What Is Lactic acid?
Lactic acid is a substance that can be used in cosmetics to help keep skin healthy and hydrated. It is a colorless or yellow liquid that can be corrosive if not handled carefully. Lactic acid is also used to make dairy products and as a food preservative. Our bodies naturally produce lactic acid during the fermentation of sugar, and it can be found in some medicines as well. Another name for lactic acid is 2-hydroxypropanoic acid.
What is the purpose of Lactic acid in personal care products?
It is used for its buffering
, humectant, and skin conditioning characteristics.
Lactic acid regulates the pH balance, prevents drying, and moisturizes and strengthens skin.
Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Lactic Acid, DL-Lactic Acid, and 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid.
What Are Buffering Ingredients?
Lactic acid has buffering characteristics.
Buffering ingredients helps regulate and maintain the pH balance of cosmetic products. The pH scale is a method used to determine a mixture's acidity or alkalinity level. Our skin's natural pH balance helps it stay healthy and function properly. When cosmetic products are applied to the skin, they can alter the pH balance, potentially causing irritation or other adverse effects.
Buffering ingredients neutralize or adjust the pH of cosmetic products to match that of the skin, which helps minimize the risk of irritation or damage. By maintaining a consistent pH balance, buffering ingredients can also improve the stability and effectiveness of a product's active ingredients.
Types of Buffering Ingredients
Here are some of the most common types of buffering ingredients:
Alkalis: These have a high pH and are used to neutralize acids. They help maintain the product's pH within a desired range.
Acids: These have a low pH and are used to neutralize alkalis. They help maintain the cosmetic product's pH within a desired range.
Salts: These are formed when an acid and a base (alkali) are mixed. They help maintain the cosmetic product's stability by preventing changes in pH caused by external factors such as heat or exposure to air.
What Are Humectant Ingredients?
Lactic acid has humectant characteristics.
Humectants can be found in many products, such as foods, medicines, and personal care products. The primary role of humectants in these products is to prevent them from drying out, which helps to maintain their texture, quality, and effectiveness.
Many different types of humectants are used in cosmetic products, including glycerin, hyaluronic acid, propylene glycol, and urea. Each ingredient has a slightly different chemical structure, offering various skin benefits also. When applied to the skin, humectants draw in moisture from the surrounding environment and help lock it in, keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized while helping improve its texture and appearance.
In food products, humectants play a crucial role in preventing foods from drying out, especially in packaged or processed foods. Examples of common humectants used in food include glycerin, sorbitol, and propylene glycol. These ingredients help to maintain the moisture content of the food, thereby improving its texture and prolonging its shelf life.
Humectants are also commonly used in medicines and other pharmaceutical products. They help to retain moisture in tablets and capsules, which prevents them from breaking down or becoming less effective over time.
What Are Skin Conditioning Ingredients?
Lactic acid has skin conditioning characteristics.
Skin conditioning ingredients improve the texture, feel, and overall appearance of the skin, helping to avoid harmful effects from external factors. Skin conditioning ingredients moisturize the skin and strengthen its natural barrier function to help protect it from damage caused by harsh weather and sunlight. Some skin conditioning ingredients are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce redness and irritated skin.
Safety
Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.