Glucono Delta Lactone is a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that hydrolyzes to gluconic acid, providing gentle exfoliation, humectant, and antioxidant benefits while also acting as a chelating agent and pH adjuster in formulations. It is often considered milder and less irritating than alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild transient stinging or tingling | Uncommon | More likely at higher concentrations or on compromised skin |
Skin irritation or redness | Uncommon | Generally lower irritation potential than AHAs due to larger molecular size |
Dryness or peeling | Rare | Associated with overuse or high-strength formulations |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated case reports; not a common sensitizer |
Increased photosensitivity | Rare | PHAs are considered to increase sun sensitivity less than AHAs, but sunscreen use is advised |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.