Glucono Delta Lactone (GDL) is a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient and naturally derived Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) widely used in modern skincare formulations. It is the cyclic ester form of gluconic acid and gradually hydrolyzes in aqueous systems to gluconic acid.
As a PHA, Glucono Delta Lactone provides gentle exfoliating and skin-conditioning properties while also offering humectant functionality. Its larger molecular structure compared with smaller alpha hydroxy acids can provide a comparatively gentle exfoliation profile, making it particularly attractive for formulations designed for sensitive, dry or mature-looking skin.
Glucono Delta Lactone is also valued as a chelating agent, pH-adjusting ingredient and formulation aid, making it a versatile raw material for creams, lotions, serums, cleansers, masks and other personal-care products.
INCI Name
Gluconolactone
Common Names
- Glucono Delta Lactone
- Glucono-Delta-Lactone
- Gluconolactone
- GDL
- Delta-Gluconolactone
- Gluconic Acid Delta-Lactone
- PHA
- Polyhydroxy Acid
- Glucono Delta Lactone PHA
Chemical Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Glucono Delta Lactone (PHA) |
| INCI Name | Gluconolactone |
| CAS Number | 90-80-2 |
| Chemical Name | D-Glucono-1,5-lactone |
| Molecular Formula | C6H10O6 |
| Molecular Weight | 178.14 g/mol |
| Ingredient Type | Polyhydroxy Acid / Cosmetic Active |
| Functional Class | Exfoliant, Humectant, Chelating Agent, pH Adjuster |
| Physical Form | White crystalline powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| Origin | Naturally occurring / fermentation-derived grades available |
| Cosmetic Application | Skin Care & Personal Care |
What is Glucono Delta Lactone?
Glucono Delta Lactone is a lactone form of gluconic acid. When dissolved in water, it gradually converts to gluconic acid.
In cosmetics, it is primarily recognized as a PHA (Polyhydroxy Acid). PHAs are hydroxylated acids used in skincare formulations for gentle surface exfoliation and skin-conditioning applications.
Because GDL also has humectant and chelating properties, it can provide several formulation benefits beyond exfoliation.
Key Benefits
1. Gentle Exfoliation
Glucono Delta Lactone helps loosen and remove surface buildup of dead skin cells, supporting a smoother and more refined-looking skin surface.
2. Skin Renewal Support
Regular use in appropriately formulated cosmetic products can help improve the appearance of dull, uneven-looking skin by supporting surface renewal.
3. Hydration Support
Glucono Delta Lactone has humectant properties and can help attract and retain moisture, making it useful in moisturizing and exfoliating formulations.
4. Suitable for Sensitive-Skin Formulations
PHA-based formulations are often selected when a gentler exfoliating approach is desired compared with stronger exfoliating acids.
5. Helps Improve Skin Texture
It can be incorporated into formulations designed to provide smoother-feeling and more refined-looking skin.
6. Helps Improve Skin Radiance
By supporting the removal of accumulated surface cells, GDL can be used in formulations targeting dull-looking skin and a more radiant appearance.
7. Chelating Function
Gluconolactone can bind certain metal ions and therefore can contribute to formulation stability by helping manage trace metal impurities.
8. pH Adjustment & Formulation Support
It can contribute to controlling formulation acidity and is useful in selected cosmetic systems where gradual acidification is desirable.
Cosmetic Applications
Facial Skin Care
- Face Serums
- Exfoliating Serums
- Brightening Serums
- Moisturizers
- Face Creams
- Facial Gels
- Facial Masks
- Overnight Treatments
- Skin Renewal Products
Cleansing Products
- Face Wash
- Facial Cleansers
- Cleansing Gels
- Exfoliating Cleansers
- Body Cleansers
Body Care
- Body Lotions
- Body Creams
- Body Serums
- Body Exfoliators
- Hand Care Products
- Foot Care Products
Sensitive-Skin Formulations
- Gentle Exfoliating Products
- Sensitive-Skin Serums
- Barrier-support cosmetic formulations
- Hydrating PHA products
Suitable Product Types
- PHA Serum
- Facial Serum
- Exfoliating Serum
- Face Cream
- Face Lotion
- Moisturizer
- Facial Cleanser
- Face Wash
- Facial Mask
- Body Lotion
- Body Cream
- Body Serum
- Hand Cream
- Foot Care Products
- Overnight Skincare Products
- Anti-Dullness Cosmetic Formulations
Recommended Usage
A typical cosmetic formulation range is approximately:
1–10%
The appropriate concentration depends on the desired exfoliating effect, formulation type, final pH and supplier specification.
For gentle everyday skincare products, formulators may begin at a lower concentration and optimize through sensory, efficacy and stability testing.
Always follow the supplier’s TDS and applicable cosmetic regulations for the final formulation.
How to Use
Glucono Delta Lactone is generally incorporated into the water phase of cosmetic formulations because of its good water solubility.
General Formulation Procedure
- Weigh the required quantity of Glucono Delta Lactone.
- Dissolve it in the aqueous phase.
- Mix until completely dissolved.
- Add other water-soluble ingredients according to the formulation procedure.
- Adjust the final formulation pH as required.
- Check viscosity, appearance and stability.
- Conduct appropriate compatibility and stability testing.
Formulation Compatibility
Glucono Delta Lactone can be incorporated into formulations containing:
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Panthenol
- Niacinamide
- Botanical Extracts
- Aloe Vera
- Ceramides
- Peptides
- Alpha Arbutin
- Vitamin C Derivatives
- Humectants
- Emollients
- Surfactants
- Other Cosmetic Acids
Formulation Considerations
When formulating with GDL, formulators should monitor:
- Final pH
- Acid concentration
- Active concentration
- Compatibility with other acids
- Preservative performance
- Packaging compatibility
- Long-term stability
- Sensory characteristics
Product Information
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Glucono Delta Lactone (PHA) |
| INCI | Gluconolactone |
| CAS No. | 90-80-2 |
| Molecular Formula | C6H10O6 |
| Molecular Weight | 178.14 g/mol |
| Category | PHA / Cosmetic Active |
| Physical Form | White crystalline powder |
| Solubility | Water soluble |
| Main Function | Gentle Exfoliation & Skin Conditioning |
| Secondary Functions | Humectant, Chelating Agent, pH Adjustment |
| Typical Usage | 1–10% |
| Applications | Skin Care, Facial Care, Body Care |
| Suitable Skin Concepts | Dry, Dull, Uneven-Looking & Sensitive-Skin Formulations |
Why Choose Glucono Delta Lactone (PHA)?
- Well-established cosmetic PHA ingredient
- Gentle exfoliating profile
- Supports smoother-looking skin
- Helps improve the appearance of dull skin
- Provides humectant properties
- Useful for hydration-focused exfoliating formulations
- Suitable for sensitive-skin product concepts
- Water soluble
- Easy to incorporate into aqueous formulations
- Provides multifunctional formulation benefits
- Suitable for professional skincare development
- Compatible with a wide range of cosmetic ingredients
Storage
Store Glucono Delta Lactone in a cool, dry and well-ventilated environment.
Keep the container tightly closed and protect the material from:
- Moisture
- Direct sunlight
- Excessive heat
- Contamination
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