Aluminum lactate came out of late nineteenth-century research on organic acid salts and their uses in industry and medicine. Chemists first made this compound as part of efforts to tame the reactivity of aluminum for safer, broader use. The metal itself once stood as a curiosity, expensive and hard to isolate, but innovations in the electrolytic process changed this story, bringing both aluminum and its derivate compounds into reach for everyone from dyers to doctors. For decades, aluminum lactate has seen steady demand from industries looking for a multifunctional material that combines the mildness of lactic acid with the widespread framework of aluminum chemistry.
Aluminum lactate belongs to the family of metal-organic salts. It typically comes as a white or off-white powder with a fine, almost tacky feel when left open in a humid room. This product isn’t flashy but excels because of its reliability. Its molecular makeup—three lactic acid molecules chelating one atom of aluminum—grants the compound water solubility without adding strong taste or odor. The raw appeal stays in its clean profile; impurities in quality batches rarely cross the 1% mark, which builds trust among formulators in fields like textile finishing, water purification, and oral care.
Physically, aluminum lactate shows stability in air and resists caking better than many other aluminum salts. The powder forms easy slurries in both cold and warm water, reaching full dissolution with gentle agitation. Chemical properties tell a deeper story—its mild acid dissociation gives it buffering action that many see as useful in personal care products and specialty foods. A typical melting point range lands above 200°C, and the shelf life, if properly stored away from moisture and heat, consistently stretches past a year. Chemically, the presence of both hydroxyl and carboxyl groups means aluminum lactate stays flexibly reactive, handy for custom syntheses or for acting as a chelating agent in systems that can’t handle harsher reagents.
Reliable labeling draws from physical and chemical purity. High-purity grades will state minimum assay percentages (often 96% or higher), along with figures for pH (usually 3.0 to 4.5 in 5% aqueous solution), solubility details, loss on drying, and limits on heavy metal or arsenic contamination. Labels must show batch numbers, country of manufacture, expiration date, and compatible storage conditions. In food and cosmetic use, proper ingredient listings and certifications play a central role, since regulatory agencies expect exact traceability for consumer safety.
To make aluminum lactate, chemists usually start with a pure lactic acid fermentation product, mixing it with a stoichiometric amount of an aluminum compound—either aluminum hydroxide or an aluminum alkoxide. The blend reacts in aqueous medium under temperature control, followed by filtration and careful evaporation or spray drying to yield the powder product. Sometimes vacuum drying steps remove last traces of moisture. Years of refinement have produced streamlined, reproducible processes that allow plants to scale up or shift product grades with little downtime or waste.
Aluminum lactate’s chemical nature opens doors for modification. It can form coordination complexes with other organic acids, participate as an intermediate in sol-gel synthesis, and break down when heated or treated with strong bases. In analytical chemistry, its unique structure makes it a fine precursor for aluminum oxide materials used in chromatography and catalysis. Changing the stoichiometry or tweaking the lactic acid with functional group substitutions lets chemists tailor solubility or reactivity for different industry problems. In the textile sector, adding other carboxylates shifts dye adhesion profiles. In ceramics, incorporating other metal ions can adjust sintering temperatures.
Many catalogs and technical datasheets list aluminum lactate by several names. Common synonyms include lactate d’aluminum, aluminum trilactate, and E number E478 in some contexts. Chemical abstracts and regulatory lists cross-reference its CAS number (18917-91-4) and formula (C9H15AlO9). In oral care and pharmaceutical applications, product names may drift closer to branding, but a careful eye for chemical identity prevents mix-ups with related lactates or other aluminum salts.
Safety standards for aluminum lactate come from both longstanding industrial practices and up-to-date toxicological data. Material safety data directs workers to avoid inhalation and dust formation; proper ventilation and dust masks stay important where open handling happens. The compound itself causes little acute irritation except at high concentrations. Ingestion at levels much above regulatory limits can pose health risks, especially for those with existing kidney concerns. Facilities handling the product train staff in safe transfer and responses to accidental spills, and most jurisdictions require proper labeling, secondary containment, and regular checks for residues or airborne concentrations in the work environment.
