Zirconium lactate is the zirconium salt of lactic acid.

Zirconium carboxylates adopt highly complex structures and are heterogeneous compositions with the approximate formula Zr(OH)4-n(O2CCHOHCH3)n(H2O)x where 1 < n < 3.

[1] It is also used in the petroleum industry as a cross-linking agent to prepare gels for fracturing fluids, fluids which are pumped into an oil-bearing rock formation to cause cracks in the rock and so to allow the oil to be extracted.

[2] It may be prepared by treating zirconium oxide with lactic acid.

[3] It is suspected of causing zirconium granulomas (a form of skin irritation) in a small number of users.