Sodium Levulinate

Sodium Levulinate at a Glance

• Salt of levulinic acid
• Levulinic acid helps condition and soften skin
• Also exhibits antimicrobial action
• Safety in cosmetics is under review

Sodium Levulinate Description

Sodium levulinate is the salt of levulinic acid, a synthetic organic acid that helps condition and soften skin. Sodium levulinate is sometimes part of preservative blend because it exhibits antimicrobial action, although this is more common in food than for cosmetics.

The levulinic acid component can be transformed by naturally occurring microbes on skin into other helpful substances, including the moisturizing ingredient trehalose. The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review board is currently reviewing data on the safety of sodium levulinate as used in skin care products.

Currently, concentrations below 5% are permitted for use in cosmetics. Sodium levulinate is almost always part of a blend rather than being used on its own.

Sodium Levulinate References