E270 Lactic Acid is an organic acid widely used as an acidity regulator, preservative support ingredient, and flavoring agent in food and beverage applications, and E270 Lactic Acid is valued for smooth, mild sourness and broad compatibility in many formulations.
E270 Lactic Acid helps lower pH to support microbial stability and improve flavor balance, and E270 Lactic Acid is used in dairy products, beverages, confectionery, sauces, and many processed foods.
E270 Lactic Acid is typically supplied as an aqueous solution of various concentrations, and E270 Lactic Acid performance depends on concentration, buffering, and overall formulation design in the target product.
CAS Number: 50-21-5
EC Number: 200-018-0
Molecular Formula: C3H6O3
Molecular Weight: 90.08 g/mol
Synonyms: E270 Lactic Acid, Lactic Acid, 2-Hydroxypropionic Acid, DL-Lactic Acid (form), L-Lactic Acid (form), Food Grade Lactic Acid, Lactic Acid Solution, Lactic Acid Acidulant, Sweetener and Preservative Support Acid (application term), E270, Lactic Acid Acidity Regulator, Lactic Acid Food Additive, E270 Lactic Acid, Lactic Acid, 2-Hydroxypropanoic Acid, Alpha-Hydroxypropionic Acid, α-Hydroxypropionic Acid, Milk Acid, 2-Hydroxypropionic Acid, DL-Lactic Acid, D-Lactic Acid, L-Lactic Acid, Racemic Lactic Acid, Fermentation Lactic Acid, Synthetic Lactic Acid, Natural Lactic Acid, Food Grade Lactic Acid, Technical Grade Lactic Acid, Pharmaceutical Grade Lactic Acid, Cosmetic Grade Lactic Acid, Industrial Grade Lactic Acid, Reagent Grade Lactic Acid, Analytical Grade Lactic Acid, Laboratory Grade Lactic Acid, High Purity Lactic Acid, Pure Lactic Acid, Lactic Acid Solution, Lactic Acid Liquid, Lactic Acid Syrup, Lactic Acid Concentrate, Lactic Acid 80%, Lactic Acid 85%, Lactic Acid 88%, Lactic Acid 90%, Lactic Acid Food Additive, Lactic Acid Acidulant, Lactic Acid Acidity Regulator, Lactic Acid pH Regulator, Lactic Acid Preservative, Lactic Acid Flavoring Agent, Lactic Acid Processing Aid, Lactic Acid Fermentation Acid, Lactic Acid Organic Acid, Lactic Acid Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Lactic Acid AHA, Lactic Acid Carboxylic Acid, Hydroxycarboxylic Acid, Propanoic Acid 2-Hydroxy, C3H6O3, CH3CH(OH)COOH, Lactic Acid C3H6O3, Lactic Acid CAS 50-21-5, INS 270, E 270, Lactic Acid E270, Lactic Acid INS 270, Lactic Acid E-270, E270 Food Additive, E270 Lactic Acid Food Additive, Lactic Acid Food Ingredient
APPLICATIONS
E270 Lactic Acid is used in dairy products such as yogurt and fermented milk to support acidity control and characteristic sour taste.
E270 Lactic Acid is incorporated into cheese processing to adjust pH and support texture development in compatible systems.
E270 Lactic Acid is used in dairy-based sauces to provide smooth acidity and improve flavor balance.
E270 Lactic Acid is used in beverages to adjust acidity and enhance flavor brightness in soft drinks and flavored waters.
E270 Lactic Acid is incorporated into sports drinks to provide mild sourness and support pH control.
E270 Lactic Acid is used in beverage concentrates and syrups to maintain consistent acidity after dilution.
E270 Lactic Acid is used in confectionery to provide mild sourness and improve flavor impact in fruit candies.
E270 Lactic Acid is incorporated into gummies and chewy candies to adjust tartness and improve taste balance.
E270 Lactic Acid is used in sour coatings and seasoning blends to provide controlled acidity in dry applications.
E270 Lactic Acid is used in bakery products to adjust pH and support shelf life strategies when combined with appropriate preservation systems.
E270 Lactic Acid is incorporated into bread and tortillas to help manage mold growth in compatible formulations.
E270 Lactic Acid is used in baked snacks to provide mild tangy flavor and pH adjustment.
E270 Lactic Acid is used in sauces, condiments, and dressings to adjust acidity and improve flavor balance.
E270 Lactic Acid is incorporated into mayonnaise and mayonnaise-type products to control pH and support microbiological safety.
