Sodium lactate can be used in:

• Cold process soap
• Handmade soap
• Moisturizing creams
• Body lotions
• Hand creams
• Shower gels
• Shampoos
• Liquid cleansers
• Personal care formulations
• Professional cosmetic formulations

Storage

Store sodium lactate:

• In a cool and dry environment
• Away from direct sunlight
• In tightly closed packaging
• Away from excessive heat
• Away from incompatible materials

Keep the container closed when not in use to reduce contamination and moisture exchange.

Safety Information

• For formulation use only.
• Do not ingest.
• Avoid direct eye contact.
• In case of eye contact, rinse thoroughly with clean water.
• Avoid prolonged direct contact with concentrated raw material.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Follow the supplier’s Safety Data Sheet and technical documentation.
• Use appropriate protective equipment during professional formulation work.

Wholesale, Private Label & Contract Manufacturing

We also supply soap-making and cosmetic raw materials in wholesale quantities for professional soap makers, cosmetic formulators, workshops, retailers and manufacturers.

In addition to raw material supply, we provide private label and contract manufacturing services for businesses looking to develop cold process soaps, botanical soaps, personal care products and customized cleaning or cosmetic formulations.

For bulk sodium lactate orders, wholesale raw materials, private label production or contract manufacturing, please contact us with your required quantity, intended application, packaging requirements and target market. Custom projects are evaluated according to formulation, packaging and production volume.