Home Cosmetic Science Talk Formulating Safety of Lactic acid above ph 7

  • Safety of Lactic acid above ph 7

    Posted by Anonymous on March 4, 2020 at 1:14 pm
    If I understand correctly lactic acid is dangerous solely because of its low pH, or not?
    If I were to make a 10% lactic acid aqueous solution with a pH 7 would it be harmful to the skin as a leave on product at such high concentration?
    I know that above pH 5 lactic acid has no benefit to the skin however I am interested if a higher pH eliminates its side effects regardless of the concentration used.
    Thanks for the help.
    pharma replied 4 years ago 2 Members · 3 Replies
  • 3 Replies
  • oldperry

    Member
    March 4, 2020 at 1:44 pm

    You can expect it to be mild to moderately irritating to skin even at pH of 7.  See safety report.  https://www.dropbox.com/s/dcw9n6jz1khdwvj/lactic-acid-safety.pdf?dl=0

    Of course, if you know it’s not doing anything above pH 5, why would you add 10%?

  • Anonymous

    Guest
    March 5, 2020 at 9:22 am

    Perry thanks for the pdf you provided, it has really been helpful. I decided to use 5% lactic acid.

  • pharma

    Member
    March 5, 2020 at 11:52 am

    @Perry Lactates (= pH adjusted lactic acid, so to speak) are good humectants, similar to PCA, amino acids, polyols etc. ;)

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