E270 Lactic Acid is used in ketchup and tomato sauces to provide smooth acidity and reduce harsh sourness compared with some other acids.
E270 Lactic Acid is used in processed meats to control pH and improve flavor in cured and marinated products.
E270 Lactic Acid is incorporated into marinades to improve flavor penetration and support microbial control.
E270 Lactic Acid is used in meat analog products to adjust acidity and improve taste balance.
E270 Lactic Acid is used in pickled foods and vegetable preparations to lower pH and support preservation with a softer acid taste profile.
E270 Lactic Acid is incorporated into brines to improve flavor and support stable acidity.
E270 Lactic Acid is used in fermented vegetable products to support acidity control during processing.
E270 Lactic Acid is used in food processing sanitation and cleaning in some contexts, but E270 Lactic Acid must be handled carefully at higher concentrations due to corrosive properties.
E270 Lactic Acid is valued because E270 Lactic Acid provides reliable acidity control with smooth sourness and broad formulation compatibility across many food categories.
E270 Lactic acid is used as an acidulant in food to provide mild, smooth sourness.
E270 Lactic acid supports pH control and flavor balance in many formulations.
E270 Lactic acid helps inhibit microbial growth by lowering product pH.
E270 Lactic acid is used in fermented dairy products to support characteristic tangy flavor.
E270 Lactic acid supports acidity in yogurt, kefir, and cultured milk products.
E270 Lactic acid helps maintain consistent sourness across production batches.
E270 Lactic acid is used in cheese making to control acidity and curd formation.
E270 Lactic acid supports controlled protein coagulation under defined conditions.
E270 Lactic acid helps fine-tune texture and yield in certain dairy processes.
E270 Lactic acid is used in fermented vegetables to support preservation and flavor.
E270 Lactic acid supports pH reduction in pickles, sauerkraut-style products, and brines.
E270 Lactic acid helps improve microbiological stability of fermented foods.
E270 Lactic acid is used in pickling to acidify brines and stabilize product safety.
E270 Lactic acid supports rapid pH reduction to safe levels in acidified foods.
E270 Lactic acid helps control spoilage organisms in brines.
E270 Lactic acid is used in sauces and dressings to adjust pH and provide mellow tartness.
E270 Lactic acid supports flavor smoothness compared with sharper acids in some recipes.
E270 Lactic acid helps improve shelf stability of acidified sauces.
E270 Lactic acid is used in mayonnaise-type sauces to stabilize pH and improve flavor balance.
E270 Lactic acid supports tangy taste and balances fat-rich mouthfeel.
E270 Lactic acid helps improve preservative efficacy by supporting pH targets.
E270 Lactic acid is used in ketchup and tomato sauces to adjust acidity and stabilize flavor.
E270 Lactic acid supports controlled pH for consistent taste and stability.
E270 Lactic acid helps inhibit microbial growth in sauces.
E270 Lactic acid is used in meat and poultry processing to reduce surface pH in some applications.
E270 Lactic acid supports microbial control strategies when used within approved limits.
E270 Lactic acid helps improve shelf life and reduce spoilage risk in chilled meats.
E270 Lactic acid is used in carcass and cut decontamination steps in some food processing operations.
E270 Lactic acid supports reduction of microbial load on surfaces under controlled procedures.
E270 Lactic acid helps improve food safety outcomes when properly validated.
E270 Lactic acid is used in seafood processing to support quality and microbial control in some steps.
E270 Lactic acid supports pH adjustment in marinades and rinses.
E270 Lactic acid helps reduce spoilage risk during chilled storage in some systems.
E270 Lactic acid is used in bakery to adjust pH in dough systems in some formulations.
E270 Lactic acid supports flavor development and can influence leavening reactions.
E270 Lactic acid helps control microbial spoilage in certain baked goods and fillings.
E270 Lactic acid is used in sourdough-style products to support characteristic acidity and flavor.
E270 Lactic acid supports acid balance in sourdough breads and bakery snacks.
E270 Lactic acid helps stabilize taste consistency in industrial sourdough applications.
E270 Lactic acid is used in confectionery to provide mild sour notes in some candies.
E270 Lactic acid supports tartness in fruit candies and chewy confections.
E270 Lactic acid helps balance sweetness in flavor systems.
E270 Lactic acid is used in beverages to adjust acidity in some functional and fermented drinks.
E270 Lactic acid supports flavor balance in sports drinks and flavored waters in some formulations.
