Product Guide

Lactic Acid: Grades & Uses

A guide to lactic acid — what it is, the grades available, and how it's used — from a US-based distributor.

Quick Answer

Lactic acid (C₃H₆O₃) is a naturally occurring organic acid used as an acidulant, pH regulator, and antimicrobial across food, personal care, and cleaning products. Stratus Chemical supplies food and technical grades at common concentrations, with COA and SDS provided.

What is lactic acid?

Lactic acid is a mild organic acid found naturally in fermented foods and produced commercially by fermentation. It is valued for gentle acidification, pH control, antimicrobial activity, and good compatibility with skin and food systems.

Grades we supply

What is lactic acid used for?

Packaging

Supplied in drums and totes at common concentrations. COA and SDS are provided with every shipment.

Frequently asked questions

What is lactic acid used for?

Lactic acid is used as an acidulant and pH regulator in food and beverage, a pH adjuster and ingredient in personal care, a mild acid in cleaning products, and a processing aid in industrial and nutraceutical applications.

What grades of lactic acid does Stratus Chemical supply?

Stratus supplies food and technical grades at common concentrations in drums and totes, with COA and SDS provided.

Is lactic acid natural?

Lactic acid occurs naturally in fermented foods and is produced commercially by fermentation. The appropriate grade depends on the end use and any regulatory requirements.

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