What does Sodium Lactate in Soap Actually Do?

The use of sodium lactate in soap production is an industrial norm and this article explores why is it and if it is safe or not.

Introduction:

Regular moisturizing is important for our skin to maintain and enhance its youthful appearance for which hyaluronic acid lists itself as the best compound to retain moisture in our skins. Just shy of one spot, the second one is sodium lactate (NaC₃H₅O₃), a sodium salt of lactic acid. It exists as a colorless or yellowish syrupy liquid and its unique chemical structure and hygroscopic nature makes it a great ingredient for skincare products.

The use of sodium lactate in soap is quite a normal practice now and is also done due to its great benefits for human skin. It significantly enhances the general characteristics of soap and also adds skin-friendly features. Below are the most significant benefits of using sodium lactate in soap products:

1. Soap Hardness: When added to soaps, this sodium salt can add proper hardness to them which makes them last longer. The hardness induced by them is not too much and is just enough for a good massage application on the body and doesn’t become mushy when exposed to water. This is extremely crucial for the industrial production of soaps.

2. Moisturizing effects: Soaps are generally considered skin drying which is why sodium lactate is considered an important ingredient to overcome dryness issues and provide moisturizing features for our skin. It effectively acts as a humectant and retains moisture when applied to the skin due to the polar hydroxyl group (-OH) in its molecule which frequently makes bonds with water molecules.

These hydrogen bonds made with the water molecules are responsible for maintaining the skin barrier and help protect it from external pollution and irritants. Its unique moisturizing properties are used both in rinse-off and leave-on skin care products.

3. pH Regulation:

Human skin undergoes drying and even damage when its outer layer undergoes pH change. sodium lactate in soap functions as a pH regulator by maintaining an optimal pH balance on the surface of the skin and protects the natural acid mantle with its unique buffering capacity. Again, the presence of hydroxyl group (-OH) in its molecular structure makes it amphoteric (can donate or accept hydrogen ions H⁺).

Because of this, sodium lactate can react with both acid and basic ions resulting in the regulation of pH in the soaps as well as on the skin after application. This pH balancing is extremely crucial for humans to fight against any irritation and sensitivity problems and to retain moisture in our skin.

4. Reduces Early Ageing Signs

Another application of sodium lactate in soap production is that it acts as an anti-aging ingredient by removing dead skin cells and helps increase the rate of new cells taking over the outermost layer of human skin. Concentrations of lactic acid with 12 percent twelve concentration are reported to be most effective for reducing aging signs and also make it firmer and thicker.

5. Preservation Properties:

Sodium lactic acts as a bacteriostatic agent in soaps and cosmetic products which means that it doesn’t promote bacterial activity and growth in the product, they are mixed in. Having said that, it doesn’t necessarily kill the bacteria that is why it is used with other preservatives in soaps to make them last longer without getting spoiled.

Apart from its use in soap production, it is also frequently used in facial/body lotions and face creams where it adds thickness to the solution making the product creamier and with rich texture. Its humectant properties also are very useful for such products which help them attract and retain moisture when applied on the skin even after several hours of application.

It is also worth mentioning that sodium lactate is generally considered mild and well-tolerated by most individuals using soap products but it can cause irritation and sensitivity issues to those who have sensitive skin, especially during prolonged exposure. It is also quite irritating on the eyes in general when washing face with a facial soap bar. Proper rinsing off from the eyes is advised if they are exposed to the foam of soap bars containing lactic acid.  

Wrapping Up:

To conclude the role of sodium lactate in soap production, we can state that the soap industry utilizes its humectant, bacteriostatic, buffering, hardening, and moisturizing properties to make more practical and long-lasting soaps that are not damaging to human skin. They are generally classified as safe ingredients to use in cosmetic and soap products.