Product
Lactic Acid
A multifunctional organic acid for cosmetics and cleaning.
What is Lactic Acid?
Lactic Acid is a naturally occurring organic acid produced through the fermentation of carbohydrates, most commonly from corn or sugar beet. It’s one of the most versatile ingredients you’ll find across the chemical and personal care industries, with meaningful applications in cosmetic formulation and cleaning product manufacturing.
Depending on concentration and grade, it functions as an exfoliant, humectant, pH adjuster, acidifier or descaler. It’s available in liquid form at a range of concentrations, typically 80%, 88% and 90%, and in powder form at 50% and 60%. It’s also well established in regulatory frameworks and industry best practice across the globe.
What is Lactic Acid used for?
Lactic Acid is a versatile chemical that shows up across several distinct application areas, each making use of different aspects of its composition.
In skincare and cosmetics, Lactic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), one of the most widely used in the category. It works by gently loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, making it effective for exfoliation, improving skin texture and addressing concerns like dullness, uneven tone and fine lines. It also functions as a humectant, helping the skin retain moisture, which makes it milder and better tolerated than some other AHAs, particularly Glycolic Acid. You’ll find it in leave-on products like serums, toners and moisturisers, as well as rinse-off treatments and peels.
In homecare and I&I cleaning, Lactic Acid is used primarily as an acidifier and descaler. It’s effective against limescale and mineral deposits, making it a good active ingredient in bathroom cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners and descaling products. Its biodegradable profile and relatively low toxicity make it a practical alternative to harsher mineral acids in formulations where environmental credentials matter.
Key product benefits: Lactic Acid
Flexibility
Available at multiple concentrations, Lactic Acid is straightforward to work with across different product types and pH targets. It’s compatible with a wide range of cosmetic and cleaning actives, giving you good flexibility in how you build your formulations.
Humectant
Unlike some exfoliants that strip moisture from the skin, Lactic Acid also acts as a humectant, drawing water into the skin to help it stay hydrated. That dual action is commercially valuable, particularly in skin barriers and moisturisers.
Descaling
In cleaning applications, Lactic Acid is a reliable and effective acidifier. It breaks down limescale and mineral deposits efficiently, works well in combination with surfactants and other cleaning actives, and does so with a better environmental profile than many traditional mineral acid options.
Biodegradable
Lactic Acid is readily biodegradable and has broad regulatory acceptance across cosmetic and cleaning product markets. It’s a well-characterised ingredient with a long safety history, which simplifies the compliance process for manufacturers working across multiple markets.
Exfoliation
As an AHA, Lactic Acid delivers meaningful exfoliation at lower concentrations than Glycolic Acid, and its larger molecular size means it penetrates the skin more slowly. That makes it a better fit for formulations targeting sensitive or dry skin types, and gives formulators more room to work with concentration without pushing tolerability limits.
Why source your Lactic Acid from MegaChem UK?
We supply technical, BPR and food grade Lactic Acid to manufacturers across personal care, cosmetics, homecare and I&I cleaning, and food & beverages, and we understand that the right grade and concentration will vary depending on what you’re making.
Our technical team can help you identify the correct specification for your application, whether that’s a cosmetic-grade material for a leave-on skincare product or an industrial-grade option for a descaling formulation. We offer reliable supply through our global network, full documentation support, and a straightforward service that keeps things moving. If your volume requirements change as your production scales, we’re set up to accommodate that too.
Frequently asked questions
What concentration of Lactic Acid is typically used in cosmetic formulations?
In leave-on skincare products, Lactic Acid is commonly used at between 2% and 10%, depending on the product’s intended function and pH. Higher concentrations of up to 30% or more are used in professional peel treatments, though these sit in a different regulatory category in many markets. We can advise on appropriate use levels for your specific application.
Is Lactic Acid safe to use in food and drink products?
Yes. Lactic Acid has a long history as a food preservative. It occurs naturally in fermented foods. Yoghurt, kefir and sourdough all contain it as a byproduct of the bacterial fermentation process. That same antimicrobial action is put to work commercially to extend shelf life and control pH in a range of food and drink products.
What’s the difference between cosmetic-grade and industrial-grade Lactic Acid?
Cosmetic-grade Lactic Acid meets stricter purity specifications and is produced under conditions appropriate for use in personal care products. Industrial-grade material is suitable for cleaning and I&I applications, but wouldn’t be appropriate for cosmetic use. We can confirm which grade is right for your product and supply the relevant documentation.
Is Lactic Acid suitable for formulations targeting sensitive skin?
Yes. Lactic Acid is generally considered one of the better-tolerated AHAs and is a reasonable choice for sensitive skin formulations when used at appropriate concentrations and pH levels. Its humectant properties also help offset any potential dryness or irritation. If you’re developing a product for sensitive skin, our technical team can help you think through the formulation parameters.
How does Lactic Acid compare to Glycolic Acid in cosmetic formulations?
Both are AHAs, but they work somewhat differently. Glycolic Acid has a smaller molecular weight, which means it penetrates the skin more readily and tends to act more aggressively. It’s useful for higher-strength treatments, but potentially problematic for sensitive skin.
Lactic Acid’s larger molecule size gives you a more controlled exfoliation effect, along with the added benefits of its humectant properties. Many formulators use them together to balance efficacy and tolerability.
Is Lactic Acid biodegradable, and does it support eco-label certification?
Lactic Acid is readily biodegradable and has a well-established environmental profile, which makes it a strong candidate for formulations targeting eco-label status. It meets the criteria for several recognised certifications. We can provide the supporting documentation you need for your certification process.
What are the storage and handling requirements for Lactic Acid?
Lactic Acid should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from direct heat and incompatible materials such as strong oxidising agents. At higher concentrations, it can be corrosive, so appropriate PPE and handling precautions are important. Full safety data sheets are available on request, and our team is happy to talk through any handling questions.
What are the storage and handling requirements for Lactic Acid?
Lactic Acid should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from direct heat and incompatible materials such as strong oxidising agents. At higher concentrations, it can be corrosive, so appropriate PPE and handling precautions are important. Full safety data sheets are available on request, and our team is happy to talk through any handling questions.
Source your Lactic Acid from Megachem UK
If you’d like to discuss your Lactic Acid requirements, whether you’re formulating a new skincare product, developing a cleaning formulation or simply exploring your supply options, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch, and we’ll come back to you promptly.
