• Formulating

  Lactic acid: what % is safe to use?

  Posted by Margaret2 on January 12, 2016 at 12:02 am

  I have read the FDA’s info. about lactic acid, but I cannot find any info. as to what % can be used in a leave-on lotion/cream WITHOUT causing sun sensitivity?

  I have purchased:

  lactic acid 90% USP

   The seller says it’s typically used at 1 - 5%. 

  My question is: 

  What is the highest % that can be used in lotions/creams WITHOUT causing sun sensitivity?

  I cannot find this info. on the internet. Perhaps I am not phrasing my question correctly(?). 

  Thanks for any help you can provide. 

  crisbaysauli replied 8 years, 4 months ago 3 Members · 5 Replies
• 5 Replies

• 

  Microformulation

  Member

  January 12, 2016 at 12:23 am

  Any percentage of Lactic acid can potentially cause photo sensitivity. It is only partially dose related. Of note is that Purac recommends it at 0.2-10% and many of the studies often cited were done with an 8% Lotion.

  Hence the FDA guidance to use a Sunscreen warning.

  http://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocuments/ucm090816.htm

• 

  Margaret2

  Member

  January 12, 2016 at 3:22 am

  No wonder the FDA did NOT state what % of lactic acid is safe w/o using SPF in the formula!! Thanks Mark! (My spouse-unit said the same thing)

  Now I have no idea what I can use the lactic acid for, by golly. Maybe foot cream! ))
• 

  Microformulation

  Member

  January 12, 2016 at 3:57 am

  You don’t have to use SPF in the Formula! You have to put a warning on the label instructing them to also use a sunscreen if they will be exposed to sunlight. Different product, used to preven the side effect from the Lactic acid.

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  Margaret2

  Member

  January 12, 2016 at 4:20 am

  I am not selling what I make, but I  sure don’t want to be walking around with pink-face due to my use of lactic acid in my face lotion.

  I was thinking of using just 1% lactic acid in my lotions & creams. I do not have SPF ingredients other than the zinc which makes my skin completely white. 

  I have been using sodium lactate (not the same as lactic acid, I know) at 2% in lotions & creams for its humectant properties & to keep the surface of the lotions & creams from drying out too fast & cracking. 
• 

  crisbaysauli

  Member

  January 12, 2016 at 4:36 am

  Hi Margreat. In my opinion, you should abide by FDA’s regulation in your country. In the ASEAN region, any % of lactic acid can be used as long as the final pH of your product is above 3.00.

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