What Is Chitosan Lactate?
Chitosan Lactate is a water-soluble chitosan salt produced through the reaction of chitosan with lactic acid. As a chemically modified derivative of natural chitosan — itself derived from the deacetylation of chitin sourced from crustacean shells — Chitosan Lactate retains the biological activity and functional benefits of its parent compound while offering significantly improved water solubility, making it far more versatile across a broad range of industrial and formulation applications.
In its standard commercial form, Chitosan Lactate appears as an off-white to white fine powder. It is readily soluble in water, but insoluble in high-concentration ethanol, acetone, and most other common organic solvents. This distinct solubility profile, combined with its naturally derived origin and well-documented biocompatibility, makes it a preferred functional ingredient across multiple sectors including biomedicine, cosmetics, biodegradable material development, and environmental treatment.
Extract Makers supplies Chitosan Lactate powder in bulk and wholesale quantities, manufactured under strict GMP-compliant conditions to ensure consistent quality, batch-to-batch reproducibility, and full traceability from raw material sourcing through to final product dispatch.
Key Functional Properties
Chitosan Lactate exhibits a unique combination of physicochemical and biological properties that distinguish it from standard chitosan and other polysaccharide derivatives:
Water Solubility
Unlike native chitosan, which is only soluble in dilute acidic solutions, Chitosan Lactate dissolves readily in neutral and mildly acidic aqueous environments. This significantly expands its formulation compatibility and ease of use in water-based systems.
Moisture Absorption and Retention
The hygroscopic nature of Chitosan Lactate makes it an effective humectant and moisture-retaining agent, which is particularly valuable in cosmetic formulations, biomedical wound care products, and hydrogel-based applications.
Antimicrobial Activity
Chitosan and its salts, including Chitosan Lactate, are well recognized in scientific literature for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. The positively charged amino groups of chitosan interact with negatively charged microbial cell membranes, disrupting their integrity. This makes Chitosan Lactate a functional ingredient in preservative systems, antimicrobial coatings, and personal care formulations.
Biodegradability and Biocompatibility
As a naturally derived, biodegradable polymer, Chitosan Lactate is well-suited for applications where environmental sustainability and material safety are critical considerations, particularly in packaging innovations and biomedical use cases.
Film-Forming Capability
Chitosan Lactate demonstrates good film-forming behavior in aqueous solution, which supports its use in coatings, membranes, and textile finishing applications.
Product Specifications / Certificate of Analysis
The following technical specifications represent our standard commercial grade Chitosan Lactate powder with a deacetylation degree of ≥85%:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Off-white Powder |
| Viscosity (1% acetic acid solution) | 50–200 cP |
| Deacetylation Degree | ≥85% |
| Moisture Content | ≤7.5% |
| Solubility | Soluble in Water; Insoluble in Alcohols |
| Water Insoluble Content | ≤1% |
| pH | 4.5–5.5 |
| Particle Size | 40–80 Mesh |
| Residual Protein | ≤0.4% |
| Heavy Metals | ≤10 ppm |
| Total Plate Count | ≤200 CFU/g |
| Yeast and Moulds | ≤40 CFU/g |
| E. coli | Negative |
| Salmonella | Negative |
Full Certificate of Analysis (COA) documentation is available upon request and is routinely provided with each batch shipment to support quality verification and regulatory compliance by buyers.
Production Process and Quality Assurance
Extract Makers produces Chitosan Lactate through a controlled chemical synthesis process in which purified chitosan — derived from high-quality crustacean chitin — is reacted with pharmaceutical or food-grade lactic acid under precise temperature and pH conditions. The resulting salt is then purified, dried, milled to the specified particle size range, and subjected to rigorous quality control testing before release.
Our manufacturing facility operates under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards and holds the following certifications:
- ISO 9001 — Quality Management System
- ISO 22000 — Food Safety Management System
- HACCP — Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points
- Kosher Certified
- Halal Certified
- FDA Facility Registration
Each production batch undergoes comprehensive analytical testing covering physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters to ensure full compliance with internal specifications and customer requirements. Batch records and traceability documentation are maintained throughout the supply chain.
Applications and Industry Uses
Chitosan Lactate's combination of solubility, biocompatibility, antimicrobial efficacy, and film-forming properties positions it as a multifunctional ingredient across several high-value industries:
Cosmetics and Personal Care
Chitosan Lactate is widely used as a conditioning agent, humectant, and film-forming polymer in skincare, haircare, and personal hygiene formulations. Its positive charge allows it to adsorb readily onto hair and skin surfaces, delivering moisturization and a smooth sensory feel. It also contributes mild preservative enhancement in aqueous formulations.
Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Applications
In the biomedical field, Chitosan Lactate is explored for wound dressing materials, drug delivery carriers, tissue engineering scaffolds, and antimicrobial coatings on medical devices. Its biocompatibility, low toxicity, and degradability are key drivers of adoption in this sector.
