Lactic Acid, also known as Milk Acid, is a naturally occurring organic acid produced by the fermentation of carbohydrates.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) appears as a clear to yellowish, viscous liquid with a mildly acidic odor.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is widely used in the food industry, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications due to its acidity regulation, antimicrobial properties, and biodegradability.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is an α-hydroxy acid (AHA) known for its exfoliating properties in skincare and pH adjustment capabilities in formulations.
CAS Number: 50-21-5
EC Number: 200-018-0
Molecular Formula: C3H6O3
Molecular Weight: 90.08 g/mol
Synonyms: Lactic Acid, Milk Acid, 2-Hydroxypropanoic Acid, α-Hydroxypropionic Acid, Fermentation Acid, Lactic Acid Solution, Lactic Acid Food Grade, Lactic Acid Cosmetic Grade, AHA Lactic Acid, Lactic Acid (Milk Acid), Lactic Acid, 2-Hydroxypropanoic Acid, α-Hydroxypropionic Acid, Propanoic Acid-2-hydroxy, Hydroxypropionic Acid, 2-Hydroxypropionic Acid, DL-Lactic Acid, D-Lactic Acid, L-Lactic Acid, Racemic Lactic Acid, Lactic Acid Solution, Lactic Acid Liquid, Lactic Acid Anhydrous, Lactic Acid Technical Grade, Lactic Acid Industrial Grade, Lactic Acid Pharmaceutical Grade, Lactic Acid Food Grade, Lactic Acid Cosmetic Grade, Lactic Acid Laboratory Grade, Lactic Acid Research Grade, Lactic Acid Pure, Lactic Acid Extra Pure, Lactic Acid High Purity, Lactic Acid Refined, Lactic Acid Stabilized, Lactic Acid Certified, Lactic Acid Certified Standard, Lactic Acid Analytical Standard, Lactic Acid Laboratory Standard, Lactic Acid Test Reagent, Lactic Acid Assay, Lactic Acid Bulk Chemical, Lactic Acid Commercial Grade, Lactic Acid Raw Material, Lactic Acid Fine Chemical, Lactic Acid Specialty Chemical, Lactic Acid Functional Ingredient, Lactic Acid Specialty Ingredient, Lactic Acid Active Ingredient, Lactic Acid Functional Additive, Lactic Acid Specialty Additive, Lactic Acid Preservative, Lactic Acid Antimicrobial Agent, Lactic Acid Acidity Regulator, Lactic Acid Acidulant, Lactic Acid Flavoring Agent
APPLICATIONS
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is used in food and beverages as an acidity regulator.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) enhances flavor and provides preservation.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is applied in dairy, bakery, and beverage products.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is used in cosmetics and skincare.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) functions as an exfoliating agent (AHA).
Lactic Acid improves skin texture, hydration, and brightness.
Lactic Acid is applied in haircare formulations.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) regulates pH in shampoos and conditioners.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) enhances scalp health and smoothness.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is used in pharmaceuticals.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) serves as an intermediate in drug synthesis.
Lactic Acid acts as a preservative in syrups and solutions.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is incorporated in biodegradable plastics.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is polymerized into polylactic acid (PLA).
Lactic Acid supports sustainable packaging materials.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is employed in leather tanning and textile dyeing.
Lactic Acid improves dye uptake and process efficiency.
Lactic Acid enhances softness and finishing of textiles.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is used in cleaning products.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) acts as a descaler and limescale remover.
Lactic Acid provides antimicrobial activity in eco-friendly cleaners.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is applied in animal feed.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) preserves silage and improves digestibility.
Lactic Acid enhances microbial balance in feed.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is used in food preservation.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) functions as a natural acidulant.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) extends shelf life of perishable foods.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is applied in dairy products.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) regulates acidity in yogurt production.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) enhances flavor in fermented milk.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is used in beverages.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) balances taste in soft drinks.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) improves freshness in fruit juices.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is incorporated in confectionery.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) provides a mild sour taste.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) stabilizes sugar-based formulations.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is used in bakery products.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) enhances dough conditioning.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) improves texture and volume of bread.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is applied in meat processing.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) reduces microbial contamination.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) improves safety of ready-to-eat meats.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is used in cosmetics.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) acts as a humectant and exfoliant.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) improves skin hydration and renewal.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is incorporated in hair care.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) regulates pH in shampoos and conditioners.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) enhances shine and smoothness of hair.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is used in pharmaceuticals.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) serves as an intermediate in drug synthesis.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is included in topical treatments for skin renewal.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is applied in biodegradable plastics.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is a precursor for polylactic acid (PLA).
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) supports eco-friendly packaging solutions.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is used in cleaning agents.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) acts as a descaling agent.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) removes hard water deposits effectively.
DESCRIPTION
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) has a molecular weight of 90.08 g/mol.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) appears as a colorless to yellowish syrupy liquid.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) has a mild, characteristic acidic odor.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is miscible with water, ethanol, and glycerol.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is produced industrially by fermentation of carbohydrates.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is available in both L-(+) and D-(-) isomers.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) functions as a pH regulator in food and cosmetic formulations.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is biodegradable and environmentally safe.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) must be stored in sealed containers away from heat and light.
Lactic Acid is a hygroscopic, colorless to yellow liquid with a mild acidic odor.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is soluble in water, ethanol, and glycerol.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) has both hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, giving it unique reactivity.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) occurs naturally in fermented foods such as yogurt, cheese, and pickles.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) exists in two stereoisomeric forms: L-(+)-lactic acid and D-(-)-lactic acid.
Commercial Lactic Acid is often a racemic mixture or enriched in the L-isomer.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is stable under normal conditions but decomposes at high temperatures.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is biodegradable and environmentally safe.
Lactic Acid (Milk Acid) is recognized as safe (GRAS) for food use under FDA regulations.
PROPERTIES
Appearance: Clear to yellowish, viscous liquid
Odor: Mild acidic odor
Density: ~1.21 g/cm³ (20°C)
Melting Point: 16–18°C (pure isomeric form)
Boiling Point: 122°C (at 15 mmHg, decomposes)
pH (1% solution): ~2.5–3.0
Solubility: Miscible with water, ethanol, glycerol
Optical Activity: Exists as L-(+) and D-(-) isomers
Reactivity: Weak organic acid; reacts with bases to form lactates
Storage Temperature: Store at 10–30°C in sealed containers, away from light and moisture
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Remove to fresh air if vapors are inhaled.
Seek medical attention if irritation occurs.
Skin Contact:
Wash thoroughly with soap and water.
Seek medical attention if redness or irritation develops.
Eye Contact:
Flush immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Do not induce vomiting.
Seek medical help if large amounts are swallowed.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote required.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing.
Wear protective gloves, goggles, and clothing in bulk handling.
Ventilation:
Use adequate general or local exhaust ventilation.
Avoidance:
Avoid strong oxidizing agents.
Do not expose to extreme heat or moisture.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Absorb with inert material such as sand or vermiculite.
Clean surfaces with water and detergent.
Dispose of according to local regulations.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
Protect from light and moisture.
Avoid contact with incompatible materials.