Lactic Acid
⚠ EU RestrictedIdentification
CAS Number 50-21-5
EINECS / EC 200-018-0
CosIng Ref 34809
Chemical Name 2-hydroxypropanoic acid
IUPAC Name —
Formula C3H6O3
Mol. Weight 90.08 g/mol
SMILES CC(C(=O)O)O
InChIKey JVTAAEKCZFNVCJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Function & Classification
Primary Function exfoliant
Secondary Functions moisturizer, humectant, buffering Official CosIng Information All Functions: buffering, humectant, skin conditioning CAS #: 50-21-5 | EC #
Origin Biotechnology
Category pH Adjusters
Manufacturer Jungbunzlauer AG
EU Regulatory Status
Max Leave-on 6%
Restrictions Max 6% (leave-on, pH ≥ 3.5). Must include sun protection advice when used in leave-on products.
Conditions of Use Max 6% (leave-on, rinse-off). pH ≥ 3.5. Sun protection advice required on label. Professional use: max 10% (pH ≥ 3.5) or 50% (pH 1.0-3.5).
Mandatory Warning Contains AHA. Apply sunscreen and limit sun exposure while using and for a week afterwards.
SCCS Opinion View SCCS opinion →
Safety Profile
2 / 10
Comedogenic Rating: 0/5
Will not clog pores — safe for acne-prone skin
Skin Type Compatibility
Acne-Prone ✓ Safe
Dry Skin ✓ Beneficial
Fungal Acne Safe ✓ Safe
Toxicology Profile
NOAEL 2000 mg/kg bw/day (oral, rat, 90-day) SCCS/1609/19
Sensitization Non-sensitizer
Genotoxicity Non-genotoxic
Phototoxicity Non-phototoxic
Dermal Absorption 6%
LD₅₀ Oral 3730 mg/kg (rat)
LD₅₀ Dermal >2000 mg/kg (rat)
Skin Irritation (Draize) 1.5 / 4.0
Eye Irritation (Draize) 2.0 / 4.0 ⚠
Source SCCS Opinion ↗
Formulation Guidelines
Solubility soluble in water and ethanol
Benefits exfoliant , moisturizer/humectant , buffering Official CosIng Information All Functions: buffering, humectant, skin conditioning CAS #: 50-21-5 | EC #
Suppliers & Documents
Jungbunzlauer AG 🇨🇭 Switzerland
Documents