Lactonic acid is a third-generation alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), composed of a monosaccharide and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs). It combines the benefits of both sugars and acids and is derived from the oxidation of lactose.

Compared to other AHAs, lactonic acid is gentler and safer. It also possesses excellent soothing and antioxidant properties, and thanks to its eight hydroxyl hydrophilic groups, its moisturising effect is significantly stronger than that of conventional moisturisers.

Lactonic Acid — The Third-Generation AHA

As a third-generation, upgraded AHA, lactonic acid retains the typical benefits of standard AHAs. For instance, it regulates the keratinisation process, reduces intercellular adhesion within the stratum corneum, promotes the shedding of accumulated dead skin cells, and results in a denser, smoother stratum corneum; it also helps prevent and alleviate blocked hair follicles.

It activates epidermal renewal, accelerates skin metabolism, restores the skin’s youthful appearance, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles.

The Unique Benefits of Lactobionic Acid

★★★ Lactobionic Acid – Powerful Moisturising

Lactobionic acid possesses eight hydrophilic groups and has a water-binding capacity eight times that of first-generation alpha-hydroxy acids. It can absorb water vapour from the air, thereby offering exceptional moisturising properties.

★★★ Lactobionic Acid — Antioxidant Properties

Lactobionic acid can chelate excess iron and is used medically as a protective agent for transplanted organs during organ transplant surgery.

Furthermore, lactobionic acid acts as an inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In everyday life, UV radiation and ageing can induce the overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases, leading to the excessive degradation of collagen and elastin—the structural components supporting the skin in the dermis—thereby causing issues such as wrinkles and sagging. Lactonic acid inhibits MMP activity, thereby helping to combat the signs of ageing.

Lactonic acid also has effects similar to those of vitamin C, helping to prevent ageing caused by the oxidation of cell membranes.

★★★ Lactobionic Acid — Promoting Cell Regeneration and Repair

The structure of lactobionic acid contains a galactose unit. Galactose is a sugar naturally present in the human body and a component of polysaccharides found in substances such as pectin. It offers multiple benefits for the skin, including wound healing, the promotion of collagen formation and cell regeneration, and the facilitation of the binding of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) to proteins to form proteoglycans (hyaluronic acid).

Therefore, in summary, lactobionic acid promotes the shedding of stratum corneum cells, stimulates skin cell renewal and strengthens the skin’s barrier function; it promotes collagen synthesis and increases the thickness of the dermis; furthermore, it is safe and non-toxic, and can be taken orally in combination with certain medications.

Lactobionic acid feels very gentle on the skin and is non-irritating; studies on cumulative irritation indicate that its irritancy is comparable to that of saline solution. Furthermore, it possesses soothing, antioxidant and moisturising properties, making it suitable for both sensitive and dry skin types.

Nanohealth’s Featured Product – Lactobionic Acid

Nanohealth’s lactobionic acid products are of pharmaceutical grade, offering exceptional moisturising properties. They gently remove dead skin cells, promote skin cell regeneration and stimulate collagen formation.