DL-lactic acid
CAS 50-21-5
EC 200-018-0
Formula C3H6O3
MW 90.08 g/mol
Organic Acids Personal Care & CosmeticsFood & NutritionTextile, Leather & PaperPharmaceuticals & HealthcareWater Treatment Flavoring & AcidulantpH Regulation & BufferingHumectant & MoisturizingPreservation & Biocide
Description
DL-lactic acid (CAS 50-21-5) is a racemic organic acid produced by fermentation or chemical synthesis, commercially known under names such as Biolac and milk acid, and referenced as FEMA 2611 in flavour applications. It carries the molecular formula C3H6O3 and is registered under EC 200-018-0.
In food and beverage manufacturing, DL-lactic acid lowers pH to inhibit microbial growth and delivers a mild, clean acidic taste in fermented products, dressings, and beverages. In personal care formulations, it acts as a humectant and pH buffer, supporting skin hydration and optimising the performance of active ingredients at target pH ranges.
DL-lactic acid is available in food-grade (FCC), pharmaceutical-grade (Ph.Eur.), and technical-grade specifications, typically supplied as 80% or 88% aqueous solution. The substance is fully REACH-registered and compliant with EU food additive regulations. Standard packaging includes IBC containers and bulk tankers.
In food and beverage manufacturing, DL-lactic acid lowers pH to inhibit microbial growth and delivers a mild, clean acidic taste in fermented products, dressings, and beverages. In personal care formulations, it acts as a humectant and pH buffer, supporting skin hydration and optimising the performance of active ingredients at target pH ranges.
DL-lactic acid is available in food-grade (FCC), pharmaceutical-grade (Ph.Eur.), and technical-grade specifications, typically supplied as 80% or 88% aqueous solution. The substance is fully REACH-registered and compliant with EU food additive regulations. Standard packaging includes IBC containers and bulk tankers.
Physical Properties
| 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 |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Danger GHS05 GHS07
H
H314H315H318
P
P260P264P280P316P317P321P363P405P501P264+P265P302+P352P304+P340P332+P317P362+P364P301+P330+P331P302+P361+P354P305+P354+P338
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29181100 |
| Storage Class | 8A - Combustible corrosive hazardous materials |
| WGK (Germany) | 2 |
Other Names
Lactic Acid2-hydroxypropanoic acidlactatemilk acidmilchsäureBiolacChem-Cast
Related Products
Raw Materials
Derivatives
Need a chemical? Get a quote within 24 hours.