What is it?
Sodium Levulinate is a sodium salt of levulinic acid, a naturally occurring organic acid. It is commonly used as a preservative in natural and organic skincare products as a safer alternative to synthetic preservatives, aligning with clean beauty trends. Sodium Levulinate is valued for its skin-conditioning properties and its ability to contribute to the efficacy of formulations while also providing moisturizing and protecting benefits.
Where does it come from?
Sodium Levulinate is derived from levulinic acid, which is typically sourced from renewable plant-based materials. Levulinic acid is produced through the acid hydrolysis of cellulose, a component of plant cell walls. The process involves breaking down biomass, such as corn, sugarcane, or wood, into its sugar components, which are then converted into levulinic acid. This acid is subsequently neutralized with sodium hydroxide to form Sodium Levulinate.