Users in the textile world value aluminum lactate for its ability to fix dyes without compromising fabric softness. In dentistry, it helps control acidity and protects enamel in toothpastes and rinses, because the lactic acid part provides a gentle acidity buffered by aluminum’s presence. Some water treatment schemes use aluminum lactate as a low-toxicity flocculant, especially in municipal supplies wary of excess aluminum sulfate. The food industry, following global regulations, admits certain forms of the compound into bakery and processed cheese goods where pH adjustment or texture enhancement matters. Researchers keep looking into its potential as a precursor in advanced ceramics and as a carrier for sustainable fertilizer blends in agriculture.
Research around aluminum lactate is not stuck in a rut. Scientists dig into new uses every year. One area of growing interest focuses on the compound’s reactivity with bioactive molecules for drug delivery. Another promising path lies in its use as a template for porous ceramics with special filtration and catalytic qualities. Innovations in analytical chemistry often feature aluminum lactate as a marker for chelation or as a mild aluminum source in delicate syntheses. Advances in fermentation technology promise cheaper, greener lactic acid, which could bring down costs or boost the purity of aluminum lactate worldwide. Collaboration between academic and industry labs fuels a steady flow of technical papers detailing all these efforts.
Much of the toxicity research on aluminum lactate turns on its behavior in the body. Acute oral toxicity remains low in most published models, but chronic exposure research continues, especially after studies linking excess aluminum to neurological effects. Regulatory bodies in the United States and Europe set strict limits for dietary and consumer exposures. Recent in vitro data show mostly inert profiles when handled as directed, but researchers keep a cautious eye on how the compound interacts with other food additives or heavy metals. Animal testing so far places aluminum lactate’s risk far below mineral forms like aluminum sulfate, but the compound’s fate in soil and water ecosystems, especially amid rising industrial use, deserves real monitoring.
Looking ahead, aluminum lactate stands ready to serve sustainability goals as industries turn toward safer chemicals and more efficient supply chains. With the cost of lactic acid production sinking and more demand in fields like bio-based plastics and regenerative agriculture, aluminum lactate’s profile rises. Better analytical controls and a clearer safety record could win over skeptical regulators. Its flexibility as a starting material—able to morph into coatings, pharmaceuticals, or high-performance ceramics—makes it likely to stay relevant as new applications emerge. The critical challenge will be keeping up with environmental research and refining industrial processes to balance growing demand with real stewardship for public health and ecological impact.
Aluminum lactate doesn’t turn heads like some other chemical names. Still, it counts for a lot in daily life. Many people walk by its benefits without knowing the source. Having worked with specialty chemicals in agriculture and consumer goods, I’ve learned to spot value where it hides. One clear place: oral care. Aluminum lactate shows up in some kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes, where it helps tighten up gum tissue and control bleeding. If a dentist says your gums need support, there’s a chance aluminum lactate may be on that ingredient list. That’s more than a small win in oral hygiene, which connects to bigger things like overall health.
Personal care companies turn to aluminum lactate for its skin-soothing effect. Sensitive skin or irritation after shaving? Creams and lotions with this compound can help bring relief by supporting the skin’s natural barrier. Researchers have found that it works by reducing minor inflammation and creating a feeling of comfort. Unlike some harsher compounds, it generally gets along well with sensitive types of skin. That practical reliability has kept it around in cosmetic labs for decades.
Food packaging doesn’t often come up in conversations at the dinner table, but it should. Aluminum lactate has a place in the process, protecting foods by working as a firming agent and pH regulator. My time working with food safety consultants showed me how big a difference small ingredients can make in keeping food safe and fresh. In a world where millions get sick from spoiled food every year, a safe, well-tested compound earns its place. Its background role still touches homes, school cafeterias, and restaurants everywhere.
Some worry about anything containing aluminum, tying it to debates about long-term health. Science keeps digging into those questions, especially for personal care products. Most current research points out that the levels used in consumer items stay far below the amounts that might cause harm. Regulatory agencies still keep a watchful eye.
Transparency helps. Companies should keep their ingredient lists simple for consumers and communicate why they use compounds like aluminum lactate. As someone who has worked with product labeling rules, I know the value of open and honest communication. It builds trust and helps people make better choices.