E270 Lactic acid helps maintain stable pH for shelf life in selected beverages.
E270 Lactic acid is used in vegetable and fruit preparations to control pH and stabilize color in some products.
E270 Lactic acid supports acidification of fruit fillings and preparations for dairy.
E270 Lactic acid helps reduce enzymatic browning in some systems.
E270 Lactic acid is used in jams and fruit spreads to adjust acidity and improve flavor brightness.
E270 Lactic acid supports pH targets that support gel formation with pectin.
E270 Lactic acid helps stabilize microbial safety in acidified spreads.
E270 Lactic acid is used in canned and jarred foods to help meet acidified food pH requirements in some recipes.
E270 Lactic acid supports safe pH control in shelf-stable acidified products.
E270 Lactic acid helps reduce need for severe heat treatment in some designs.
E270 Lactic acid is used in oral care products to adjust pH in some formulations.
E270 Lactic acid supports pH balancing in mouthwashes and dental gels in some systems.
E270 Lactic acid helps improve product stability and sensory feel when properly formulated.
E270 Lactic acid is used in cosmetics as a pH adjuster and alpha hydroxy acid in some skin care products.
E270 Lactic acid supports mild exfoliation and skin smoothing in leave-on products at controlled levels.
E270 Lactic acid helps improve hydration feel by acting as a humectant component in some systems.
E270 Lactic acid is used in chemical peels and professional skin care formulations in controlled use.
E270 Lactic acid supports exfoliation and improved skin texture in cosmetic applications.
E270 Lactic acid helps improve brightness and smoothness perception when used correctly.
E270 Lactic acid is used in shampoos and conditioners as a pH adjuster in some formulations.
E270 Lactic acid supports pH balancing to improve hair feel and manageability.
E270 Lactic acid helps reduce alkaline residue effects in hair care systems.
E270 Lactic acid is used in household cleaners as a descaler and mild organic acid.
E270 Lactic acid supports removal of limescale from bathroom and kitchen surfaces.
E270 Lactic acid helps reduce odor and dissolve alkaline residues.
E270 Lactic acid is used in industrial cleaning to dissolve scale and mineral deposits.
E270 Lactic acid supports cleaning of heat exchangers and process equipment.
E270 Lactic acid helps reduce carbonate scaling in industrial systems.
E270 Lactic acid is used in textile processing for pH control and neutralization.
E270 Lactic acid supports pH adjustment after alkaline scouring or bleaching.
E270 Lactic acid helps improve dye uptake consistency in some dyeing operations.
E270 Lactic acid is used in leather processing for pickling and pH adjustment in some steps.
E270 Lactic acid supports controlled acidity for tanning preparation processes.
E270 Lactic acid helps improve penetration of tanning agents under defined conditions.
E270 Lactic acid is used in chemical synthesis as an organic acid intermediate in some reactions.
E270 Lactic acid supports esterification to produce lactate esters used as solvents.
E270 Lactic acid helps enable production of biodegradable solvent alternatives in some cases.
E270 Lactic acid is used as a feedstock for polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastic production.
E270 Lactic acid supports polymerization routes that produce compostable plastics.
E270 Lactic acid helps enable renewable-material packaging concepts.
E270 Lactic acid is used in fermentation and biotech as an end product and control parameter in microbial processes.
E270 Lactic acid supports pH control strategies in fermentations by acid addition or neutralization.
E270 Lactic acid helps maintain stable conditions for microbial growth in some systems.
E270 Lactic acid is used in agriculture to acidify water and spray solutions in some applications.
E270 Lactic acid supports pH reduction that can improve stability of certain actives in some cases.
E270 Lactic acid helps reduce alkaline hydrolysis risk for pH-sensitive agrochemicals in some situations.
E270 Lactic acid is used in product development to tune acidity and preservative systems in foods and beverages.
E270 Lactic acid supports achieving target pH while maintaining desired flavor profile.
E270 Lactic acid helps optimize microbial stability and sensory acceptance simultaneously.
E270 Lactic acid is used in manufacturing troubleshooting to correct pH drift in acidified foods.
E270 Lactic acid supports rapid adjustment to meet specification pH.
E270 Lactic acid helps prevent spoilage and off-flavor issues caused by incorrect acidity.
DESCRIPTION
E270 Lactic Acid is a naturally occurring organic acid found in fermented foods and produced commercially by fermentation of carbohydrates, and E270 Lactic Acid is used as an acidulant and acidity regulator.
