Methyl Lactate

Methyl Lactate 1
molecular structure · PubChem CID 94386
AKA: 547-64-8, Methyl 2-hydroxypropanoate, DL-Methyl lactate, Lactic acid, Methyl ester, Methyl 2-hydroxypropionate, Propanoic acid, (+-)-Methyl lactate, Methyl alpha-hydroxypropionate, 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid methyl ester
Synthetic
Fragrance
Solvent
Not Clean
OriginMethyl lactate is synthesized from lactic acid, an organic compound derived from fermented carbohydrates or petroleum-based sources. It is produced through esterification of lactic acid with methanol using acid catalysts.
2-Hydroxy-propanoic acid methyl ester, (S)- / 2-hydroxy-propanoic acid methyl ester
Solubility Miscible in water with decomposition
Formula
C4H8O3
Mol. Weight
104.10
CAS #
27871-49-4, 547-64-8
Form
Liquid
State
Colorless liquid; [Hawley]
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Uneven Texture
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Flavouring
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 Flavor
Adds Fragrance
Dissolves Ingredients
Anti-Aging Benefits
Antioxidant Protection
Reduces Inflammation
Adds pleasant taste
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
5
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not an Eye Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 34)
Not a Sensitizer (CIR Panel on the ingredient group)
CIR Panel statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 34)
Skin Irritant in Testing (CIR Panel on the ingredient group)
CIR Panel statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 34)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.038–0.75%
Rinse-offNot reported
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2013 survey
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR