E270 LACTIC ACID

E270 Lactic Acid is an organic acid naturally produced by fermentation and widely used as an acidity regulator, preservative support ingredient, and flavor modifier in food and beverage applications.
E270 Lactic Acid provides smooth, mild sourness compared with stronger acids, and E270 Lactic Acid is valued for pH control, microbial stability support, and buffering effects in many formulations.
E270 Lactic Acid is also used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial processes, and E270 Lactic Acid handling requires good hygiene practices because concentrated E270 Lactic Acid can irritate skin and eyes.

CAS Number: 50-21-5 (Lactic Acid)
EC Number: 200-018-0
Molecular Formula: C3H6O3
Molecular Weight: 90.08 g/mol

Synonyms: E270, Lactic Acid, 2-Hydroxypropionic Acid, Lactic Acid Food Grade, Lactic Acid Solution, Fermentation Lactic Acid, L(+)-Lactic Acid (grade dependent), DL-Lactic Acid (grade dependent), Lactic Acid Acidulant, Lactic Acid pH Regulator, Lactic Acid Preservative Aid, Lactic Acid Beverage Acid, E270, E 270, E-270, INS 270, INS-270, E270 (Food Additive), E270 (Acidity Regulator), E270 (Preservative) (use context), Lactic Acid, LACTIC ACID, Lactic acid, 2-Hydroxypropanoic Acid, 2-hydroxypropanoic acid, 2-Hydroxypropionic Acid, 2-hydroxypropionic acid, 2-Hydroxypropionic acid (lactic acid), α-Hydroxypropionic Acid, Alpha-Hydroxypropionic Acid, (S)-2-Hydroxypropanoic Acid, (S)-2-hydroxypropanoic acid, L-(+)-Lactic Acid, L(+)-Lactic Acid, L-Lactic Acid, L-lactic acid, D-(-)-Lactic Acid, D(-)-Lactic Acid, D-Lactic Acid, D-lactic acid, DL-Lactic Acid, DL-lactic acid, Racemic Lactic Acid, Lactic Acid (E270), Lactic Acid (E 270), Lactic Acid (INS 270), Milk Acid (historical), Acidum Lacticum, Acide Lactique, Ácido Láctico, Acido Lattico, Milchsäure, Milchsäure (lactic acid), Lactic Acid Solution, Lactic acid solution, Lactic Acid 80%, Lactic Acid 88%, Lactic Acid 90%, Lactic Acid 50%, Lactic Acid 40% (common grades), Lactic Acid Food Grade, Lactic Acid Pharmaceutical Grade, Lactic Acid Cosmetic Grade, Lactic Acid Technical Grade, Lactic Acid High Purity, Lactic Acid (CAS 50-21-5) (common), CAS 50-21-5, Lactic Acid (C3H6O3), C3H6O3, Lactic Acid (EC 200-018-0) (common listing), EC 200-018-0, Lactic Acid (EINECS 200-018-0), Lactic Acid (AHA) (use context), Lactic Acid (pH adjuster), Lactic Acid (fermentation acid), Fermentation Lactic Acid, Lactic Acid (preservative), Lactic Acid (acidity regulator), Sodium Lactate (related salt), Calcium Lactate (related salt)

