7 Best Skin Care Products With Gluconolactone, As Per An Esthetician (2024)

Enrich your skin with this magical ingredient to see a visible difference within no time.

Reviewed by Becky Sturm, Esthetician Becky Sturm Becky SturmEsthetician facebook_icontwitter_iconlinkedin_iconinsta_icon
Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach Shiboli Chakraborti MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Edited by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach Krati Darak MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Fact-checked by Medha Deb, Integrated MA Medha Deb Integrated MA linkedin_icon Experience: 5 years
Last Updated on
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When it comes to skincare, while there are certain star acids that steal the show, there are a few more that do their work unnoticed! One such magic ingredient is gluconolactone, an active ingredient in skin care products! It not only helps improve your skin texture but also helps tone down any irritaions or breakouts. Balancing skin hydration is one of the notable benefits of gluconolactone, and it also helps in minimizing skin irritation. A poly-hydroxy acid (PHA), gluconolactone works similar to alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHA). It not only helps slough off dead skin buildup, excess oil, dirt, and debris from your skin but also helps keep it hydrated and well-nourished! To know more about the magical effects of this lesser known acid in skincare, scroll down! You can also take your pick from the 7 best skin care with gluconolactone listed below to see its effects for yourself!

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Best Moisturizing:COSRX Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule
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Best For Acne:PCA SKIN Acne Cream
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Best For Exfoliation:Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector
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Best For Aging Signs:PCA Skin Hydrating Serum
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Best Soap-Free Cleanser: Neostrata Restore Pha Facial Cleanser
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Best Non-Greasy:Exuviance Age Reverse BioActiv Wash
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Best Gel Texture:Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Exfoliating Cleanser
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What Is Gluconolactone?

Gluconolactone is a poly-hydroxy acid derived from gluconic acid that is found in corn and animals. It dissolves the dead skin cells and makes your skin soft and glowing. Gluconolactone is made of multiple hydrogen-oxygen pairs that attract water, offer hydration, and help retain the moisture balance of the skin.

Gluconolactone, often called the next-generation AHA, works well on acne-prone, sensitive, or matured skin without causing allergies and irritation. Although its main job is exfoliation, it comes with other benefits as well.

Benefits Of Gluconolactone

Gluconolactone is the unsung hero of the skin care industry. Here are some of its benefits.

  1. Exfoliation: Although it is not as strong as the AHAs and BHAs, gluconolactone gently exfoliates dead skin cells without any side effects.
  2. Hydration And Moisturization: Gluconolactone comprises hydroxyl groups, making it a humectant that attracts water and helps in hydration.
  3. Antiaging Property: As it peels off dead skin cells and smoothens the texture, it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making your skin supple and youthful.
  4. Antioxidant Property: It can fight free radicals and prevent the damage of skin cells.

In short, this multitasking skin care wonder revamps your skin tone and texture, making it smoother, softer, and supple. But are you wonder which skin care products contain gluconolactone? Our curated list of the 7 best products with gluconolactone is here for you.

7 Best Skin Care Products With Gluconolactone (2024)

1. Best Moisturizing:COSRX Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule

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4.6

COSRX hydrium triple hyaluronic moisture ampoule is a revitalizing serum that makes your skin supple and reduces irritation. Plus, it offers anti-aging benefits and helps with dryness, and improves skin elasticity. Apart from soothing irritated skin, this mild serum is infused with hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, and panthenol. Exfoliants like gluconolactone and lactobionic acid gently peel off dead skin cells to improve skin tone and texture. Panthenol helps soothe inflammation, while the combination of hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate moisturizes the skin. The formula is dermatologically tested and free from harmful chemicals, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It is non-greasy and keeps your skin soft, smooth, and healthy all day.

Skin Type: All, Oily, Combination, Sensitive | Product Dimensions: 1.97 x 1.38 x 3.35 inches | Weight: 0.88 Ounces.

Pros

  • Unscented
  • Lightweight
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Phthalate-free

Cons

  • Expensive

protip_icon Remember
Gluconolactone generally works well with vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. If you have other ingredients in your routine, then avoid using gluconolactone daily.

worth-buy-icon

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

It has received 715 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.

2. Best For Acne:PCA SKIN Acne Cream

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4.4
Pca Skin Image: Pca Skin Acne Cream

PCA skin acne cream infused with lactic acid that moisturizes the skin, tea tree oil that improves your complexion, and 5% benzoyl peroxide reduces acne scars and prevent breakouts. And gluconolactone in the formula moisturizes your skin, keeping it plump and soft.

P.S. If you are using it during the day, follow it with sunscreen and if you’re using it at night, use a hydrator after applying the cream.

Product Dimensions: 1.13 x 0.6 x 4 inches | Weight: 0.48 Ounces

Pros

  • Clears blemishes
  • Quick results
  • Non-greasy formula
  • Moisturizing

Cons

  • Expensive

3. Best For Exfoliation:Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector

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4.3
Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector Image: Glossier

Glossier solution exfoliating skin perfector helps peel off the dead cells, giving you a softer, smoother, and radiant skin tone. Apart from gluconolactone, it contains 0.5% salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid that gently exfoliate the skin to clear blemishes, reduce redness, and shrink pores. Plus, niacinamide in the formula helps clear acne, while aloe vera juice moisturizes the skin. The product has not been tested on animals to determine its efficiency, which makes it an ideal cruelty-free option. With its ability to provide extra hydration and promote a smoother complexion, it can be a valuable addition to your daily skin care regimen.

Skin Type: acne-prone | Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.19 x 4.88 x 2.36 inches; 7.84 Ounces

Pros

  • Prevents breakouts
  • Improves skin tone
  • Prevents blackheads
  • Reduces pore size
  • Exfoliates
  • Soothes inflammation
  • Dermatologist-tested

Cons

  • Overpowering fragrance

protip_icon Caution
If you use strong retinoids along with gluconolactone, be cautious of sun exposure and over exfoliation.

COSRX Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule
Best Moisturizing
PCA SKIN Acne Cream
Best For Acne
Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector
Best For Exfoliation
Skin Type All, Oily, Combination, Sensitive- acne-prone
Dimensions 1.97 x 1.38 x 3.35 inches 1.13 x 0.6 x 4 inches-
Weight 0.88 Ounces. 0.48 Ounces-
Package Dimensions ‏-- ‎ 8.19 x 4.88 x 2.36 inches; 7.84 Ounces
Rating
Reviews715331316
Price$22.0$36$32.48

4. Best For Aging Signs:PCA Skin Hydrating Serum

Apart from moisturizing the skin, the lightweight PCA Skin Hydrating Serum reduces inflammation, leaving your skin plump and youthful. This serum is infused with glycerin that locks in moisture, while sodium hyaluronate, panthenol, and sodium PCA hydrate the skin. Niacinamide helps tame acne flare and brightens the skin. Besides that, niacinamide helps fade wrinkles and fine lines.

Skin Type: Normal | Product Dimensions: 1.31 x 1.31 x 3.88 inches | Weight: 0.96 Ounces

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Antiaging benefits
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Cruelty-free
  • Non-greasy formula
  • Fragrance-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Artificial color-free
  • Lanolin-free
  • Phthalates-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Suitable for mature skin

Cons

  • None

5. Best Soap-Free:Neostrata Restore Pha Facial Cleanser

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4.4
Neostrata Restore Pha Facial Cleanser Image: Neostrata

This dermatologist-recommended mild facial cleanser is your shortcut to smooth and supple skin. Neostrata Restore PHA Facial Cleanser is a gentle, non-lathering formula that cleanses the skin without making it dry. This soap-free formula deep cleanses the skin to remove traces of makeup, dirt, and grime from deep within, giving you a clean and fresh appearance. The pore minimizing formula is infused with gluconolactone buffs out dead skin cells and gives you a rejuvenated skin tone.

Skin Type: Sensitive | Product Dimensions: 1.97 x 2.4 x 7.48 inches | Weight: 7.76 Ounces

Pros

  • Dermatologist tested
  • Brightens skin
  • Maintains skin’s pH balance
  • Non-drying
  • Soap-free
  • Fragrance-free

Cons

  • Expensive

6. Best Non-Greasy:Exuviance Age Reverse BioActiv Wash

The Exuviance Age Reverse Bioactiv Wash is an ideal addition to a skin care routine, especially for those with sensitive skin types. This cleanser provides mild exfoliation, smoothing, and resurfacing of your skin for an even texture. This soap-free cleanser lathers and removes makeup and residue, giving you a clean, fresh face. Cucumber, rosemary, aloe vera, and matricaria extracts in the formula soothe and rejuvenate your skin, while maltobionic acid improves its texture. Plus, antioxidants in the formula fight the free radical damage and aid in elastin and collagen production. The product shows visible results after 4 weeks of consistent usage.

