SODIUM LACTATE 60%

Description

Sodium lactate 60% is a specific formulation of the sodium salt of lactic acid (C3​H5​NaO3​), a compound produced by the fermentation of a sugar source (like corn or beets). The “60%” designation indicates that the product is a solution of 60% sodium lactate by weight, with the remaining 40% being water. This is a very common commercial form of the ingredient, particularly in the personal care and soap-making industries.

Key Characteristics and Uses

Sodium lactate 60% is valued for its unique properties and is used across various applications:

Cosmetics and Personal Care: It is widely used in creams, lotions, and soaps as a powerful humectant—an ingredient that attracts and retains moisture. It is a more effective humectant than glycerin and helps to provide lasting hydration, soften the skin, and reduce the greasiness of oil-based products.

Soap Making: This is one of its most popular uses. Adding sodium lactate 60% to cold process soap recipes helps to create a harder, more durable bar that can be unmolded faster. It also contributes to a smoother texture and reduces shrinkage during the curing process.

Food Industry: As a food additive, sodium lactate is designated as E325. It functions as a:

Preservative: It has antimicrobial properties that help to extend the shelf life of food products.

Acidity Regulator: It helps to stabilize the pH of food, preventing spoilage and maintaining desired flavor profiles.

Bulking Agent: It adds volume and texture to products.

Pharmaceutical and Medical: Although the 60% solution is generally not used for direct medical purposes, a more purified, sterile form of sodium lactate is used in intravenous (IV) solutions like Lactated Ringer’s Solution. It is administered to treat dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and metabolic acidosis, as it is metabolized in the body to produce bicarbonate, which helps to correct blood pH.

Grades of Sodium Lactate

While “60%” refers to a common concentration, sodium lactate is also available in different grades based on its purity:

Food Grade (E325): Meets the purity and safety standards for human consumption and is used in the food industry.

Cosmetic/Technical Grade: Suitable for external applications like soaps and personal care products. This is the most common grade for the 60% solution.

Pharmaceutical Grade (USP/BP): The highest purity grade, meeting the strict standards of pharmacopoeias for use in medications and sterile solutions. It is subject to rigorous testing for heavy metals and other impurities.