Lactic Acid
2-hydroxypropanoic Acid
- CAS
- 50-21-5
- EC
- 200-018-0
- Food Code
- E270
- Sectors
- Food & Nutrition, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Pharma & Healthcare
Lactic Acid (CAS 50-21-5) is a colorless to slightly yellow, hygroscopic organic acid supplied as a syrup and miscible with water, available in Food Grade and Cosmetic Grade and used as an acidulant, pH adjuster and preservative in food and pharmaceuticals and as a keratolytic and humectant in cosmetics.
Typical Properties
| Molecular formula | C3H6O3 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 90.08 g/mol |
| Appearance | colourless to yellow liquid |
| Form | syrup |
| Color | Colorless to yellow |
| Odor | at 100.00 %. odorless |
| Melting point | 16.8 °C |
| Boiling point | 122 °C @ Press: 14-15 Torr |
| Density | 1.249 g/cm³ @ Temp: 15 °C |
| Water solubility | SOLUBLE |
| Flash point | >230 °F |
| pH | 3.51(1 mM solution);2.96(10 mM solution);2.44(100 mM solution); |
| GHS signal word | Danger · Corrosive, Irritant / harmful |
| HS code | 29181100 |
| Grades available | Food Grade, Cosmetic Grade |
Typical literature values for identification; lot-specific results are stated on the certificate of analysis (COA) and the safety data sheet (SDS) that accompany every delivery.
Lactic Acid
Applications
Used in food and pharmaceuticals as an acidulant, pH adjuster, and preservative. In cosmetics, it functions as a keratolytic and humectant. Industrially, it serves in biodegradable plastics (PLA) and textile finishing.
Safety & Risks
Mildly corrosive; handle with gloves and avoid inhalation of vapors.
Packaging
Supplied in 25–250 kg HDPE drums or IBC tanks. Store cool, dry, and sealed.