Ethyl Lactate ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is used mainly as a solvent and carrier, helping dissolve fragrance materials, resins, oils, and some active ingredients. It can also support product slip and a lighter sensory profile in lotions, deodorants, fragrances, and cleansing formats.
What does Ethyl Lactate do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is used mainly as a solvent and carrier, helping dissolve fragrance materials, resins, oils, and some active ingredients. It can also support product slip and a lighter sensory profile in lotions, deodorants, fragrances, and cleansing formats.
Is Ethyl Lactate clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is generally well tolerated and is not a common restricted-list trigger. Like many small solvents, it can cause temporary stinging or dryness at higher levels, especially on compromised skin or around the eyes.
Is Ethyl Lactate sustainable?
This material is commonly made from fermentation-derived agricultural feedstocks and ethanol, so it can have a strong renewable-sourcing profile. It is readily biodegradable and is widely viewed as a greener solvent compared with many petroleum-derived options.
Is Ethyl Lactate COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS when made from approved natural-origin feedstocks and processes, and it aligns well with Green Chemistry as a biodegradable, lower-volatility solvent option. Its fit is strongest when the ethanol and acid precursor are renewable and the manufacturing route uses simple esterification with efficient purification.
How does Ethyl Lactate work chemically?
This molecule is a small polar ester with carbonyl and ether oxygen atoms, giving it useful solvency across water-compatible and oil-compatible systems. It is typically used at low single-digit percentages in leave-on formulas and higher levels in solvent-focused products, and it is most stable away from strongly acidic or alkaline conditions where ester hydrolysis can increase.
Last updated 2026-05-13