Biodegradable Packaging and Coatings
As demand for sustainable packaging solutions accelerates globally, Chitosan Lactate is increasingly evaluated as a bio-based coating material for films and barrier layers, offering both antimicrobial protection and biodegradability.
Permeable and Functional Textiles
Chitosan Lactate can be applied to textile substrates to impart antimicrobial properties, moisture management, and improved fabric performance — relevant to applications in medical textiles, sportswear, and hygiene products.
Laboratory Research Reagents
The well-defined molecular characteristics of Chitosan Lactate make it a reliable reagent for academic and industrial research, particularly in polymer science, biomaterial development, and antimicrobial studies.
Water Treatment and Environmental Applications
Chitosan derivatives have demonstrated effectiveness as natural flocculants and adsorbents in water purification systems, capable of removing heavy metals, dyes, and microbial contaminants from industrial effluents and wastewater streams.
Formulation Compatibility Notes
Chitosan Lactate is compatible with a wide range of water-soluble excipients and functional ingredients commonly used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical formulations. It is generally stable under mildly acidic pH conditions (4.5–5.5), which aligns with many topical product systems. Formulators should avoid combining it with strong alkalis or high concentrations of organic solvents, which may impair its solubility and functional performance.
For specific compatibility data or formulation guidance, our technical team is available to provide application support upon request.
Storage Recommendations
To maintain product integrity and shelf stability throughout the designated shelf life, the following storage conditions are recommended:
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated environment
- Keep away from moisture, direct sunlight, and heat sources
- Maintain storage temperature below 25°C
- Keep containers tightly sealed when not in use
- Shelf life: 2 years from the date of manufacture when stored under recommended conditions
Packaging Options
Extract Makers offers flexible packaging configurations to accommodate both sampling requirements and large-scale commercial orders:
- 1 kg – 5 kg aluminum foil bags (standard for samples and small orders)
- 10 kg – 20 kg double-lined cartons
- 10 kg – 30 kg fiber drums (suitable for bulk wholesale orders)
Private Label and Custom Packaging
For distributors, brand owners, and contract manufacturers requiring custom packaging, we offer private label services including branded packaging design, custom labeling, and retail-ready bag configurations. This service eliminates the need for in-house repackaging operations, reducing lead time and operational costs for downstream partners.
Shipping and Logistics
Extract Makers supports international shipping through a range of logistics channels to accommodate different order volumes and destination requirements:
- Express shipping (DHL, FedEx, UPS, EMS, and other carriers) for orders under 1 metric ton
- Rail freight for eligible continental routes
- Sea freight (FCL/LCL) for large-volume orders to global destinations
We have established logistics partnerships that facilitate smooth customs clearance and timely delivery. All shipments are accompanied by a full documentation package, including COA, MSDS, and packing list, to support import compliance procedures in destination countries.
Free Samples Available
Extract Makers offers complimentary samples of Chitosan Lactate powder to qualified buyers, manufacturers, and formulators for quality evaluation purposes. Standard sample quantities are 10 g to 20 g, sufficient for laboratory testing and initial formulation trials. For high-value or specialized grades, sample availability and any associated cost will be confirmed at the time of inquiry.
After-Sales Support and Quality Guarantee
All products supplied by Extract Makers carry a 2-year quality guarantee from the date of manufacture, valid when products are stored under recommended conditions. In the event that a delivered product fails to meet the agreed specifications or your quality requirements, we operate a straightforward return and refund policy based on the quantity of product returned. Our commitment to post-sale accountability reflects our long-term approach to building trust-based partnerships with our global client base.
Why Source Chitosan Lactate from Extract Makers?
- ✔ GMP-certified manufacturing with full batch traceability
- ✔ Multiple international certifications including ISO, HACCP, Kosher, Halal, and FDA registration
- ✔ Consistent product quality with strict specification adherence
- ✔ Flexible packaging and private label options for brand owners and distributors
- ✔ Competitive bulk and wholesale pricing with responsive technical support
- ✔ Global logistics experience with established international shipping capabilities
- ✔ Free samples available for pre-purchase quality evaluation
- ✔ Comprehensive documentation support for import compliance
Request a Quote or Free Sample
To request a quotation, technical datasheet, Certificate of Analysis, or a complimentary product sample, please contact our team directly:
📧 Email: [email protected]
Our technical and sales team is available to assist with product inquiries, custom specifications, formulation consultations, and order processing. Whether you are a first-time buyer evaluating Chitosan Lactate for a new application, or an established importer looking for a reliable long-term supply partner, Extract Makers is equipped to meet your requirements with consistency and professionalism.
Note: Extract Makers maintains a product portfolio of over 2,000 raw materials and ingredient references across plant extracts, nutraceutical actives, food additives, and specialty chemicals. If a specific product or grade is not listed on our website, please reach out directly — our team can assist in sourcing or confirming availability from our extended catalog.
