Lactic Acid
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.
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.
1. 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
2. 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)
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
- 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
Related products
Citric Acid Monohydrate
Citric Acid Monohydrate is a white, crystalline powder or granule form of citric acid containing one molecule of water per molecule of acid. It is a natural organic acid commonly derived from citrus fruits or produced by fermentation processes. Citric Acid Monohydrate is widely used as an acidulant, preservative, and chelating agent in various industries. Compared to the anhydrous form, it has a slightly lower acid concentration due to the water molecule but offers excellent solubility and stability. It is prized for its sour flavor, buffering capacity, and ability to bind metal ions, making it indispensable in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications.
Deionized Water
Deionized Water (DI Water), also known as demineralized water, is highly purified water that has had almost all of its mineral ions (such as sodium, calcium, iron, copper, chloride, and sulfate) removed through ion exchange, reverse osmosis, or other purification methods. It is a clear, colorless, odorless liquid with extremely low electrical conductivity and is considered chemically pure. Deionized water is used in applications where water purity is critical, including pharmaceuticals, electronics, cosmetics, laboratory use, and various industrial processes. Its lack of minerals makes it highly reactive with contaminants, which makes it both useful and sensitive in technical applications.
Disodium Phosphate
Disodium Phosphate, also known as sodium phosphate dibasic, is an inorganic compound widely used for its buffering, emulsifying, and chelating properties. It commonly appears as a white, odorless crystalline powder or granules that are highly soluble in water and alkaline in nature. Disodium Phosphate plays a vital role in regulating pH, improving stability in formulations, and providing essential sodium and phosphate ions. It finds extensive use across food processing, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, agriculture, and industrial applications.
Glacial Acetic Acid Food Grade
Glacial Acetic Acid Food Grade is a clear, colorless liquid organic compound with a pungent vinegar-like odor. It is a high-purity form of acetic acid specifically produced and processed for safe use in food applications. As the main component of vinegar (after dilution), it serves as a critical flavoring agent, pH adjuster, and preservative in the food industry. Food-grade acetic acid typically has a concentration of 80-100% (glacial acetic acid) or is diluted to lower concentrations (4-20%) for specific applications.
Hydrochloric Acid (HCL)
Hydrochloric Acid is a clear, colorless to slightly yellow aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride gas. It is a strong, highly corrosive mineral acid with a sharp, pungent odor. The chemical formula is HCl with a molecular weight of 36.46 g/mol. Hydrochloric Acid is completely miscible with water and many organic solvents. It is non-flammable but extremely corrosive to metals and human tissue. Technical grade Hydrochloric Acid is manufactured for industrial applications including chemical manufacturing, steel pickling, oil well acidizing, water treatment, and pH adjustment. It is available in various concentrations, typically ranging from 30% to 38% by weight.
Malic Acid
Malic Acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid found in many fruits, particularly apples, and is commonly used as a food additive, flavor enhancer, and acidulant. It is available in crystalline or powder form and has a strong, tart taste. Commercially, it is produced synthetically or extracted from natural sources. Malic Acid exists in two isomeric forms: L-malic acid (naturally occurring and biologically active) and DL-malic acid (synthetic racemic mixture). It is highly soluble in water and widely used in food, beverage, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.
Naphazolin hCL USP
Naphazolin hCL USP (Naphazolin HCL) is a topical sympathomimetic agent commonly used as a nasal decongestant and ophthalmic vasoconstrictor. It is a white to off-white crystalline powder soluble in water and alcohol. Naphazolin HCL works by constricting blood vessels, reducing swelling and redness in mucous membranes and eyes. It is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations such as nasal sprays and eye drops.
Phosphoric Acid Food Grade
Phosphoric Acid Food Grade is a highly concentrated, colorless, odorless liquid acid used extensively in the food and beverage industry. It acts as an acidulant, flavoring agent, and preservative, approved for direct use in food processing. This grade meets strict purity standards suitable for consumption and is widely employed to control pH, add tanginess, and extend shelf life. It is also used in other industries requiring high-purity phosphoric acid.

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