Ingredients

Lactobionic Acid

Written by Reviewed by the SYNC editorial team Published Last reviewed Editorial standards

Lactobionic Acid — a polyhydroxy acid formed from lactose that exfoliates gently while binding significant amounts of water to the skin. It is valued for its humectant and antioxidant properties and its reputation as one of the mildest exfoliating acids available.

Key points

  • Lactobionic acid is a PHA composed of gluconic acid and galactose, giving it a large molecular structure.
  • Its size slows skin penetration, which is linked to a low potential for stinging and irritation.
  • It is a strong humectant, capable of drawing and holding water to support skin hydration.
  • Lactobionic acid also has antioxidant and metal-chelating properties that may help protect the skin from environmental stress.

Frequently asked

How is lactobionic acid different from glycolic acid?

Lactobionic acid is a polyhydroxy acid with a much larger molecule than glycolic acid, so it penetrates more slowly and tends to be gentler. It also provides added humectant and antioxidant benefits that glycolic acid does not.

Can lactobionic acid be used every day?

Many people tolerate it well for regular use because it is among the mildest exfoliating acids, though frequency depends on your skin and the overall formula. Introduce it gradually and pair it with daily sunscreen.

Related topics

This is a foundational entry in the SYNC Skin Encyclopedia and is expanded over time. Educational information only — not medical advice.

Encyclopedia

Further reading

This entry was written and checked against the sources below. They are published by clinical and scientific bodies, they are listed most readable first, and each one opens in a new tab. They are background for the whole entry rather than footnotes to individual sentences.

  1. Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. Efficacy and safety of a new peeling formulated with a pool of PHAs for the treatment of all skin types, even sensitive PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. Split‐face evaluation: Gluconolactone plus oxybrasion versus gluconolactone plus microneedling. The effects on skin parameters PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Comparison of Efficacy and Willingness to a 5% Gluconolactone‐Based Topical Serum and Intense Pulsed Light in Mild Erythema of Rosacea: A Paired Control Study PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimen PubMed Peer-reviewed (abstract) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. Corneometric evaluation of skin moisture after application of 10% and 30% gluconolactone PubMed Peer-reviewed (abstract) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SYNC does not publish medical advice. Nothing here replaces a consultation with a doctor or a pharmacist about your own skin.