E270 Lactic Acid lowers pH, and this pH reduction can inhibit growth of many spoilage organisms when combined with proper food processing controls.
E270 Lactic Acid contributes a mild, rounded sour taste, and E270 Lactic Acid is often selected when harsh acidity from stronger acids is not desired.
E270 Lactic Acid is typically supplied as an aqueous solution, and concentrated solutions require careful handling to avoid skin and eye irritation.
E270 Lactic Acid can participate in buffering systems, and interactions with salts and proteins can influence perceived acidity and pH behavior.
E270 Lactic Acid should be used according to applicable food additive regulations and good manufacturing practices for the target market.
E270 Lactic Acid is stable under normal storage, but E270 Lactic Acid should be stored in tightly closed containers to prevent contamination and concentration changes.
E270 Lactic Acid should be kept away from strong oxidizers and strong bases.
E270 Lactic Acid should be handled with appropriate PPE in industrial environments, especially for higher concentration grades.
E270 Lactic acid is an organic acid naturally present in fermented foods and produced by fermentation of carbohydrates.
E270 Lactic acid is typically supplied as an aqueous solution and can be colorless to slightly yellow.
E270 Lactic acid provides a smooth, mild sourness compared with sharper acids like acetic acid.
E270 Lactic acid is a hydroxy acid and can act as an acidulant, preservative support ingredient, and pH regulator.
E270 Lactic acid is widely used in foods, beverages, and dairy products to control pH and enhance flavor.
E270 Lactic acid contributes to microbial stability by lowering pH and supporting multi-hurdle preservation.
E270 Lactic acid is used in cosmetics as an alpha hydroxy acid for exfoliation and as a pH adjuster at controlled levels.
E270 Lactic acid is also used industrially as a feedstock for polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastics and lactate solvents.
E270 Lactic acid can be corrosive at higher concentrations and requires appropriate handling and materials compatibility.
E270 Lactic acid should be stored in tightly closed containers away from incompatible strong oxidizers and strong bases.
E270 Lactic acid is valued for versatility, fermentation-based sourcing, and broad use across food, personal care, and industrial chemistry.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C3H6O3
Molecular Weight: 90.08 g/mol
Common Name: E270 Lactic Acid
Chemical Type: Organic acid; acidity regulator; acidulant; preservative support acid
Appearance: Clear to slightly yellow liquid (aqueous solution)
Odor: Mild characteristic odor
Taste: Mild, smooth sourness
Solubility: Miscible with water
pKa: ~3.86 (typical)
Boiling Point: Decomposes on heating (pure lactic acid)
Melting Point: ~18°C (pure lactic acid; typical; form dependent)
Stability: Stable under normal storage; reacts with strong bases and oxidizers
Storage Temperature: 15–30°C, tightly closed, ventilated area
Shelf Life: Typically 24–60 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if mists or vapors are inhaled.
Seek medical attention if coughing, breathing difficulty, or irritation persists.
Avoid breathing aerosols during spraying and hot handling.
Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin with plenty of water.
Wash with soap and water after thorough rinsing.
Seek medical attention for burns or persistent irritation 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, and seek urgent care for concentrated exposure.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water and do not induce vomiting.
Give water to drink if the person is conscious and not convulsing.
Seek medical attention if a significant amount is swallowed, especially for concentrated solutions.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
Assess for irritation or corrosive injury depending on concentration.
Provide supportive care as needed.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including chemical-resistant gloves and goggles, especially for concentrated E270 Lactic Acid.
Avoid breathing mists and avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Add acid to water slowly during dilution to control heat release and splashing.
Ventilation:
Use local exhaust or general ventilation to control mist levels.
Avoid aerosol formation in enclosed spaces without adequate airflow.
Keep containers closed when not in use to minimize exposure.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed, compatible containers in a cool, well-ventilated area.
Keep away from strong bases, strong oxidizers, and reactive metals.
Protect from heat and direct sunlight and keep containers properly labeled.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Ventilate the area and use appropriate PPE for spill response.
Contain spill with inert absorbent and neutralize carefully with suitable neutralizing agent if trained and permitted.
Dispose of waste according to local regulations and facility procedures.
Handling Precautions:
Control concentration and dosing because E270 Lactic Acid significantly affects pH, microbial stability strategy, and flavor profile.
Verify product pH and titratable acidity during formulation to ensure safety and desired sensory outcome.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices and inspect containers for compatibility and integrity.