A lactone used in polyhydroxy-acid skincare and other formula roles.
Sources: 1PHA, Glucono-delta-lactone
Not assessed
No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific assessment has been completed for this record. A cosmetic safety review is not a pregnancy rating.
Limited evidence
Gluconolactone
What it does
Can support exfoliating and moisturizing formulas. Tolerance and effects depend on concentration and pH.
Sources: 1Good for
- Surface texture
- Exfoliating formulas
How to use it
Use a finished exfoliant as labeled, introduce it cautiously and follow appropriate sun-protection advice. Do not improvise professional peels at home.
Sources: 1Who should be careful
The description gentle acid does not rule out stinging or over-exfoliation, especially with other actives.
Sources: 1Pairs well with
No supported pairings have been documented for this record.
Usage, safety and formulation details
Mechanism of action
Can hydrolyze to gluconic acid; its multiple hydroxyl groups also support interaction with water.
Sources: 1Potential adverse effects
Over-exfoliation can cause burning, redness, peeling and subsequent pigmentation changes.
Sources: 1Formulation considerations
Acid availability develops in water and depends on equilibrium and final pH.
Sources: 1Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not assessed
No pregnancy- or breastfeeding-specific assessment has been completed for this record. A cosmetic safety review is not a pregnancy rating.
Safety tags
- Fragrance allergen
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- Essential oil
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- Drying alcohol
- Not assessed
Not separately assessed in this draft.
- May irritate sensitive skin
- Flagged
Potential concern depends on the product and exposure; this flag is not a prediction of every user's response.
Sources: 1
What remains uncertain
- Exact concentration, final pH and the full composition of any unprovided finished product
Clinical evidence and research (1 studies)
Clinical evidence
Evidence for its main benefitLimited evidence
A cited study is entered below. Its formulation, exposure and limitations must be considered before applying the results to another product.
Sources: 1Gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide for acne: comparative trial
- Design
- Double-blind trial comparing gluconolactone, vehicle and benzoyl peroxide
- Population
- 150 people with mild-to-moderate acne
- Studied concentration
- 14% gluconolactone compared with vehicle and 5% benzoyl peroxide
- Duration
- Not extracted into this record
Acne outcomes and tolerability were evaluated with the particular preparations.
Limitations: This older trial does not define a universally gentle acid regimen or establish performance of every PHA product. Studied strengths are not routine instructions.
Small clinical studySources: 1Regulation and ingredient label names
Regulatory information
No jurisdiction-specific assessment is recorded. An inventory listing is not blanket approval.
Names on ingredient lists
gluconolactone
Chemical identity and molecular structure
Chemical information
Chemical structure
| Detail | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PubChem CID | 7027 | PubChem compound 7027: chemical identity |
| molecular formula | C6H10O6 | PubChem compound 7027: chemical identity |
| molecular weight | 178.14 g/mol | PubChem compound 7027: chemical identity |
Content updated 9 November 2026.
Sources (2)
Scientific sources
- Gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide for acne: comparative trialhuman comparative trial · 1992
- PubChem compound 7027: chemical identitychemical identity
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