Sodium Glycolate

Sodium Glycolate Description

Sodium glycolate is a buffering agent used in skin care to help balance and adjust pH levels. It’s a synthetically made salt comprised of both glycolate and sodium ions.

The pH of skin care formulas is extremely important. Using alkaline or highly acidic products can disrupt skin’s naturally acidic pH, which on average is 4.7.

In cosmetics, sodium glycolate is considered safe when used in amounts of 10% or less. Despite its relation to the alpha hydroxy acid glycolic acid, sodium glycolate is not considered an effective exfoliant due to being present in salt form.