APPLICATIONS

E270 Lactic Acid is used in beverages to adjust pH and provide a mild, rounded sour taste.
E270 Lactic Acid is incorporated into flavored drinks to improve flavor balance and stability of sensitive ingredients.
E270 Lactic Acid is used in sports and functional beverages to help control acidity and improve palatability.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in dairy products to adjust acidity and support flavor development in yogurt-style products.
E270 Lactic Acid is incorporated into cheese processing to control pH during curd formation and texture development.
E270 Lactic Acid is used in dairy-based sauces to manage pH and improve microbial stability in compatible formulations.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in meat processing to reduce surface pH and help control microbial growth in compatible applications.
E270 Lactic Acid is incorporated into marinades to improve flavor, tenderness, and safety parameters.
E270 Lactic Acid is used in ready-to-eat meat products to support shelf life and reduce spoilage risk.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in bakery to control dough acidity and improve flavor profile in sourdough-style products.
E270 Lactic Acid is incorporated into bakery fillings to improve microbial stability and reduce spoilage.
E270 Lactic Acid is used in tortillas and flatbreads to extend shelf life by controlling pH and mold growth in compatible systems.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in confectionery to adjust pH and create mild tartness in gummies and candies.
E270 Lactic Acid is incorporated into fruit preparations to balance sweetness and improve flavor brightness.
E270 Lactic Acid is used in syrups and sauces to stabilize flavor and reduce microbial risk through acidity control.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in pickles and vegetable products to control acidity and improve safety and flavor in brines.
E270 Lactic Acid is incorporated into salad dressings to adjust pH and improve emulsion stability in compatible designs.
E270 Lactic Acid is used in mayonnaise alternatives to provide gentle acidity and support preservation hurdles.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in canned foods and sauces to control pH to safe levels for thermal processing.
E270 Lactic Acid is incorporated into shelf-stable soups and gravies to manage pH and improve stability.
E270 Lactic Acid is used in spice and seasoning blends in some systems to provide acidification and flavor modulation.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in brewing and fermentation to adjust mash and wort pH in compatible processes.
E270 Lactic Acid is incorporated into beverage process water adjustment to control alkalinity and improve process consistency.
E270 Lactic Acid is used in fermentation control to reduce contamination risk by maintaining target acidity ranges.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in pharmaceuticals as an acidulant and pH adjuster in syrups and topical products.
E270 Lactic Acid is incorporated into cosmetics as an alpha-hydroxy acid for gentle exfoliation and skin conditioning in controlled formulations.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in industrial descaling and cleaning in compatible applications where mild organic acids are preferred.
E270 Lactic Acid is valued because E270 Lactic Acid provides effective pH control with a mild sour taste and supports food safety and shelf-life goals across many products.

