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Gamma-Nonalactone

What Gamma-Nonalactone is & what it does

Gamma-Nonalactone is a lactone compound used in cosmetics chiefly as a fragrance ingredient, contributing a sweet, coconut-like, creamy scent. It occurs naturally in some foods and is also produced synthetically for use in perfume and product fragrance blends. In a sunscreen or skincare formula it is present at low levels purely to shape the product's aroma rather than to affect the skin.

What does Gamma-Nonalactone do in skincare?

Gamma-Nonalactone is used as a fragrance ingredient. It carries a sweet, creamy, coconut-like scent and is added at low levels to shape the aroma of a product. It does not provide a skincare benefit on its own beyond its role in the fragrance blend.

Is Gamma-Nonalactone safe?

Gamma-Nonalactone is generally considered safe at the low concentrations used in cosmetic fragrance. As with other fragrance components, some people with fragrance sensitivities may react to it. If you are prone to fragrance reactions, look for fragrance-free products or patch test first.

Is Gamma-Nonalactone natural or synthetic?

Gamma-Nonalactone can be either. It occurs naturally in some fruits and foods, and it is also produced synthetically for use in fragrances. The version used in cosmetics is most often the synthetic form, though the molecule is identical regardless of source.

Sunscreens with Gamma-Nonalactone

We rate 15 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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