Aluminum lactate works because of its reliability. That’s why it sticks around in so many products. Still, there’s always room to rethink materials and find greener options. Some researchers look for plants and bio-based alternatives to do the same job with less environmental impact. If that search pays off, maybe shelves will look different in coming years. For now, this compound keeps earning its spot in products that touch teeth, skin, and food every day.
People often see aluminum lactate listed in ingredients for deodorants and some face creams. It's a salt formed from lactic acid and aluminum, known for helping products control odor and keep skin feeling dry. Most folks don’t usually notice it, but if you live with sensitive skin, every ingredient starts to matter. I remember picking a new deodorant in college and not thinking twice about what was inside—until a rash showed up. The hunt for answers led me to read a lot about cosmetic science.
Scientific studies tell us that aluminum lactate helps regulate sweat and keeps bacteria under control—two big reasons it shows up in antiperspirants and astringents. The way it works is simple: aluminum ions block the sweat ducts, making skin less damp and less prone to odor-causing germs. It leaves skin feeling drier, which many appreciate, especially in hot climates or during workouts.
People have raised eyebrows over aluminum in personal care products. Most worry comes from research linking some aluminum compounds to health risks with heavy, long-term exposure. Unlike aluminum chloride or aluminum zirconium, which some studies connected to skin irritation or worse, aluminum lactate hasn’t been in the hot seat as often.
The information available shows little risk for healthy adults. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel examined aluminum lactate and said, at normal levels found in creams and sticks, it’s safe. I checked FDA records, and no major red flags pop up. Dermatologists echo this: patch testing rarely singles out aluminum lactate, so it isn’t a common cause of allergic reactions.
Personal experience with sensitive skin changed my habits over the years. Lightweight lotions or deodorants with aluminum lactate never bothered me—but something with more aggressive aluminum salts did. That gave me a clear sense that not every aluminum compound acts the same way.
Nobody wants a nasty rash or breakouts. Allergic contact dermatitis or irritation can pop up with anything rubbed onto the skin, aluminum lactate included. People with eczema or broken skin stand a higher chance of reaction because damaged skin lets more chemicals seep in. I found that switching brands or checking ingredient lists after a reaction helped pinpoint what worked for me. Less is often more for sensitive skin.
Consumers in Europe benefit from stricter rules about cosmetic safety, including aluminum salts. Health Canada took a close look and kept limits in place for products applied to the skin, noting that risks come from large amounts or use on damaged skin, not routine use in sprays or roll-ons. It helps to spread out application and avoid covering raw, freshly shaved, or irritated skin with products that contain aluminum lactate.
Knowing every ingredient isn’t realistic, but understanding what can raise risks helps. Sticking to products made by reputable brands, bought from established stores, lowers the chance of something unsafe ending up on your skin. Reach out to your dermatologist if redness or bumps don’t clear up, especially after starting something new. In my experience, reading labels and paying attention to how your skin responds tells you more than most studies can.
Deciding which deodorant or astringent to use will always depend on personal needs and any sensitivities. Aluminum lactate has a steady record for being tolerated by most folks. Still, for anyone with unusually reactive or damaged skin, talking it over with a doctor never hurts. Looking after your skin isn’t just about avoiding trouble; it’s about finding what lets you feel your best, day in and day out.
Aluminum lactate often pops up in conversations about modern chemistry and practical applications, though few people realize how widely it’s used. My first experience came during a stint at a dental supply lab, where it played a small but essential part in everyday products. This compound blends aluminum and lactic acid to offer benefits you rarely find with pure aluminum or lactic acid alone.
Most folks encounter aluminum lactate in dental care, even if they don’t notice. Manufacturers add it to toothpaste and mouth rinses for its astringent qualities. In simple terms, it can help tighten up and firm gum tissue, which feels soothing if you’ve ever had gum irritation. I remember a period of sore gums after dental work; switching to a toothpaste with aluminum lactate brought relief that lasted past the initial healing. Its effect doesn’t stop at tightening either. Researchers have found that aluminum lactate can cut down on gum bleeding. That kind of support means a lot to anyone fighting sensitive or inflamed gums.
