Methyl Lactate
molecular structure · PubChem
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
Chemical Exfoliant
Not Clean
2-Hydroxy-propanoic acid methyl ester, (S)- / 2-hydroxy-propanoic acid methyl ester
Effective at 47.51%
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]
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
Traditional Use
An ester of lactic acid, developed in the late 20th century as a gentle exfoliating agent. Created as a milder alternative to pure lactic acid for sensitive skin formulations.
EWG
5
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
Uneven Texture
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