Lactic Acid

chemistry · muscles · natural · acids

Made by muscles. When you run fast or exercise intensely, your muscles produce lactic acid as they work hard to give you energy. This is why your legs might feel tired or burn after a tough workout.

A useful chemical. Lactic acid is C3H6O3, a simple organic acid that exists as a white solid or clear liquid. Scientists use it as a building block to create many other important chemicals in factories and labs.

In skincare products. Because lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), it gently removes dead skin cells and is commonly found in face creams and treatments to help skin look smoother and brighter.

Preserves your food. Lactic acid is produced naturally when bacteria ferment foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi, which gives these foods their tangy taste and helps keep them fresh longer.

Two ways to make it. Lactic acid can be produced naturally through fermentation by bacteria, or it can be made artificially in chemical factories for use in many different industries.