PURAC offers natural ingredients for cosmetic products

Lactic acid exists in a racemic form and in two optically active forms: L(+) and D(-). The racemic (synthetic) lactic acid is a 50-50 mixture of both active forms. Both the racemic and D(-) forms are less suitable for cosmetic applications because they are not as mild as the L(+) form.

The L(+) form is the form which is present in the human body (e.g. skin, hair and muscles). Every day the human body produces about 120 gram of lactic acid. Lactic acid is also part of the NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor), which retains moisture in the skin.

PURAC produces L(+)-lactic acid by fermentation of carbohydrates. From L(+)-lactic acid the derivatives (salts and esters) are prepared, in different qualities and concentrations. Buffered grades are also available. All these products are produced from renewable resources, are biodegradable and considered safe.

Being a natural ingredient and a natural constituent of the human body, lactic acid and lactates fit perfectly in today's trend towards natural and safer formulations. Because of this profile, L(+)-lactic acid and lactates are already widely used in the food industry.

With their multi-functionality (moisturizing, pH-regulation, humectancy, antimicrobial), lactic acid and lactates are ideal standard ingredients in the formulation of a good base for cosmetic products. In addition to their multi-functionality, L(+)-lactic acid and lactates also possess special features (e.g. skin lightening) that make them very useful as active ingredients.