Our customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, from Monday to Sunday.
Catalog Number | CI-FC-0103 |
Product Name | Lactose |
CAS | 14641-93-1 |
Structure | |
Synonyms | (+)-4-O-β-D-Galactopyranosyl-α-D-glucopyranose |
IUPAC Name | (2R,3R,4S,5R,6S)-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-[(2R,3S,4R,5R,6S)-4,5,6-trihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]oxyoxane-3,4,5-triol |
Molecular Weight | 342.3 g/mol |
Molecular Formula | C12H22O11 |
InChI | InChI=1S/C12H22O11/c13-1-3-5(15)6(16)9(19)12(22-3)23-10-4(2-14)21-11(20)8(18)7(10)17/h3-20H,1-2H2/t3-,4-,5+,6+,7-,8-,9-,10-,11+,12+/m1/s1 |
InChI Key | GUBGYTABKSRVRQ-XLOQQCSPSA-N |
Boiling Point | 667.9±55.0 °C |
Melting Point | 238 °C |
Density | 1.76 g/mL |
Isomeric SMILES | C([C@@H]1[C@@H]([C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H](O1)O[C@@H]2[C@H](O[C@@H]([C@@H]([C@H]2O)O)O)CO)O)O)O)O |
pKa | 12.02±0.70 |
Lactose, a disaccharide composed of galactose and glucose, is commonly found in milk at concentrations of 3-7%, deriving its name from the Latin word "lactis," meaning milk. This natural sugar offers numerous benefits for skincare applications. It acts as a prebiotic that nourishes beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, while inhibiting the growth of most harmful bacteria and yeast that cannot process lactose into its simpler sugars. By supporting a balanced skin microbiota, lactose contributes to a healthier and more youthful skin appearance. Lactobacillus metabolizes lactose into lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and natural moisturizing factor (NMF), which exfoliates dead skin cells and promotes skin renewal, resulting in a refreshed and radiant complexion. Additionally, lactose has moisture-retentive properties that enhance skin hydration, increase volume and elasticity, and help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making it a versatile component in skincare formulations.
What is lactose, and how is it beneficial for the skin?
Lactose is a disaccharide composed of galactose and glucose molecules. It is naturally found in fresh milk, which contains about 3-7% lactose, deriving its name from the Latin word "lactis," meaning milk. Lactose is beneficial for the skin due to its role in improving skin microbiota balance. It acts as a nutrient for beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, while most harmful bacteria and yeast are unable to hydrolyze and consume it. This balance can promote a healthy, youthful, and refreshed skin appearance.
How does lactose contribute to skin hydration and elasticity?
Lactose has water-binding properties that stimulate skin hydration, providing volume and elasticity. This helps in smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Additionally, when Lactobacillus consumes lactose, it produces lactic acid, a natural moisturizing factor (NMF) that enhances skin renewal and maintains moisture, further contributing to skin elasticity and smoothness.
Can lactose improve the skin's texture and appearance?
Yes, lactose can improve the skin's texture and appearance. The lactic acid produced by the metabolism of lactose acts as an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), which eliminates dead or dull skin cells from the surface. This process enhances the skin's renewal rate, revealing a fresh and radiant complexion, thus improving the texture and overall appearance of the skin.
Are there any other skincare benefits offered by lactose?
Beyond its ability to maintain a balanced skin microbiota and improve texture and hydration, lactose may also assist in providing a youthful appearance by enhancing the cell renewal process. Its multifunctional properties make it a valuable ingredient in skincare formulations aimed at achieving smoother and more radiant skin.