This compound extends into skincare, mainly in specialized creams and lotions aimed at specific conditions like mild eczema or skin irritation. Dermatologists sometimes recommend these creams because aluminum lactate acts as an astringent. It speeds up skin barrier recovery, helping skin feel stronger and more stable. I’ve tried creams with aluminum lactate during flare-ups, and the cooling, healing feel set them apart from basic moisturizers. Unlike some metals, this compound rarely causes harsh side effects, which makes it an appealing choice for those with sensitive skin.
One thing chemists appreciate about aluminum lactate lies in its stability. Blending this compound with other active ingredients doesn't create unpredictable reactions. That quality keeps products shelf-stable for longer periods—even when they need to resist heat or changing humidity levels. My time working in product formulation showed me how frustrating it gets when ingredients break down quickly. Using aluminum lactate let our formulations last and perform without much fuss, giving peace of mind to manufacturers and consumers alike.
Many compare aluminum lactate to other aluminum salts, especially in terms of safety and environmental impact. Research shows it doesn't carry the same risk profile as aluminum chloride or sulfate, both of which sometimes cause skin irritation or react negatively with other elements. You can rinse away most products containing aluminum lactate without worrying about lingering health concerns. This factor caught my attention as more people ask where their consumer goods end up after use. Choosing compounds that break down safely and don’t accumulate in the environment matters a lot now.
As science explores greener, more effective replacements for harsh chemicals, aluminum lactate serves as a reminder of what thoughtful chemistry looks like. Small changes—like switching out old salts for this compound—help improve comfort and reduce unwanted side effects. Keeping products effective and gentle stands as a constant challenge, but ingredients like this make strides in the right direction. If you care about the feel and safety of everyday products, paying attention to ingredients like aluminum lactate adds up over time.
Ask anyone who cooks, and the word “additive” can draw mixed reactions. Some trust food science, others shake their heads at anything sounding unusual. Aluminum lactate pops up in technical circles as a possible additive. Right away, seeing “aluminum” in an ingredient list can spark questions. After all, most have heard warnings about aluminum exposure and health risks like Alzheimer's or bone problems. Lactate, on the other hand, comes from lactic acid—a compound common in yogurt, cheese, and pickled veggies. Put the two together, does it make sense to eat it?
Aluminum lactate acts as an acidulant and a preservative. That means it can help set a product's pH and slow down spoilage. Tech papers show it can also help stabilize food dyes and improve baking powder. Its benefits sound tempting for someone designing shelf-stable snacks or brightly colored drinks.
Health isn’t just about what a compound does in the food factory. The worry with aluminum comes from how easily it builds up in the body. Some research points to toxicity in large doses, often linked with food contaminated by aluminum from cookware or poorly regulated additives. Too much aluminum in the long run connects with kidney stress, brain changes, and brittle bones. European regulators note that the “tolerable weekly intake” for aluminum is quite low—about 1 mg per kilogram of body weight.
Adults can handle small traces because healthy kidneys filter it out. Kids, folks with bad kidneys, and those eating lots of processed food face more risk. As for aluminum lactate, the body breaks it down into lactate and aluminum ions; those ions count toward your weekly total. In my own cooking, I keep a skeptical eye on anything adding more aluminum. For colored sweets or powdered dough mixes, safer acids like citric or tartaric offer similar results without these baggage.
Few agencies give aluminum lactate an outright green light for food. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not list it among approved food additives in Title 21 of its Code of Federal Regulations. The European Food Safety Authority has placed tighter limits on all aluminum-containing substances, including baking powders. No law has banned aluminum lactate outright, but a lack of endorsement speaks volumes. Food scientists and manufacturers avoid legal gray areas to keep public trust and keep products on store shelves.
Anyone working food safety knows the golden rule: If there’s doubt, pick a safer route. Choices exist: citric acid from fruit, tartaric acid from grapes, even lactic acid without the aluminum. These stand up to regulatory scrutiny and match consumer expectations for safety. People, especially parents and older folks, expect food labels to be clear. Hidden risks from poorly tested additives only feed consumer distrust and make recalls more likely.
The food world loves innovation, but reputations can crumble fast if health suffers. Companies aiming for consumer trust should steer clear from additives linked to worry—even when chemists praise the technical results. There are plenty of ways to get tangy flavors, long shelf life, or bright colors without braving the risks of metals like aluminum.