Skin Type: Normal | Product Dimensions: 2 x 2 x 7 inches | Weight: 6.4 Ounces

Pros

  • Non-greasy formula
  • Lightens fine lines
  • Fades age spots
  • Smoothens skin
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • Non-drying

Cons

  • Runny consistency

7. Best Gel Texture:Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Exfoliating Cleanser

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4.3
Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Exfoliating Cleanser Image: Cetaphil

The Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Exfoliating Cleanser reduces the appearance of dark spots, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and post-acne marks. It is enriched with 2% niacinamide and moisturizing antioxidants that improve your skin tone. The polyhydroxy acid (PHA) in the formula offers gentle exfoliation and stimulates cell turnover, without compromising the skin barrier. This face wash is hypoallergenic, so it is completely safe for sensitive skin, allowing for a gentle renewing process. It has a fragrance-free gel texture that spreads easily on your skin.

Skin Type: Sensitive | Product Dimensions: 2.47 x 1.57 x 6.81 inches | Weight: 4.2 Ounces.

Pros

  • Clinically proven formula
  • Safe for all skin types
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Ophthalmologist-tested
  • Fragrance-free
  • Oil-free
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • Difficult to apply
*The prices provided in this article are based on the latest available information. However, they may vary due to changes in pricing by the seller and/or promotional offers.

The Bottom Line

Many skin care products contain acids as a staple ingredient for skin texture improvement. Gluconolactone, a skin care ingredient, that works like AHA and BHA acids, exfoliates and cleanses clogged pores, removes dirt and debris on the skin, and penetrates deep into the skin to hydrate the skin internally. This magical ingredient infused in skin care products helps heal acne breakouts and provides blemish control to give you glowing skin. Try the COSRX Hydrium Triple Hyaluronic Moisture Ampoule to achieve firm, youthful, and plump skin, the PCA Skin Hydrating Serum to get a clear complexion sans the acne, and the Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores. These skin care products are non-greasy, cruelty-free, and vegan. If you have dry skin and sensitive, or reactive skin, look for gluconolactone-based products as it is a gentle exfoliant that can give you a smoother and more radiant complexion. However, a thorough review of the product descriptions will help you pick the best skin care products with gluconolactone that suit your skin type and aid healthy skin renewal. Moreover, if you are considering a cosmetic product with gluconolactone, it’s important to be aware of potential allergic reactions. Always perform a patch test before incorporating new products into your skin care regimen

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gluconolactone good for your skin?

Yes. Gluconolactone helps to remove the dead skin cells, making your skin soft, supple, and youthful. It also provides hydration and has anti-aging properties.

What percentage of gluconolactone is effective?

7 to 12% of gluconolactone is effective for exfoliation benefits.

Can I use gluconolactone every day?

Yes. You can use Gluconolactone every day.

Is gluconic acid and Gluconolactone same?

No. Gluconolactone is a poly-hydroxy acid derived from gluconic acid that is found in corn and animals.

Is Gluconolactone vegan?

If the glycolic acid from which the gluconolactone is derived, is from corn, then it is vegan; if it is from animals, then it is not.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach who carefully selected the best products with gluconolactone that you must try. The products on the list have been compiled after going through multiple reviews and feedback available on various online forums and brand websites. Gluconolactone is a star ingredient that is less known but works great to improve your overall skin texture.

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Becky Sturm
Becky SturmEsthetician
Becky Sturm is a multi hyphenate beauty maven who has been in the salon and spa industry for 30+ years as a hairdresser, esthetician, as well as product development and product expert. After graduating in the HORST/Aveda Institute Advanced Training program in 1985, she went on to do an apprenticeship at The Red Carpet Salons for three years in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and then 1 year at Regis Corporation.

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Shiboli Chakraborti
Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

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Krati Darak
Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor
Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.

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Medha Deb
Medha DebCommerce Editor
Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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