Excellent Active Ingredient Dermal Penetration

LACTOBIONIC ACID

Also known as: D-Gluconic acid, 4-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-, 4-(β-D-Galactosido)-D-gluconic acid, 4-O-β-D-Galactopyranosyl-D-gluconic acid, 4-O-β-Galactopyranosyl-D-gluconic acid, D-Lactobionic acid (+7 more)

LACTOBIONIC ACID (CAS 96-82-2) is a cosmetic active ingredient functioning as Polyhydroxy acid (PHA) exfoliant with large molecular weight (358 Da) that. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in pharmaceutical data.

View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 96-82-2 →

Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Polyhydroxy acid (PHA) exfoliant with large molecular weight (358 Da) that confines exfoliating activity to the outermost stratum corneum layers. Provides gentle exfoliation without the burning or irritation associated with AHAs. Offers potent antioxidant activity and metal-chelating properties. Strong humectant effect from multiple hydroxyl groups. Suitable for rosacea-prone, post-procedure, and Fitzpatrick IV-VI skin types.
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT

Regulatory Status

EU EU Status permitted
US US Status permitted
US Notes CIR reviewed and assessed as safe in cosmetics. Polyhydroxy acid subclass distinct from AHA regulatory considerations. No photosensitivity concerns noted in clinical literature.

For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for LACTOBIONIC ACID.

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Dermal Penetration Profile

Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of LACTOBIONIC ACID, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.

Absorption %
1-3%
Penetration Level
surface
Penetration Depth
stratum corneum
Molecular Weight
358.3 Da
Log P
-3.8
Systemic Absorption
no
Topical Bioavailability
0.5-2%
Safety Margin Factor
minimal
Vehicle Dependent
Yes — absorption varies by formulation

Source: Cosmet Dermatol 2006

Additional Ingredient Properties

10 property records from structured ingredient metadata.

acne
{"cas_number": "96-82-2", "anti_acne_mechanism": "keratolytic/anti_inflammatory", "comedogenicity_rating_0_to_5": "0", "acne_type_efficacy": "non_inflammatory", "p_acnes_mic_ug_per_ml": "No direct antibacterial", "sebum_reduction_pct_clinical": "5-8", "keratolytic_strength": "mild", "exfoliation_mechanism": "chemical", "optimal_ph_for_efficacy": "3.5-4.5", "peel_depth": "superficial", "prescriptio…
concentration
{"min_concentration_pct": "2.0", "max_concentration_pct": "10.0", "typical_concentration_pct": "5.0", "product_type": "Toner", "function_at_concentration": "Gentle PHA exfoliation, antioxidant", "source": "Supplier TDS"}
dermal_absorption
{"molecular_weight_da": "358.3", "log_p_value": "-3.8", "skin_penetration_level": "surface", "penetration_depth": "stratum corneum", "absorption_pct": "1-3", "systemic_absorption": "no", "penetration_enhancer": "no", "occlusion_effect": "no", "vehicle_dependent": "yes", "skin_barrier_effect": "strengthens", "bioavailability_topical_pct": "0.5-2", "safety_margin_factor": "minimal", "source": "Cosme…
exfoliant
{"cas_number": "96-82-2", "ingredient_class": "PHA", "chemical_subclass": "bionic_acid/aldobionic_acid", "molecular_weight_Da": "358.3", "pKa_value": "3.60", "pH_dependent_activity": "yes", "optimal_pH_range": "3.5-5.0", "penetration_depth": "stratum_corneum", "mechanism_of_action": "desmolysis", "target_bonds": "desmosomal", "onset_of_action": "hours", "peak_effect_timeline": "12-16 weeks", "cell…
ph_stability
{"optimal_ph_min": "4.0", "optimal_ph_max": "6.0", "stable_ph_min": "3.5", "stable_ph_max": "7.0", "degrades_above_ph": "8.0", "ph_dependent_function": "PHA, larger molecule", "formulation_note": "Gentler exfoliation with antioxidant properties", "source": "Formulation literature"}
pregnancy_detail
{"pregnancy_safe": "yes", "breastfeeding_safe": "yes", "risk_category": "not-rated", "reason": "PHA; large molecule, very gentle", "source": "dermatology literature"}
self_tanning
{"cas_number": "96-82-2", "ingredient_class": "tan_eraser", "tanning_mechanism": "other", "color_development_onset_hours": "0.0", "full_color_development_hours": "0", "color_duration_days": "0", "DHA_concentration_if_applicable_pct": "0", "erythrulose_concentration_pct": "0", "pH_dependent_color": "no", "formaldehyde_release_concern": "no", "formaldehyde_release_ppm": "0", "AGE_formation_concern":…
skin_suitability
{"oily_skin": "recommended", "dry_skin": "recommended", "sensitive_skin": "recommended", "combination_skin": "recommended", "normal_skin": "recommended", "acne_prone": "acceptable", "rosacea": "recommended", "eczema": "recommended", "hyperpigmentation": "acceptable", "aging_mature": "recommended", "dehydrated": "recommended", "skin_benefit_primary": "exfoliating", "skin_benefit_secondary": "antiox…

Function Categories & List Membership

Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
pH regulating agent

Expert Verdict

Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for LACTOBIONIC ACID.

Regulatory Flags

pha bionic-acid antioxidant chelating no-photosensitivity sensitive-skin-safe barrier-safe rosacea-safe post-procedure-safe fitzpatrick-iv-vi-preferred

Known Synonyms

D-Gluconic acid, 4-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl- 4-(β-D-Galactosido)-D-gluconic acid 4-O-β-D-Galactopyranosyl-D-gluconic acid 4-O-β-Galactopyranosyl-D-gluconic acid D-Lactobionic acid Galactosylgluconic acid Lactonic acid EC No.: 202-538-3 EINECS 202-538-3 UNII-65R938S4DV 4-(beta-D-Galactosido)-D-gluconic acid 202-538-3

Chemical Function

pH regulating agent

Regulatory Lists

pharmaceutical

Cross-Vertical Safety Context

Same-CAS public records found in pharmaceutical data.

SOURCE ChEMBL / DrugCentral / FAERS DB_PHARMA CAS match

Pharmaceutical Data

Same-CAS rows from the pharmaceutical spoke database.

ChEMBL ID
CHEMBL3039602
View full pharmaceutical profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is LACTOBIONIC ACID safe in cosmetics?

LACTOBIONIC ACID has a safety rating of "EXCELLENT" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.

Is LACTOBIONIC ACID allowed in the EU?

LACTOBIONIC ACID EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does LACTOBIONIC ACID do in cosmetics?

LACTOBIONIC ACID functions as: Polyhydroxy acid (PHA) exfoliant with large molecular weight (358 Da) that confines exfoliating activity to the outermost stratum corneum layers. Provides gentle exfoliation without the burning or irritation associated with AHAs. Offers potent antioxidant activity and metal-chelating properties. Strong humectant effect from multiple hydroxyl groups. Suitable for rosacea-prone, post-procedure, and Fitzpatrick IV-VI skin types.. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 96-82-2.

Is LACTOBIONIC ACID used outside cosmetics?

LACTOBIONIC ACID also appears in pharmaceutical data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.

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