Lactic Acid

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Lactic Acid is a colorless to pale yellow, viscous liquid with a mild acidic odor. It is an organic acid naturally produced by fermentation and widely used in industrial, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food applications. The 80% concentration provides a balance of potency and ease of handling, making it suitable for pH adjustment, preservation, and chemical synthesis. Lactic acid is biodegradable, non-toxic, and valued for its multifunctionality including antimicrobial properties and chelation abilities.

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Categories: Admixtures, Acidulants, Excipients, Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical), pH Adjusters, Preservatives, Preservatives(food) Tags: Cosmetics & Personal Care, Food & Beverage Industry, Food Grade Lactic Acid, Industrial Lactic Acid, Lactic Acid 80%, pH Regulator, Pharmaceutical industry

Description

Table of Contents

Lactic Acid

Primary Uses

Food & Beverage Industry

Used as a food acidulant and preservative to regulate acidity and enhance flavor in dairy products, beverages, sauces, and pickled foods.
Acts as a fermentation aid and pH regulator in yogurt, cheese, and sourdough production.

Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Industry

Employed as an active ingredient in skin care formulations for exfoliation, moisturizing, and pH balancing.
Used in topical creams, lotions, and chemical peels for its keratolytic and humectant properties.
Acts as a preservative and pH adjuster in pharmaceutical syrups and ointments.

Industrial Applications

Serves as a pH regulator and buffering agent in textile processing, leather tanning, and cleaning formulations.
Used in biodegradable polymer production (e.g., polylactic acid) for environmentally friendly plastics and packaging.
Functions as a chelating agent and descaling chemical in cleaning and metal treatment processes.

Agriculture

Used as a biocide and preservative in animal feed to inhibit microbial growth and spoilage.

Secondary Uses

Water Treatment

Applied as a biodegradable acidulant and pH regulator in water treatment plants to control alkalinity.

Chemical Synthesis

Used as a building block in the synthesis of various chemicals including solvents, biodegradable polymers, and pharmaceuticals.

Cleaning Products

Included in eco-friendly cleaning agents for its acidity and antimicrobial effects, useful in food processing and household cleaners.

Textile Industry

Acts as a mordant and pH adjuster in dyeing and finishing processes.

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES

Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid
Common/Trade Name: Lactic Acid 80%
CAS Number: 50-21-5
HS Code: 2918.14.00
Synonyms: Alpha-hydroxypropionic acid; Milk acid; 2-Hydroxypropionic acid

Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Viscous liquid
Color & Odor: Colorless to pale yellow; mild acidic odor
pH (80% solution): Approximately 2.0
Density: ~1.21 g/cm³
Solubility: Miscible with water and alcohols
Boiling Point: 122 °C (decomposes)

Safety & Hazard Attributes

GHS Classification: Skin corrosion/irritation (Category 2), Serious eye damage/eye irritation (Category 1)
Toxicity: Low toxicity but corrosive at high concentrations
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits; avoid inhalation and skin contact

Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances like strong oxidizers and bases
Container Type: Supplied in corrosion-resistant containers such as plastic drums or lined steel drums
Shelf Life: Typically 1-2 years if stored properly
Handling Precautions: Use appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and acid-resistant clothing; avoid inhalation and contact

Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

Approved for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications by FDA, EFSA, and other regulatory bodies
Complies with REACH and other chemical safety regulations

Environmental & Health Impact

Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic organisms at typical use concentrations
Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE Required: Acid-resistant gloves, safety goggles, face shield, protective clothing
Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid skin and eye contact
Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed and stored away from incompatible chemicals

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek medical attention if symptoms develop
Skin Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; remove contaminated clothing; seek medical advice if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Flush eyes immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; seek urgent medical attention
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and seek medical attention immediately

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Combustible; emits toxic fumes of carbon oxides when heated to decomposition
Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, foam, dry chemical, or CO2 extinguishers
Special Precautions: Wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus during firefighting
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and lactic acid vapors