Potassium Lactate

AKA: 996-31-6, Potassium 2-hydroxypropanoate, Monopotassium lactate, Lactic acid, Potassium salt, Conclyte K, Monopotassium 2-hydroxypropanoate, Monopotassium salt, Propanoic acid, Potassium alpha-hydroxypropionate
Synthetic
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
OriginPotassium lactate is synthesized from lactic acid, an organic compound derived from bacterial fermentation or chemical synthesis. It is produced by neutralizing lactic acid with potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate to form the potassium salt.
Based on the available information included in this report, the CIR Expert Panel concludes that Glycolic and Lactic Acid, their common salts and their simple esters, are safe for use in cosmetic products at concentrations less than or equal to 10%, at final formulation pH greater than or equal to 3.5, when formulated to avoid increasing sun sensitivity or when directions for use include the daily use of sun protection. These ingredients are safe for use in salon products at concentrations less than or equal to 30%, at final formulation pH greater than or equal to 3.0, in products designed for brief, discontinuous use followed by thorough rinsing from the skin, when applied by trained professionals, and when application is accompanied by directions for the daily use of sun protection...Potassium Lactate...
Formula
C3H5KO3
Mol. Weight
128.17
CAS #
996-31-6, 85895-78-9
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Buffering
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
6
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer (CIR Panel on the ingredient group)
CIR Panel statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 34)
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions slight (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-on0.92%
Rinse-off0.0004%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · report published 2017
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR