Organic Acids
REACH
Lactic acid
CAS Number
50-21-5
EC Number
200-018-0
E Number
E270
FEMA Number
FEMA 2611
What is Lactic acid?
Lactic acid (CAS 50-21-5), also known as milk acid and listed as E270 in food additive regulations, is an organic acid produced through fermentation or chemical synthesis.
Where is Lactic acid used?
- Food and beverage: acidulant and preservative in dairy, pickled vegetables, meat preparations and ready-to-eat meals
- Pharmaceuticals: pH-adjusting agent in topical formulations, oral solutions and vaginal preparations
- Personal care: exfoliating creams, toners and moisturizers
- Leather tanning and textile processing: controls bath acidity and aids in deliming hides
- It often replaces stronger mineral acids where a milder, more controllable process is required.
Good to know: Precise buffering is critical to product stability and efficacy in medical applications.
Commercial specifications
- Aqueous solution at 80% and 88% concentrations
Other Names (Synonyms)
α-hydroxypropionic acid|α-hydroxypropanoic acid|milk acid|milchsäure|lacticum acidum|DL-milchsäure|acidum lacticum|2-hydroxypropionic acid|E270
What are the physical properties of Lactic acid?
Melting Point 16.8 °C
Boiling Point 122 °C @ Press: 14-15 Torr
Density 1.249 g/cm³ @ Temp: 15 °C
Flash Point >230 °F
Appearance colourless to yellow liquid
Color Colorless to yellow
Odor at 100.00 %. odorless
Form syrup
Water Solubility SOLUBLE
Vapor Pressure 19 mm of Hg (@ 20°C)
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.4262
pH 3.51(1 mM solution);2.96(10 mM solution);2.44(100 mM solution);
Log P -0.72
How is Lactic acid classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS05· Corrosive GHS07· Irritant
Hazard Statements
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
H315 Causes skin irritation
H318 Causes serious eye damage
Precautionary Statements
P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling.
P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P316 Get emergency medical help immediately.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Lactic acid?
HS Code 29181100
Storage Class 8A - Combustible corrosive hazardous materials
WGK (Germany) 2