murphyEthyl Lactate
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
Not Clean
OriginEthyl 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.
Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, ethyl ester
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.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dullness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
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.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Skin Irritant
3 studies / 3 not irritating (CIR 34)
Not a Sensitizer
2 studies / 2 not sensitizing (CIR 34)
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions moderate to severe (CIR 34)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on95%
Rinse-off0.15–49%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2013 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR