Derived from plant inulin and starch, Sodium Levulinate is a natural preservative. It has the ability to control microorganisms without altering the pH or colour of the other ingredients that make up the skincare product. The question that arises is: what is Sodium Levulinate and what is its purpose? Here is everything you need to know about this ingredient.
What is "Sodium Levulinate" and what is its utility?
Summary
Published on February 2, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 3 min of reading
All you need to know about Sodium Levulinate
Sodium Levulinate is the sodium salt of levulinic acid. This active ingredient serves as a skin softening and conditioning agent. Additionally, it inhibits the growth of microbes. Levulinic acid is found in many plants, including sugar cane. It exerts a gentle acidifying effect on the skin, helping to maintain its natural acidity level. Organic acids significantly combat micro-organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus (the bacteria responsible for infections and intoxications) and Propionibacterium acnes (the bacteria responsible for acne). Furthermore, they are required to maintain the skin's normal pH at a stable level.
Permitted in organic skincare, Sodium Levulinate provides them with the nutrients, texture, and bacterial protection they require. Combined with Sodium Anisate, it forms a comprehensive preservative for skincare products.
Sodium Levulinate: what is its purpose?
Sodium Levulinate is a multifunctional agent. Its functions are as follows:
It provides flexibility to the skin, making it an ally for dry skin;
It is a skin conditioning agent;
It safeguards the skin's natural pH and its hydration by absorbing moisture;
It extends the shelf life of a skincare product;
It softens the skin and makes it smooth;
It promotes the preservation of emulsions;
Acting as a preservative, it prevents the growth of microbes and bacteria in the formulation of skincare products: it produces a preservation effect in the treatments and regularly provides sodium ions to the microbes
In addition to being a natural preservative, Sodium Levulinate has revitalising virtues for the skin. Levulinic acid is used to prevent microbial build-up in skincare. It poses no danger, as it does not risk damaging the brain and organs.
Sodium Levulinate, derived from corn, can also be used in food. It is a food preservative. It can be safely consumed and applied to the skin.
Sodium Levulinate: In which skincare products is it found?
Sodium Levulinate is present in a wide range of skincare products:
Facial creams;
Eye contour care;
Micellar waters;
Facial hydrating serums;
The lotions;
Facial cleansing foams.
Sodium Levulinate prevents skincare products from deteriorating. In addition to its many virtues, this ingredient carries low risks. However, levulinic acid is considered a mild irritant. It can cause side effects in people allergic to this active ingredient.
