Butyl Lactate

AKA: Butyl 2-hydroxypropanoate, 138-22-7, N-Butyl lactate, Propanoic acid, Butyl ester, Lactic acid, 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid butyl ester, Butylester kyseliny mlecne, Butyl alpha-hydroxypropionate, FEMA No. 2205
Synthetic
Solvent
Chemical Exfoliant
Not Clean
Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, butyl ester
Effective at 0.08%
Solubility Slight (NIOSH, 2024)
Formula
C7H14O3
Mol. Weight
146.18
CAS #
138-22-7
Form
Liquid
State
Butyl lactate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a mild odor. Flash point 168 °F. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air. Used as a solvent, and to make other chem
Functions
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Provides scent
Dissolves other ingredients
Traditional Use
Synthetic ester developed as a humectant and mild exfoliating agent in cosmetics. Designed to provide moisture retention and gentle surface renewal in skincare products.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Phototoxicity Concern
Concentration Guide
0.06%
0.1%
0%0%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 0.06-0.07 (0.1c)
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dullness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR