Sodium Piruvate

Sodium Pyruvate at a glance

Sodium Pyruvate is an appearance-focused cosmetic and moisturizing powder from Switzerland. Its INCI is Sodium Pyruvate. It is a beige yellow, water-soluble powder used at 0.5 to 1% of the finished product. The supplier lists moisturizing creams, appearance-focused cosmetic creams, serums, emulsions, products for the neck and décolleté and care for mature and aging skin as its main uses.

Pyruvate and cell energy

Pyruvate is a small molecule with three carbon atoms. Because of this central role, pyruvate has become a symbol of cell energy and vitality. In skin care it tells the story of energizing, revitalizing care for skin that looks tired and less firm with age.

Salt, not acid

Pyruvic acid, the acid form, is a strong alpha keto acid used in professional chemical peels. It is not suitable for daily care. Sodium pyruvate is its sodium salt. It is mild, dissolves in water and works at a normal, skin friendly pH. This makes it suitable for everyday creams, serums and lotions, including products for the delicate neck area.

What it does

In cosmetic terms, products with sodium pyruvate help mature skin look more energized, smoother and better hydrated. As a small, water binding salt, it supports moisture in the upper layer of the skin. Its energy story fits appearance-focused cosmetic care for tired, dull looking skin.

How to formulate

Dissolve the powder in the water phase. It dissolves easily and does not need heat. In emulsions, add it to the water phase before emulsifying or dissolve it in a little water and add it at cool-down. Keep the finished product at about pH 5.5 to 6.5. An energizing cream can combine it with coenzyme Q10 for antioxidant support and with niacinamide, a vitamin linked to cell energy. More appearance-focused cosmetic actives are listed in the cosmetic actives section.

Dosing

Daily moisturizers and lotions use 0.5%. appearance-focused cosmetic creams, serums and neck creams use up to 1%.

Product ideas

Energizing day creams, appearance-focused cosmetic night creams, revitalizing serums, neck and décolleté creams, moisturizing emulsions for mature skin and morning fluids for tired looking skin are the main concepts.

Sample recipe: energizing day cream, 100 g

Distilled water 74.00 g, glycerin 4.00 g, glyceryl stearate citrate 4.00 g, cetearyl alcohol 2.50 g, caprylic/capric triglyceride 7.00 g, squalane 3.00 g, xanthan gum 0.30 g, Sodium Pyruvate 1.00 g, niacinamide 2.00 g, panthenol 1.00 g, preservative 1.00 g, citric acid solution 0.20 g. Heat water and oil phases to 75 °C, emulsify and cool, dissolve sodium pyruvate and niacinamide in a little water and add them below 40 °C with panthenol and the preservative, and adjust to about pH 6.

Neck and décolleté

The supplier lists care for the neck and décolleté. This skin is thin, has fewer oil glands and shows signs of aging early. A light, quickly absorbed cream with sodium pyruvate and a hydrating base suits this area.

Mature skin

With age, skin cells work more slowly, and the skin looks less radiant and less firm. The energy story of pyruvate fits care for mature skin well. Combine it with gentle textures, good hydration and antioxidants for a complete routine.

Handling

Keep the powder in a dry place and close the pack tightly, because salts can absorb moisture from the air.

Storage

Store in a dry, cool place in a closed pack. A certificate of analysis comes with every lot.