Proprietary Delta Lactone
Also known as: Glucono delta-lactone, GDL, delta-gluconolactone
Overview
Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) is a naturally occurring lactone derived from gluconic acid, widely utilized as a food additive and in cosmetic formulations. Produced through the oxidation of glucose, it is also found in certain fermented foods. GDL functions as a curing and pickling agent, leavening agent, pH control agent, and sequestrant in food processing. In skincare, it acts as a mild exfoliating agent. A key characteristic of GDL is its slow hydrolysis to gluconic acid in aqueous solutions, resulting in a gradual decrease in pH, which is beneficial for controlled acidification. Research on GDL is moderately mature, primarily focusing on food science, toxicology, and dermatology. Evidence includes toxicological studies, metabolic pathway investigations, and small clinical trials on skin effects.
Benefits
Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) primarily benefits skin appearance through mild exfoliation. A clinical home-use test involving 20 participants demonstrated improvement in mild to moderate facial acne after twice-daily application of a GDL-containing serum. Specifically, GDL reduces acne-related lesions such as blackheads, papules, and pimples. Additionally, GDL serves as a metabolic probe in research, particularly in studying the pentose phosphate pathway in liver metabolism, indicating its biochemical relevance. These benefits are primarily observed in individuals with mild to moderate acne when used topically, with improvements typically seen over several weeks of consistent use.
How it works
Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) functions primarily through its hydrolysis into gluconic acid, which gradually lowers the pH. This pH reduction facilitates mild exfoliation by weakening the bonds between dead skin cells. In topical applications, this process affects skin cell turnover and the microbial environment. Metabolically, GDL can enter the pentose phosphate pathway, as demonstrated in liver studies. While specific molecular targets are not definitively identified, the effects are primarily physicochemical, involving pH modulation, and metabolic, through participation in the pentose phosphate pathway.
Side effects
Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) is generally considered safe for both human consumption and topical application at typical concentrations. Clinical studies have not reported common side effects (incidence >5%). Mild skin irritation is a potential side effect, although it was not documented in a small clinical trial. Uncommon (1-5%) and rare (<1%) side effects have not been reported. No known drug interactions or contraindications have been established. Toxicology studies in animals indicate no adverse reproductive or developmental effects at high doses (up to 560-780 mg/kg/day). Overall, GDL exhibits a favorable safety profile, but users should be vigilant for any signs of skin irritation when using topical formulations.
Dosage
For topical applications, formulations typically contain Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) at concentrations effective for mild exfoliation, though specific percentages are not standardized. In a clinical study, twice-daily application was used. Toxicology studies indicate a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) at 340 mg/kg/day in rats with no adverse effects observed over 29 months. Systemic absorption is minimal from topical use, as GDL hydrolyzes slowly to gluconic acid. There are no identified required cofactors. While no minimum effective dose is established for oral supplementation, topical products should balance efficacy and skin tolerability.
FAQs
Is Glucono delta-lactone safe for consumption?
Yes, toxicological data support its safety at typical exposure levels, with no adverse effects observed in long-term animal studies.
Can it be used for skin exfoliation?
Yes, it acts as a mild exfoliating agent, improving acne appearance with good tolerability.
Are there any known side effects?
No significant side effects have been reported in clinical or toxicological studies.
How quickly does it work on skin?
Improvement in acne was observed over the study period with twice-daily use, likely over several weeks.
Is it a drug or supplement?
It is primarily a food additive and cosmetic ingredient, not classified as a drug.
Research Sources
- https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/Glucono%20Delta%20Lactone%20TR.pdf – This document provides a technical review of Glucono Delta Lactone. It likely covers its uses in food processing and potential regulatory aspects related to its use in organic food production, focusing on its function as a processing aid and pH adjuster.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28272754/ – This study uses hyperpolarized δ-[1-13C]gluconolactone in mouse liver to probe pentose phosphate pathway activity. The research demonstrates the biochemical utility of GDL derivatives for metabolic imaging but does not provide direct clinical supplementation data.
- https://fragrancematerialsafetyresource.elsevier.com/sites/default/files/27593-23-3.pdf – This document is a safety data sheet for a fragrance material containing GDL. It provides information on the chemical's properties, potential hazards, and safe handling procedures, ensuring safe use in fragrance formulations.
- https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-08/documents/support_document_for_proposed_designation_of_d-gluconic_acid_.delta_.-lactone.pdf – This EPA support document outlines the proposed designation of D-gluconic acid δ-lactone. It likely includes a detailed assessment of its environmental and health impacts, supporting its safe use in various applications under EPA regulations.
- https://www.jungbunzlauer.com/fileadmin/content/_PDF/PRINT_PROJECTS/Article_facts/JBL_AR_Glucono-delta-Lactone_as_a_mild_exfoliating_agent_with_excellent_efficacy_in_a_minimalist_formulation_2022-124.pdf – This article discusses Glucono-delta-Lactone as a mild exfoliating agent with excellent efficacy in a minimalist formulation. It highlights its benefits in skincare, particularly in improving skin texture and reducing acne, while maintaining good tolerability.
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