Sodium Lactate

Sodium Lactate is the salt of lactic acid.

What it does in soap
Sodium lactate helps soap harden more quickly and release cleanly from molds. It improves bar firmness and durability, especially in formulas with high liquid content or milk.

What it feels like on skin
Sodium lactate doesn’t change the scent or lather of soap. Its effect is indirect: firmer bars that last longer in the shower and don’t turn mushy as quickly.

Why it’s used
It strengthens the structure of the finished bar and reduces breakage during cutting. It’s particularly useful in milk soaps, high-olive formulas, and recipes that would otherwise take longer to firm up.

Common questions

• Is this a preservative? No. True soap does not require preservatives.

• Is this the same as lactic acid? No. Sodium lactate is the neutralized salt form and is not acidic.

• Is this synthetic? It’s typically produced by fermentation, then purified.

• Is this vegan? Yes. Sodium lactate used in soap is generally plant-derived.