Ethyl Lactate
AKA “Ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate, Solactol, Actylol, Acytol, Ethyl 2-hydroxypropionate, Propanoic acid, ethyl ester, Lactate d'ethyle”
Synthetic
vote to see if the hive agrees
Ingredient Facts
Ethyl lactate
AKA: Ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate, Solactol, Actylol, Acytol, Ethyl 2-hydroxypropionate, Propanoic acid, Ethyl ester, Lactate d'ethyle
Synthetic · Perfuming | Solvent · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Fragrance
Solvent
Chemical Exfoliant
Synthetic
Clean
A natural-origin solvent and fragrance component that helps blend ingredients together and adds subtle scent to the formula.
Solubility Miscible with water
Formula
C5H10O3
Mol. Weight
118.13
CAS #
97-64-3
Form
Liquid
Plant-Derived
Synthetic. Ethyl lactate is synthesized from lactic acid, an organic compound derived from renewable sources like corn or sugar cane fermentation. It is produced through esterification, where lactic acid reacts with ethanol in the presence of a catalyst.
Function
Perfuming | Solvent
Benefits
Adds Fragrance
Dissolves Ingredients
Antioxidant Protection
Wound Healing
Adds pleasant scent
Dissolves other ingredients
Traditional Use
Developed as a synthetic ester derivative of lactic acid. Used in modern skincare formulations as a mild exfoliant and humectant, offering a gentler profile than pure lactic acid.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Target
Dullness
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy Safe
Yes
EWG Score4
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval, all-shades-safe, Phototoxicity Concern
Concentration Guide
Industry Max
Industry typically uses up to 25.0% in leave-on products (20 products reported). Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 758).
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR