Ethyl Lactate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 97-64-3, Ethyl 2-hydroxypropanoate, Solactol, Actylol, Acytol, Ethyl 2-hydroxypropionate, Propanoic acid, Ethyl ester, Lactate d'ethyle, 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid ethyl ester
Synthetic
Fragrance
Solvent
Chemical Exfoliant
Not Clean
Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, ethyl ester
Effective at 47.51%
Solubility Miscible with water
Formula
C5H10O3
Mol. Weight
118.13
CAS #
97-64-3
Form
Liquid
State
Ethyl lactate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a mild odor. Flash point 115 °F. Denser than water and soluble in water. Vapors heavier than air.
Functions
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
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.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Phototoxicity Concern
Concentration Guide
0.015%
95.0%
0%100%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 0.015-10.2 | 0.5-9b | 0.15-95
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dullness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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