Actives
Sodium Lactate
Sodium lactate is a gentle, vegan humectant that I specifically chose for the Menstrual Phase emulsion because of its powerful moisturising effects, especially when paired with sodium PCA. During menstruation, when oestrogen drops and skin can feel fragile, dry, tight, or dehydrated, this combination provides the deep comfort your skin craves.
Natural Moisturising Factor
Produced through fermentation of vegetable sources like corn, potatoes, sugar beets, and tapioca, sodium lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid: completely plant-based and unrelated to milk. It forms a vital part of the skin’s Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF), the natural blend of water-attracting molecules that keeps skin hydrated, plump, and resilient.
Hydrating
Sodium lactate draws moisture from the air and binds it to the skin’s upper layers for longer-lasting hydration. Together with sodium PCA (about 12% of NMF), it works in harmony to restore comfort, soften texture, reduce flakiness, and leave skin feeling supple and nurtured during this more vulnerable phase.
Find it in...
In our Berry Calm, sodium lactate and sodium PCA deliver enhanced, soothing hydration, helping your skin recover and feel cared for through the cycle’s tenderest days.
The Science
1) Skin care formulation incorporating sodium lactates, sodium PCA and lauryl PCA: comparative moisturising efficacy on Asian skin - Research Gate
2) Influence of pH, concentration of sodium lactate as an additive and ultrasonic treatment on synthesis of zinc phosphate white pigments - Pubmed
3) Lactate in skin homeostasis: metabolism, skin barrier, and immunomodulation - Frontiers in Immunology
4) Sweat constitutes several natural moisturizing factors, lactate, urea, sodium, and potassium - JDS Journal
5) Relationship between NMF (lactate and potassium) content and the physical properties of the stratum corneum in healthy subjects - Pubmed
6) Going Beyond Ceramides in Moisturizers: The Role of Natural Moisturizing Factors - JDD
7) Tolerance and efficacy of a hand cream containing urea and sodium lactate in patients with dry skin and associated dermatoses - JAAD
8) Sodium Lactate - EWG Ingredient Report