E270 Lactic Acid is used as an acidity regulator in food and beverage formulations.
E270 Lactic Acid is used to adjust pH in sauces, dressings, and condiments.
E270 Lactic Acid helps improve flavor balance by providing smooth, mild sourness.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in fermented dairy products to control acidity and taste.
E270 Lactic Acid supports consistent pH in yogurt, kefir, and fermented milk drinks.
E270 Lactic Acid helps maintain stable texture by controlling protein behavior at target acidity.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in cheese making to support acidification and curd formation steps.
E270 Lactic Acid helps optimize rennet performance by adjusting milk pH.
E270 Lactic Acid supports consistent curd structure and moisture control.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in processed cheese and cheese sauces for pH adjustment.
E270 Lactic Acid supports smooth melt and stable emulsification by controlling acidity.
E270 Lactic Acid helps maintain consistent flavor and viscosity in cheese sauce products.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in meat processing as an acidity regulator and flavoring component.
E270 Lactic Acid helps improve microbial stability by reducing pH in processed meats.
E270 Lactic Acid supports tenderness and flavor development in marinades.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in poultry and seafood processing to reduce surface microbial load in controlled treatments.
E270 Lactic Acid supports acid washes and sprays where permitted.
E270 Lactic Acid helps improve food safety by inhibiting growth of spoilage organisms.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in pickling and vegetable processing as an acidulant.
E270 Lactic Acid helps achieve target pH for preservation and flavor.
E270 Lactic Acid supports stable acidity in brines and vegetable preserves.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in beverages to adjust acidity and improve taste smoothness.
E270 Lactic Acid supports sports drinks, flavored waters, and juice blends.
E270 Lactic Acid helps reduce harshness compared with sharper acids in some drink designs.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in confectionery to control pH in fruit gels and gummy systems.
E270 Lactic Acid supports flavor brightness while keeping sourness smooth.
E270 Lactic Acid helps influence gel setting in pH-sensitive gelling systems.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in bakery products to control dough acidity and flavor.
E270 Lactic Acid supports sourdough-style flavor concepts in controlled formulations.
E270 Lactic Acid helps improve shelf life by inhibiting molds in some baked goods.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in tortilla and flatbread production to improve shelf life and taste.
E270 Lactic Acid supports mold inhibition by creating less favorable pH conditions.
E270 Lactic Acid helps maintain softness during storage in packaged breads.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in candy coatings and sugar syrups to control inversion and crystallization behavior.
E270 Lactic Acid supports smoother syrups by influencing sucrose inversion in controlled heating.
E270 Lactic Acid helps reduce unwanted crystallization in some confectionery processes.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in brewing and beverage fermentation to adjust mash and wort pH.
E270 Lactic Acid supports improved enzyme performance in brewing.
E270 Lactic Acid helps improve flavor stability by optimizing pH conditions.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in wine and cider making for acid adjustment in some regions and styles.
E270 Lactic Acid supports balancing acidity when other acids are unsuitable.
E270 Lactic Acid helps smooth perceived sourness in finished beverages.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in food preservation as part of hurdle technology with pH control.
E270 Lactic Acid supports microbial inhibition when combined with refrigeration and packaging.
E270 Lactic Acid helps reduce reliance on harsher preservatives by controlling acidity.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in pharmaceutical formulations as a pH adjuster.
E270 Lactic Acid supports stability of active ingredients by maintaining target pH.
E270 Lactic Acid helps improve solubility of certain actives by adjusting ionic form.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in production of lactate salts such as sodium lactate and calcium lactate.
E270 Lactic Acid supports manufacture of buffering and humectant ingredients for food and pharma.
E270 Lactic Acid helps create standardized lactate solutions used in multiple industries.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in cosmetics as an alpha hydroxy acid and pH adjuster.
E270 Lactic Acid supports gentle exfoliation in leave-on skin care products when properly formulated.
E270 Lactic Acid helps improve skin hydration by supporting natural moisturizing factor chemistry.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in body lotions and creams to improve moisturization and skin feel.
E270 Lactic Acid supports humectant effects through lactate formation on skin.
E270 Lactic Acid helps improve smoothness in dry skin care products.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in hair care products to adjust pH and improve hair cuticle smoothness.
E270 Lactic Acid supports pH balancing in shampoos and conditioners.
E270 Lactic Acid helps reduce frizz by helping hair lie flatter under acidic pH.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in oral care products to adjust pH and support mild acidification in some systems.
E270 Lactic Acid supports flavor balance and stability in mouthwashes and gels.
E270 Lactic Acid helps maintain formulation pH targets in oral care products.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in household cleaning products as a descaling and pH-adjusting acid.
E270 Lactic Acid supports removal of limescale and mineral deposits on acid-resistant surfaces.
E270 Lactic Acid helps provide milder acid cleaning compared with stronger mineral acids.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in bathroom cleaners to dissolve mineral deposits and soap scum components.
E270 Lactic Acid supports cleaning of tiles, fixtures, and glass under controlled formulation.
E270 Lactic Acid helps reduce harsh odor and improves user acceptance in acid cleaners.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in industrial cleaning to remove carbonate scale in food and beverage equipment.
E270 Lactic Acid supports cleaning-in-place procedures on compatible materials.
E270 Lactic Acid helps reduce scaling and improves heat-transfer efficiency in maintained systems.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in leather processing to adjust pH during pickling and tanning preparation.
E270 Lactic Acid supports consistent acidity that improves tanning chemistry control.
E270 Lactic Acid helps improve leather softness and reduce damage risk by controlled acidification.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in textile processing to adjust pH of dye baths and finishing baths.
E270 Lactic Acid supports shade consistency by controlling dye uptake behavior.
E270 Lactic Acid helps stabilize pH during processing to improve reproducibility.

