Lactobionic Acid Vs Gluconolactone: Understanding The Key Differences

Content Menu

● What Are Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs)?

● Chemical Structure and Origin

>> Lactobionic Acid

>> Gluconolactone

● Skincare Benefits

>> Exfoliation and Skin Renewal

>> Hydration and Barrier Repair

>> Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Effects

>> Reduced Irritation and Sensitivity

● Differences in Molecular Action and Effectiveness

>> Molecular Size and Skin Penetration

>> Comparative Hydration

>> Cost and Concentration Levels

● Practical Applications in Skincare

>> Suitable Skin Types

>> Product Forms

>> Combining with Other Ingredients

● Summary Table: Lactobionic Acid vs Gluconolactone

● Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) are a class of gentle chemical exfoliants used widely in skincare for their exfoliating, hydrating, antioxidant, and anti-aging benefits. Among PHAs, two of the most commonly used compounds are lactobionic acid and gluconolactone. While they share many similarities due to their chemical relationship, they also exhibit distinct characteristics that influence their effects on the skin and suitability for various skin types and concerns. This article provides a comprehensive comparison of lactobionic acid and gluconolactone, explaining their chemistry, skincare benefits, differences in efficacy, sensitivity profiles, and optimal uses.

What Are Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs)?

PHAs are sugar-based acids structurally similar to alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) but with some unique benefits. The two most popular PHAs are gluconolactone and lactobionic acid. PHAs work by gently exfoliating the skin's surface, helping to remove dead skin cells and promote cell renewal, while providing additional moisturizing and antioxidant properties. Compared to AHAs, PHAs have larger molecules, which limits their ability to penetrate deeply into the skin, resulting in less irritation and sensitivity.[3][9]

Chemical Structure and Origin

Lactobionic Acid

Lactobionic acid is a polyhydroxy acid derived from lactose (milk sugar). It consists of an acid molecule linked to an additional sugar molecule, making it a bionic acid as well. This unique structure contributes to its excellent humectant (moisture-binding) properties and antioxidant capacity. The presence of the extra sugar molecule slows down its action on the skin, making it more hydrating and gentle than other acids.[1][5]

Gluconolactone

Gluconolactone is a sugar acid as well, chemically related to lactobionic acid but lacking the additional sugar molecule. It is found naturally in fruits and honey and is classified as a gentle exfoliant. Gluconolactone is often praised for its ability to combat glycation, a process that damages collagen and causes skin aging. Its molecular size results in mild exfoliation while enhancing skin hydration and barrier strength.[8][3]

Skincare Benefits

Exfoliation and Skin Renewal

Both lactobionic acid and gluconolactone serve as gentle exfoliants capable of removing dead skin cells and promoting skin renewal. Because they are PHAs, their exfoliating action is slower and less irritating than AHAs like glycolic acid, making them suitable for sensitive or reactive skin.[9][1]

Hydration and Barrier Repair

Among PHAs, lactobionic acid is considered more hydrating due to its molecular structure which provides superior humectant properties, even outperforming glycerin in moisture retention. It also plays a strong role in repairing the skin barrier, which is crucial for maintaining healthy, resilient skin. Gluconolactone also hydrates and supports the skin barrier but to a slightly lesser extent.[1][3]

Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Effects

Both acids possess antioxidant properties that help neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and photoaging. Lactobionic acid, in particular, shows stronger antioxidant activity, which can promote better prevention of skin aging signs like wrinkles and fine lines. Gluconolactone also exhibits anti-aging benefits, especially by combating glycation that stiffens the skin and accelerates aging.[3][1]

Reduced Irritation and Sensitivity

PHAs are known for their low irritation compared to AHAs and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). Between the two, lactobionic acid is generally gentler and less irritating than gluconolactone, partly due to its slower action and more hydrating nature. This makes it a preferred option for extremely sensitive skin or those prone to redness and irritation.[7][1]

