[sarahing]

Yes, I am aware of Lactic acid being an exfoliant, and CIR does classify it as such.  However, it also says this about sodium lactate.

Here’s the quote I found on the CIR.  This is from page 30 of the 1998 document on sodium lactate.
“Sodium Lactate. Sodium Lactate functions as a buffering agent and
as a skin-conditioning agent-humectant in a number of product categories (Wenninger and McEwen, 1995a). It also functions as a mild exfoliant (CTFA, 1995a).”

I had read at a few places online that sodium lactate should be formulated to avoid increasing sun sensitivity, which is what led me to investigate the ingredient further.  Your comment on sodium lactate being half lactic acid, makes this whole thing make a lot more sense.

My take away is that sodium lactate is a VERY mild exfoliant. Only half as strong as lactic, and only if formulated at a low ph.  Doesn’t seem to be anything to be too concerned about.  I don’t generally formulate with it at low ph, and even if I did, it wouldn’t be more than a few percent of the formula.

[sarahing]

Okay awesome.  Thanks for the reply! I figured in order for it to be an exfoliant, it would have to be at a low ph, but I wasn’t sure.  I know…I never would have thought of it as an exfoliant.  The CIR says its a mild one, so I’m not sure how noticeable it’s exfoliating powers are.  I’ve always used it as a humectant. 
I just got some urea to try out.  I know it’s pretty unstable. I’ll have to try out this lactate buffer.  
Thanks again!

[sarahing]

I use geogard ultra in my syndet bars.  I don’t follow the buffering process, and have not experienced any ph drift with them.  I think it may have to do with the fact there is low water activity.

[sarahing]

Thanks Perry for the detailed explanation. That really clears things up for me. I’ve seen a lot of products as of late with extracts as their first ingredient, and I always felt skeptical about it, but wondered if there was something I was missing. I know if I used a plant extract at that high of rate, it would be a dark, sticky product that I doubt would appeal to anyone. My guess is companies are trying to cater to consumers who think that ‘natural’ ingredients higher in the ingredient list are better.  Thanks again for your insights.