Zinc lactate

Zinc lactate (CAS 16039-53-5) is the zinc salt of lactic acid, commercially available under trade names such as purAMEX ZN and also referred to as zinc dilactate or zinc DL-lactate. It carries no assigned E-number and is categorised within the salts and minerals class of functional ingredients.

In oral care formulations, zinc lactate delivers bioavailable zinc ions that inhibit bacterial enzyme activity, reducing plaque formation and malodour. In topical cosmetic preparations, it functions as a skin conditioner and mild antimicrobial by disrupting microbial membrane integrity. Food and pharmaceutical manufacturers also use it as a pH buffer, stabilising product matrices within defined acidity ranges.

Zinc lactate is supplied in solid crystalline form, including as the dihydrate grade, and is available to standards including FCC and Ph.Eur. where applicable. The substance is registered under REACH. Procurement quantities typically range from kilogram laboratory packs to bulk industrial volumes depending on supplier.