Shoppers and patients are no strangers to complicated ingredients on product labels. Aluminum lactate is one of those chemical names that doesn’t grab a lot of headline space, but it pops up in toothpaste, some topical medicines, and even dental treatments. Folks tend to ask about it because, well, anything with "aluminum" often rings a few alarm bells—especially with what’s been said out there about aluminum’s long-term effects. Having seen questions from patients while working in a pharmacy, I know that people want straightforward information, not fluffy language or scare tactics.
Aluminum lactate comes from lactic acid and aluminum and often lands in oral hygiene products due to its astringent abilities. That means it helps tighten tissues, and in dental care, this can reduce bleeding and inflammation. Scientists and regulatory groups have checked out aluminum compounds for decades, partly because of concerns about how much the human body absorbs, and whether that brings on any trouble.
For most healthy adults, small amounts of aluminum in products used briefly or in small areas won’t build up in tissues or organs. In the case of aluminum lactate, the skin blocks a lot of it, so only a trace gets through. The digestive tract, in turn, doesn’t absorb much at all, unless someone has kidney issues or uses extremely large doses regularly.
There are still some side effects. People with very sensitive skin or allergies can experience irritation, redness, or swelling where the product touches them. A few get rashes, though this isn’t common. If anyone swallows a hefty amount—think accidental ingestion by a child—nausea, cramps, or a metallic taste could follow. In my experience, calls about accidental ingesting of dental products often come from parents. Most times, the dose is too low to threaten health, but the poison control center likes to know exactly what went in.
Folks with serious kidney disease struggle to eliminate aluminum. Over years, buildup can pose a risk for bones and nerves. That’s the population doctors worry about most, along with infants and the elderly, whose bodies handle chemicals a little differently.
To avoid mishaps, manufacturers list aluminum lactate clearly on labels—something I always point out to people with allergies, or those managing kidney issues. Picking products marked for sensitive skin or hypoallergenic reduces the chances of irritation. And if you spot swelling, rash, or itching, it’s smart to stop using the item and call your doctor.
I have found that patients living with kidney disease do best with a quick chat with their doctor or pharmacist before starting any new topical, dental, or personal care item containing aluminum. That habit often sidesteps bigger headaches down the road.
Most people can use aluminum lactate safely, especially in toothpaste or mouthwashes they rinse out. Only people with health conditions like chronic kidney disease, severe allergies, or a history of reaction to similar ingredients need to double-check. That said, nobody should feel shy about asking for details at their local clinic or pharmacy. It’s better to catch a problem before it starts.
At the end of the day, staying tuned in to what’s inside your products helps keep unpleasant surprises to a minimum. Labels and reliable online resources—think government health sites or your own healthcare team—keep things straight without the guesswork.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Aluminum 2-hydroxypropanoate |
| Other names |
Aluminium lactate Aluminum trilactate Aluminium 2-hydroxypropanoate |
| Pronunciation | /əˈluː.mɪ.nəm ˈlæk.teɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 18917-91-4 |
| Beilstein Reference | 3582464 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:29369 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1201653 |
| ChemSpider | 12029 |
| DrugBank | DB11272 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 03-2119457896-23-0000 |
| EC Number | 205-486-5 |
| Gmelin Reference | 107934 |
| KEGG | C18635 |
| MeSH | D008582 |
| PubChem CID | 166816 |
| RTECS number | OE3800000 |
| UNII | 8PL5J1J70R |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C9H15AlO9 |
| Molar mass | 246.19 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.61 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Soluble in water |
| log P | -2.29 |
| Acidity (pKa) | 3.1 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 2.9 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | Nºº.67×10⁻⁶ |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.495 |
| Viscosity | Viscous liquid |
| Dipole moment | 2.99 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 231.5 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -1740.7 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | A02AB03 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Causes serious eye irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS labelling of Aluminum Lactate: "Warning; H319: Causes serious eye irritation; P264, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P270, P280, P301+P312, P330, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-0-0-N |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 Oral Rat 3,720 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral, rat = 3,720 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | GRG |
| PEL (Permissible) | 15 mg/m3 |
| REL (Recommended) | 150 mg/kg bw |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Lactic acid Calcium lactate Magnesium lactate Sodium lactate Potassium lactate Aluminum chloride |
