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Lactobionic acid

Lactobionic acid suppliers and sourcing guide

Lactobionic acid is a sugar acid made by oxidizing lactose, by chemical catalysis or by enzymes or microbes, so that the glucose unit becomes gluconic acid joined to galactose. It is purified and sold as a white, hygroscopic powder or as an aqueous solution. Cosmetic brands use it as a polyhydroxy (bionic) acid in peels, toners and creams, and its calcium salt is used in food.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
4-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-D-gluconic acid · Lactobionate · Bionic acid · CAS 96-82-2
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of lactobionic acid

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Powder

    Dried lactobionic acid, often partly as the lactone, sold by assay; it absorbs moisture quickly.

  • Aqueous solution

    Solutions at a stated concentration, commonly around 50%, which are easier to handle than the hygroscopic powder.

  • Salts

    Calcium and sodium lactobionate, used where a neutral salt rather than the free acid is wanted.

  • Pharmaceutical grade

    Material made to a pharmacopeial or GMP specification, also used in pharmaceutical and organ-preservation solutions.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay
Lactobionic acid content by HPLC or titration, with lactone reported where relevant.
Related sugars
Residual lactose, galactose and gluconic acid by HPLC, which show how complete the oxidation was.
Water content
Karl Fischer water for powder, or solids content for solutions.
pH and color
pH of a stated solution and color or absorbance, which rises with heat and age.
Heavy metals and catalyst residues
Lead and other metals by ICP-MS, plus any catalyst metal used in chemical oxidation.
Microbiology
Total aerobic count, yeast and mold, especially for solutions.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep the powder in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place; it is strongly hygroscopic and will cake or liquefy if exposed to humid air. Store solutions closed at moderate temperature away from light. Shelf life is set by the supplier, with retest of assay, water and color for aged stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Record assay, water content and the acid-to-lactone balance for each lot, since these change the amount of acid delivered and the finished product pH. Check color on older solution lots.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

  • Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist includes lactobionic acid and calcium lactobionate in its restricted entry for alpha-hydroxy acids, including bionic acids, which sets conditions of use, such as pH information, for products used on the skin.

    Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)

  • 21 CFR 172.720 permits calcium lactobionate, the calcium salt of lactobionic acid produced by oxidation of lactose, as a firming agent in dry pudding mixes.

    Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Lactobionic acid suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking lactobionic acid suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of lactobionic acid can brands buy?

Common forms include powder, aqueous solution, salts and pharmaceutical grade. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for lactobionic acid include?

Expect assay, related sugars, water content, pH and color, heavy metals and catalyst residues and microbiology, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should lactobionic acid be stored?

Keep the powder in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry place; it is strongly hygroscopic and will cake or liquefy if exposed to humid air. Store solutions closed at moderate temperature away from light. Shelf life is set by the supplier, with retest of assay, water and color for aged stock.

What is the regulatory status of lactobionic acid?

Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist includes lactobionic acid and calcium lactobionate in its restricted entry for alpha-hydroxy acids, including bionic acids, which sets conditions of use, such as pH information, for products used on the skin. 21 CFR 172.720 permits calcium lactobionate, the calcium salt of lactobionic acid produced by oxidation of lactose, as a firming agent in dry pudding mixes.

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