Lactic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) widely used in cosmetic and personal-care formulations for gentle exfoliation, skin conditioning, hydration support and pH adjustment.
Naturally associated with the lactic acid fermentation process, it is commonly incorporated into modern skincare products designed to improve the appearance of rough texture, dull-looking skin and uneven-looking complexion.
Lactic Acid is also a natural humectant and can contribute to skin moisturization when appropriately formulated. Its versatility makes it suitable for facial serums, exfoliating toners, creams, lotions, masks, cleansers and body-care products.
Because commercial Lactic Acid is commonly supplied as an aqueous solution at different concentrations, the grade and active concentration should always be checked before calculating the amount required in a formulation.
INCI Name
Lactic Acid
Common Names
- Lactic Acid
- 2-Hydroxypropanoic Acid
- Alpha Hydroxy Acid
- AHA
- Milk Acid
- Lactic Acid AHA
- Cosmetic Lactic Acid
- Lactic Acid Solution
- Lactic Acid Active
Chemical Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | 2-Hydroxypropanoic Acid |
| INCI Name | Lactic Acid |
| CAS Number | 50-21-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C₃H₆O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 90.08 g/mol |
| Chemical Family | Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) |
| Physical Form | Liquid / aqueous solution, grade dependent |
| Appearance | Clear to slightly yellow liquid, grade dependent |
| Water Solubility | Miscible / highly soluble |
| Functional Class | AHA / Exfoliant / Humectant / pH Adjuster |
Ingredient / Functional Type
- Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
- Chemical exfoliant
- Humectant
- Skin-conditioning ingredient
- pH adjuster
- Cosmetic active
- Chelating-support ingredient in selected systems
- Personal-care formulation aid
Key Functions & Benefits
1. Gentle Exfoliation
Lactic Acid helps loosen and remove dead surface skin cells, supporting a smoother and more refined-looking skin surface.
2. Skin Smoothing
Regularly formulated cosmetic products containing Lactic Acid can help improve the appearance of rough or uneven skin texture.
3. Radiance Support
Its exfoliating action can help improve the appearance of dull-looking skin and promote a fresher-looking complexion.
4. Hydration Support
Lactic Acid can contribute to skin moisturization and is associated with the skin’s natural moisturizing factor (NMF).
5. Uneven-Looking Skin Tone Care
Suitable for cosmetic formulations designed to improve the appearance of uneven-looking complexion and dullness.
6. pH Adjustment
Lactic Acid can also be used as an acidifying or pH-adjusting ingredient in suitable cosmetic formulations.
Cosmetic Applications
Face Care
Suitable for:
- AHA serums
- Exfoliating serums
- Facial toners
- Chemical exfoliating products
- Face creams
- Moisturizers
- Facial masks
- Cleansers
- Brightening/radiance formulations
- Texture-refining skincare
Body Care
Useful in:
- Body lotions
- Body creams
- Body exfoliants
- Hand creams
- Foot-care products
- Rough-skin care products
- Body toners
- Elbow and knee care formulations
Hair & Scalp Care
Depending on formulation and grade, Lactic Acid can be used in:
- Scalp-care products
- Hair conditioners
- Hair masks
- Hair treatments
- pH-balancing hair products
- Acidic hair-care formulations
Suitable Product Types
| Product Type | Suitability |
|---|---|
| AHA Serum | ✓ |
| Exfoliating Serum | ✓ |
| Facial Toner | ✓ |
| Face Cream | ✓ |
| Moisturizer | ✓ |
| Facial Mask | ✓ |
| Exfoliating Mask | ✓ |
| Facial Cleanser | ✓ |
| Body Lotion | ✓ |
| Body Cream | ✓ |
| Body Exfoliant | ✓ |
| Foot Care | ✓ |
| Hand Care | ✓ |
| Scalp Care | ✓ |
| Hair Conditioner | Grade Dependent |
| Hair Treatment | Grade Dependent |
Recommended Usage
The appropriate usage level depends heavily on:
- Raw material concentration
- Finished-product pH
- Product type
- Intended application
- Contact time
- Target consumer
- Applicable cosmetic regulations
For cosmetic exfoliating products, the finished-product concentration and pH must be carefully formulated and validated rather than selecting a percentage based only on the raw-material concentration.
For pH adjustment, use only the quantity required to achieve the desired validated pH.
Always follow the supplier’s TDS and applicable cosmetic regulations for your target market.
How to Use
Lactic Acid is generally incorporated into the water phase or cool-down phase, depending on the formulation and supplier recommendations.
General Formulation Procedure
- Determine the required final active concentration.
- Calculate the amount based on the concentration of the supplied Lactic Acid solution.
- Add gradually while mixing.
- Monitor the formulation pH carefully.
- Adjust the final pH according to the product specification.
- Check appearance, viscosity and stability.
- Conduct appropriate compatibility and stability testing.
Formulation Compatibility
Lactic Acid can be formulated with selected ingredients such as:
- Glycerin
- Propanediol
- Butylene Glycol
- Pentylene Glycol
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Panthenol
- Niacinamide
- Botanical extracts
- Aloe Vera
- Humectants
- Selected antioxidants
- Other cosmetic AHAs, where appropriate
Formulation Considerations
When formulating with Lactic Acid, carefully evaluate:
- Final pH
- Acid concentration
- Free-acid level
- Product contact time
- Buffering system
- Ingredient compatibility
- Preservative performance
- Packaging compatibility
- Long-term stability
- Consumer use instructions
Product Information
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Lactic Acid |
| INCI | Lactic Acid |
| CAS Number | 50-21-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C₃H₆O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 90.08 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Alpha Hydroxy Acid |
| Physical Form | Liquid / Solution |
| Water Solubility | Highly Soluble |
| Main Function | Exfoliation / Hydration / pH Adjustment |
| Main Application | Skin Care & Personal Care |
| Raw Material Concentration | Grade Dependent |
Storage
- Store according to the supplier’s recommended conditions.
- Keep the container tightly closed.
- Protect from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
- Avoid contamination.
- Store in a suitable compatible container.
- Follow the product-specific SDS/TDS for temperature and storage requirements.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.