E270 Lactic Acid is used in agriculture as a component in silage preservatives in some systems.
E270 Lactic Acid supports rapid acidification of silage to inhibit spoilage microbes.
E270 Lactic Acid helps improve feed stability and reduce nutrient loss in silage.

DESCRIPTION

E270 Lactic Acid is a hydroxycarboxylic acid that is commonly produced by fermentation of carbohydrates, and E270 Lactic Acid is typically supplied as a clear to slightly yellow viscous aqueous solution.
E270 Lactic Acid can exist as L(+), D(-), or DL mixtures, and the optical form can be important for certain applications and specifications.
E270 Lactic Acid provides mild acidity and buffering, and E270 Lactic Acid can help stabilize flavors and inhibit growth of some microorganisms by reducing pH.

E270 Lactic Acid is miscible with water, and E270 Lactic Acid can influence viscosity, solubility of minerals, and texture in some formulations.
E270 Lactic Acid is widely used in food because E270 Lactic Acid provides a smooth sourness that is less sharp than citric acid in many taste profiles.
E270 Lactic Acid should be dosed carefully because excessive E270 Lactic Acid can produce overly sour taste and can affect protein stability in dairy and beverage systems.

E270 Lactic Acid should be stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place and protected from contamination.
E270 Lactic Acid can be corrosive to some metals at high concentration, so E270 Lactic Acid storage and transfer typically use compatible plastics or corrosion-resistant materials.
E270 Lactic Acid should be used according to food additive regulations and good manufacturing practices for the target market.

E270 Lactic Acid is the food additive designation for lactic acid used as an acidulant and acidity regulator.
E270 Lactic Acid is an organic acid commonly produced by fermentation of sugars by lactic acid bacteria.
E270 Lactic Acid is typically supplied as a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid solution.

E270 Lactic Acid has a mild, smooth sour taste compared with sharper acids such as citric acid.
E270 Lactic Acid is miscible with water and is used to lower pH and provide buffering via lactate formation.
E270 Lactic Acid exists as L-lactic acid, D-lactic acid, or mixtures depending on production route.

PROPERTIES

Chemical Formula: C3H6O3
Molecular Weight: 90.08 g/mol
Common Name: E270 Lactic Acid
Chemical Type: Organic hydroxy acid (alpha-hydroxy acid)
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow viscous liquid (as aqueous solution)
Odor: Mild characteristic odor
Taste: Mild, smooth sourness
Solubility: Completely miscible with water
pKa: ~3.86 (typical)
Acidity: Moderate organic acid for pH control and flavor adjustment
Buffering: Provides buffering in combination with lactate salts (system dependent)
Stability: Stable under recommended storage; avoid strong oxidizers and contamination
Storage Temperature: 10–30°C, tightly closed
Shelf Life: Typically 24–36 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)

FIRST AID

Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if mists are inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing aerosols during spraying or heated handling.

Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists, especially with concentrated material.

Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Seek medical attention if discomfort occurs or if a significant amount is swallowed.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.

Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
Consider irritation due to acidity in concentrated exposures.
Provide supportive care based on exposure route and symptoms.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses, especially when handling concentrated solutions.
Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged skin contact.
Wash hands after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.

Ventilation:
Use general ventilation for normal handling.
Use local exhaust if mists may be generated during mixing or spraying.
Avoid aerosol formation in enclosed spaces without proper ventilation.

Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place.
Use compatible container materials and avoid reactive metals for concentrated grades.
Keep containers properly labeled and protected from contamination.

Spill and Leak Procedures:
Contain spill and absorb with inert material.
Clean residues with water and ensure area is not slippery.
Dispose of waste according to local regulations and facility procedures.

Handling Precautions:
Control dosage carefully to meet pH targets and sensory goals in food formulations.
Verify compatibility with proteins, minerals, and preservatives to prevent instability in finished products.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent quality and predictable acidity performance.