Differences in Molecular Action and Effectiveness

Molecular Size and Skin Penetration

Lactobionic acid's additional sugar molecule makes it larger and slower-acting on the skin, resulting in gradual and more hydrating exfoliation with minimal irritation. Gluconolactone's slightly smaller size allows for somewhat quicker exfoliation but still maintains a mild profile compared to AHAs.[9][1]

Comparative Hydration

Lactobionic acid is reported to be twice as hydrating as gluconolactone. It enhances moisture retention more effectively, making it ideal for dry or dehydrated skin types.[1]

Cost and Concentration Levels

From a formulation perspective, lactobionic acid is more expensive as a raw material than gluconolactone. As a result, products containing lactobionic acid often have lower concentrations or are combined with gluconolactone to achieve a balance of efficacy and cost. Gluconolactone, being cheaper, is commonly used in higher percentages in skincare formulations.[1]

Practical Applications in Skincare

Suitable Skin Types

- Lactobionic Acid: Ideal for sensitive, dry, mature, or photoaged skin due to its gentle exfoliation, strong hydration, and antioxidant protection.

- Gluconolactone: Suitable for sensitive, combination, and oily skin types, providing exfoliation with less irritation than AHAs and addressing skin firmness and glycation.

Product Forms

Lactobionic acid is often found in liquid exfoliants, serums, and creams. It can also be used safely post-cosmetic procedures due to its soothing nature. Gluconolactone is commonly formulated in toners, moisturizers, and anti-aging products that target wrinkles, pores, and skin texture.[7][3]

Combining with Other Ingredients

Both PHAs can be combined with retinoids and antioxidants because they do not compromise the skin barrier as severely as AHAs. Lactobionic acid's gentleness allows safer combination with multiple active ingredients in anti-aging regimens.[1]

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Summary Table: Lactobionic Acid vs Gluconolactone

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Are lactobionic acid and gluconolactone safe for sensitive skin?

A1: Yes, both are PHAs and are well-known for their gentle exfoliation and minimal irritation, making them suitable for sensitive skin. Lactobionic acid is even gentler and more moisturizing than gluconolactone, often preferred for very sensitive or dry skin.

Q2: Can these acids be used together in a skincare routine?

A2: Yes, lactobionic acid and gluconolactone can be combined in formulations or used together in a routine. They complement each other in providing gentle exfoliation, hydration, and antioxidant protection.

Q3: How do lactobionic acid and gluconolactone compare to alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)?

A3: PHAs like lactobionic acid and gluconolactone exfoliate more gently than AHAs, with less irritation and better hydration. While AHAs penetrate deeper, PHAs are better for people with sensitive skin or who want milder, slower exfoliation.

Q4: What skin concerns do these acids address best?

A4: Both acids target dullness, uneven texture, fine lines, and photoaging. Lactobionic acid, due to its superior hydration and antioxidant power, is excellent for dry, aging skin, while gluconolactone is effective for improving firmness and combating glycation.

Q5: Are there any side effects of using lactobionic acid or gluconolactone?

A5: Side effects are rare due to the gentle nature of PHAs. Some individuals may experience mild tingling or sensitivity initially, but these acids are substantially less irritating than AHAs or BHAs.

[1] https://www.equalrxnskin.com/blogs/equalrxn-good-skin-school/lactobionic-acid-the-queen-of-all-acids-%F0%9F%92%85

[2] https://patents.google.com/patent/CN104337705A/en

[3] https://www.perriconemd.com/blog/aha-and-pha-ingredient-spotlight/

[4] https://patents.google.com/patent/CN104337705A/zh

[5] https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/lactobionic-acid

[6] https://patents.google.com/patent/CN113081877A/zh

[7] https://www.lancome-usa.com/beauty-magazine/skincare/polyhydroxy-acids-gluconolactone-skincare-guide.html

[8] https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/HK/zh/substance/gluconolactone1781490802

[9] https://www.dermacaredirect.com/advice/polyhydroxy-acids

[10] https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/SG/zh/search/d-(-)-gluconic-acid-%CE%B4-lactone?focus=products&page=1&perpage=30&sort=relevance&term=d-%28+%29-gluconic+acid+%CE%B4-lactone&type=product_name

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