Sodium Levulinate.
What is it?
Sodium Levulinate is a sodium salt of levulinic acid, a naturally occurring organic acid. It is commonly used as a preservative in natural and organic skincare products as a safer alternative to synthetic preservatives, aligning with clean beauty trends. Sodium Levulinate is valued for its skin-conditioning properties and its ability to enhance the efficacy of formulations while also providing moisturizing and antimicrobial benefits.
Information
Sodium Levulinate is a sodium salt of levulinic acid, a naturally occurring organic acid. It is commonly used as a preservative in natural and organic skincare products as a safer alternative to synthetic preservatives, aligning with clean beauty trends. Sodium Levulinate is valued for its skin-conditioning properties and its ability to enhance the efficacy of formulations while also providing moisturizing and antimicrobial benefits.
Where does it come from?
Sodium Levulinate is derived from levulinic acid, which is typically sourced from renewable plant-based materials. Levulinic acid is produced through the acid hydrolysis of cellulose, a component of plant cell walls. The process involves breaking down biomass, such as corn, sugarcane, or wood, into its sugar components, which are then converted into levulinic acid. This acid is subsequently neutralized with sodium hydroxide to form Sodium Levulinate.
What are the benefits?
What are the benefits?
- Preservative: It is widely used as a natural preservative, helping to extend the shelf life of skincare products by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold.
- Skin Conditioning: Sodium Levulinate has moisturizing properties that help to maintain the skin's hydration levels, leaving it soft and smooth.
- Antimicrobial Action: It provides antimicrobial effects, making it useful in formulations aimed at treating or preventing skin issues such as acne.
- Gentle on Skin: As a naturally derived ingredient, it is generally well-tolerated by the skin and is suitable for use in products for sensitive skin.
- pH Regulator: It can help to stabilize the pH of skincare products, ensuring that they remain effective and gentle on the skin.
How is it used in our products?
Sodium Levulinate is used, for example, in F71 Corrective Cleansing Gel and B53 Grapefruit Rose Shower Gel from OLIVEDA. Included for its ability to naturally enhance the product's shelf life by acting as a gentle preservative while providing hydration. It helps maintain the skin's natural moisture balance and conditioning.
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