Gluconolactone is a form of PHA (polyhydroxy acid) - a gentle, low-irritation exfoliating ingredient. It's milder than traditional AHAs and BHAs, making it safe to use even on sensitive skin, and it's gaining attention as a multi-tasking ingredient that also supports hydration and offers antioxidant benefits.
This article shares information about the ingredients SkinStandard, a cosmetic formulation lab, uses in its skincare products. It describes only the chemical properties of the ingredient itself - not the effects of any specific product containing it, and not a medical claim.
Key Features at a Glance
Gentle exfoliation. Softly clears surface buildup without the irritation typically associated with exfoliating acids - safe enough for sensitive skin.
Hydration support. Draws in moisture to help keep skin soft and hydrated.
Antioxidant benefits. Helps neutralize free radicals, protecting skin and defending against visible signs of aging.
Core Benefits
Gentle exfoliation. As a PHA, it's milder and more effective at low irritation than AHAs or BHAs.
Hydration. Helps strengthen the skin's moisture retention.
Antioxidant support.
Barrier protection. Helps maintain a mildly acidic pH, which supports a stronger skin barrier.
Who This May Suit
Sensitive skin. Anyone who wants exfoliation and hydration in one step. Anyone concerned about visible signs of aging. Anyone looking to strengthen their skin barrier.
Things to Note
How it differs from AHA/BHA: gluconolactone has a larger molecular size and works only at the skin's surface, which is part of why it's gentler.
Good for sensitive skin, but a patch test is still recommended before first use.
Wondering what to layer on right after a gentle exfoliating step? See SkinStandard's 2% Ultra-Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Add-on Serum and 0.5% Beta-Glucan Add-on Serum.
Tips for Best Results
Add to your evening routine. Follow with a moisturizer afterward. Combine for synergy: works well alongside micro hyaluronic acid and beta-glucan.
Those last two points are really one point: with a gentle exfoliant, what you apply immediately afterward decides how the step feels. Freshly exfoliated skin takes in hydration readily, and that's exactly when a single-focus hydrating or calming layer does the most work - which is why micro hyaluronic acid and beta-glucan show up as the synergy pairings.
A Concrete Example: SkinStandard's Micro Hyaluronic Acid and Beta-Glucan Add-on Serums
For the hydration layer - 2% Ultra-Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Add-on Serum. A single ultra-low molecular weight hyaluronic acid at 2%, molecular weight 0.5-10.1 kDa, 5 ingredients in total. Viscosity comes from 0.4% high molecular weight hyaluronic acid rather than a carbomer, so it layers without pilling.
For the calming layer - 0.5% Beta-Glucan Add-on Serum. 0.5% beta-glucan as the single focus ingredient, with the figure stated rather than left to INCI order.
Both are add-ons, so the routine you already have stays intact. Mix a pump into the serum or cream you use after exfoliating - or, with the hyaluronic acid serum, use it on damp skin in place of your toner step. Start at one pump and adjust the amount to set the strength.
2% Ultra-Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Add-on SerumShop this product on skinstandard.com›
0.5% Beta-Glucan Add-on SerumShop this product on skinstandard.com›
This article describes the chemical and biological properties of this ingredient only. It does not describe the effects of any specific product containing this ingredient, nor does it constitute a medical claim.
