C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate can be used as a substitute for mineral oil because of its excellent moisturizing properties.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is also used as a wetting and dispersing agent in makeup.
CAS Number (mixture): 93925-36-1 (CAS for the C12-13 alkyl lactate mixture).
EC Number (mixture): 300-338-1 (reported for the C12-13 mixture).
Molecular Formula: CH3CHOHCOOR, R rep. C12-13 alkyl group
Molecular Weight Range: ~258–299 g/mol (depending on chain distribution)
SYNONYMS:
propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, C12-13-alkyl esters,propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, C12-13-alkyl esters, C12-13 alkyl lactate, C12-13 alkyl 2-hydroxypropanoate, 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid, C12-13 alkyl ester, Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, C12-13 alkyl ester,C12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Propanoic acid 2-hydroxy- C12-15-alkyl esters, C12-13 alkyl lactate, C12-13 alkyl 2-hydroxypropanoate, 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid C12-15-alkyl esters, Di C12-13 Alkyl Lactate,Di,acid,acid,,Alkyl,ALKYL,C12-13,LACTATE,2-hydroxy-,C12-15-alkyl,estersC12-13,estersC12-15,LACTATEPropanoic,C12-13 ALKYL LACTATE,C12-15 ALKYL LACTATE,Di C12-13 Alkyl Lactate,Lactate2-Hydroxypropanoic,2-Hydroxypropanoic acid C12-15-alkyl esters,Propanoic acid,2-hydroxy-, C12-15-alkyl esters,Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, C12-15-alkyl esters
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is a moisturizer for the skin and hair that also acts to soften the surface.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate works in different formulations to decrease the greasiness and tackiness of other ingredients.
In its natural form, C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate appears as a pale yellow liquid that can also be added to products in order to thicken them.
The chemical formula of C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is C15H30O3.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is an ester of C12-13 Alcohols (q.v.) and lactic acid.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is a versatile, polar multifunctional emollient, which allows it to exhibit most of the peculiar characteristics of lactic acid derivatives, such as moisturizing and a mild keratolytic effect, making it suitable for skin care products targeted for different types of skin, from dry to greasy.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is a mixture of lactic acid esters with C12–C13 fatty alcohols (e.g., dodecyl/tridecyl lactate).
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is really a valuable ingredient for wash-off formulations, and can be considered as a Global Standard as total quality improver in wash-off toiletries.
Viscosity is one of the most important commercial parameters in toiletries, not only because a viscous product is easier to use, but also because a creamy texture makes the product more attractive for the consumer.
At the same time, toiletries should also be smooth on the skin, in particular baby care and atopic formulations.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is a synthetic compound which is used in skin care cosmetics as softener and moisturizer.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate or Lactic Acid Processing esterification causing properties similar to Lactic Acid is a medium-heavy ester.
And have these properties, both for the skin, hair and scalp.
In addition, C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is an effective solubilizer for other active ingredients in sunscreens.
Thanks to the hydroxy group, alkyl lactates can exhibit a mild peeling effect common to AHAs.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is a transparent and water-insoluble liquid with high polarity and low viscosity.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is derived from lactic acid and retains some of its properties even after processing, such as the ability to moisturize and soften.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is a medium-density ester derived from lactic acid.
USES and APPLICATIONS of C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE:
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate can be used as a substitute for mineral oil because of its excellent moisturizing properties.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is also used as a wetting and dispersing agent in makeup.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate has a thickening effect on SLES/Betaine systems as well as anti-irritant properties and can be used in a wide range of personal care products including lines for delicate and atopic skin.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is a mild body odor reducing agent which allows for decreased percentages of other common actives in antiperspirant/deodorants.
In anti-dandruff formulations, C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate reduces irritation and itching, improves formulation stability and viscosity.
Adding glycerin to an alcohol-based disinfectant gives back some moisture but makes the formulation sticky.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is primarily used as an emollient/skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics and personal care products, not as a food ingredient.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate improves skin well-being (moisturizing).
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate softens the skin (moisturizing).
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is used Hair-conditioning effect.
The use of C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate in formulations containing betaine surfactants will result in a thicker formula.
Such as shampoos that use Coco Betaine as an element.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is a mix of esters of alkyl alcohols with 12 and 13 carbon atom chains and lactic acid (lauryl lactate and Tridecyl lactate), used in skin care applications to reduce tackiness and greasiness of other ingredients, such as petrolatum.
In addition, C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate imparts non-oily lubricity to hydro-alcoholic products.
Easy to emulsify, C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate works best at neutral pH.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate provides viscosity building and lather creaminess to shampoos and body washes.
In cosmetics, C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is mainly used as a conditioner and solvent.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate acts as an emulsifier, helps to strengthen the bond between substances that cannot normally combine well (oil and water) and improves the structure of the product.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate reduces the feeling of greasiness and stickiness after applying the product, hydrates and smoothes the skin.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate disperses pigments well, which is why it can also be mixed into decorative cosmetics.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is also found as an additive in sun care cosmetics.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is mainly found in personal care, personal hygiene and hair products or shaving products.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate does not pose a risk to human health and is well tolerated.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is used as an emollient in emulsions and as a superfatting agent in detergents.
In deodorants, C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate helps reduce body odor.
-Lactic is C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate or Lactic Acid processing.
Esterification causing properties similar to Lactic Acid is a medium-heavy ester.
And C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate has these properties for skin, hair and scalp:
*Moisturize the skin.
*Gently exfoliate the skin and don't throw it away.
*C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate can help kill germs.
Therefore, C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is commonly used in underarm formulas or deodorant.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is used reduce itching/irritation of the scalp.
-C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is a multifunctional ester with various cosmetic applications:
Skincare for the face and body: emollient properties (it is indicated in products for both dry skin and for impure and oily skin)
Exfoliating products: weakly keratolytic properties
Antiperspirants and deodorants: reduction of body odor
Decorative cosmetics: wetting and dispersing agent for pigments
Detergents: superfatting, re-epithelializing, contributes to the viscosity of the product and improves its foam
Anti-dandruff products: reduces irritation and redness
FUNCTIONAL USES & APPLICATIONS of C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE:
Cosmetic & Personal Care Formulations
The primary commercial use of C12‑13 alkyl lactate is in personal care and cosmetic products.
*Emollient:
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate softens and conditions skin/hair.
*Moisturizer:
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate improves hydration without greasy feel, often replacing or reducing mineral oil.
*Dispersing/Solubilizer:
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate enhances solubility of other actives (e.g., pigments, UV filters) in formulations.
*Texture Enhancer:
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate improves spreadability, reduces tackiness and greasiness.
*Thickening/Lather Enhancer:
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate can contribute to viscosity and foam properties in shampoos and body washes (especially with SLES/betaine systems).
*Mild Keratolytic Effect:
due to lactic backbone, C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate may help gentle exfoliation at low levels.
*Typical product types:
creams, lotions, sunscreens, deodorants, shampoos, body washes, makeup, BB creams, hydrating masks.
HOW TO USE C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE:
Recommended usage rate: 0.5% to 20% depending on the product type:
Emulsions, anhydrous skincare products: up to 5%
Antiperspirants and deodorants: up to 2%
Make up: up to 20%
Detergents and rinse-off products: 0.3-1%
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is fat-soluble and is not thermolabile at normal emulsion temperatures, if heated for short periods.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is also stable at acidic pH.
FUNCTION(S) of C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS
*SKIN-NOURISHING
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate keeps the skin in good condition
*SKIN NOURISHING (SMOOTHING)
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate makes the skin smooth and supple
PROPERTY of C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE:
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is an oil consisting of lactic acid esterified with a mixture of long chain alcohols.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate appears as a clear liquid, with high polarity and low viscosity, and is insoluble in water.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate has some characteristics of lactic acid derivatives, such as moisturizing properties and a weak keratolytic effect, as well as a mild ability to reduce body odor.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate has good emollient properties and is stable across a wide pH range.
In detergents, in addition to acting as a superfatting and conditioning agent, C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate positively influences various parameters, such as viscosity, foaming, transparency, and stability.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate has good wetting and dispersing properties for pigments and insoluble filters.
C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE (EMOLLIENT) IS PRESENT IN:
C12-13 Alkyl Lactate (Emollient) is present in 0.3% of cosmetics.
*Personal hygiene (2.66%)
*Hair colouring (2.21%)
*Deodorant spray (1.59%)
*Liquid soap (1.56%)
*Shower gel (0.87%)
COSMETIC EFFECT of C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE:
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is an emollient.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is used in skin and hair care products, it creates an occlusive layer (film) on their surface, preventing excessive water evaporation (this is an indirect moisturizing effect), thereby conditioning the skin and hair, smoothing and softening it.
A keratolytic substance, C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate exfoliates the epidermis.
BENEFITS & CHARACTERISTICS of C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE:
Functional Benefits:
Non‑greasy moisturizing action.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate enhances formulation texture and feel.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate helps disperse lipophilic ingredients.
Compatible with many systems (anionic, cationic, amphoteric).
Palm‑free alternative to heavier oils.
CHARACTERISTICS of C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE:
Oil‑soluble, clear pale liquid.
Good at neutral pH.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate acts as both emollient and solvent.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate provides non‑oily lubrication in formulations.
Looking at the new trend in the cosmetic field, there is one point coming immediately out: in order to be attractive for formulators, ingredients have firstly to be effective.
Indeed, toiletries are less and less cleaning products, and becoming everyday beauty recipes.
CHEMICAL CLASSIFICATION & TYPE of C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE:
Mixture of medium chain fatty alcohol esters of lactic acid (mainly C12 & C13 alkyl chains)
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate belongs to ester class of organic compounds, specifically lactate esters
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is classified in cosmetics as emollient and skin‑conditioning agent
FUNCTIONS (INCI) of C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE:
*Emollient :
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate softens and smoothes the skin.
*Skin conditioning :
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate maintains skin in good condition.
FUNCTIONS of C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS:
*SKIN CONDITIONING
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate maintains the skin in good condition
*SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate softens and smoothens the skin
WHAT IS C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE USED FOR?
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is used in personal care and cosmetics primarily as a moisturizing agent.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate can be found in products such as creams, shampoos, mascaras and hydrating masks.
Apart from being a moisturizer, C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is a good dispersing agent that allows the other ingredients to mix well in a formulation and result in a better textured product.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is also used to reduce the greasiness offered by other ingredients.
Skin care:
In skin care products, C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate acts as a good hydrating ingredient.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate also thickens the formulations to allow for better spreadability and increased performance.
ORIGIN of C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE:
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is a synthetic ingredient made by the mixture of esters derived from lactic acid and alkyl alcohols with 12 and 13 carbon atom chains.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is a slightly viscous liquid that appears pale yellow in color.
WHAT DOES C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE DO IN A FORMULATION?
*MOISTURISING
SAFETY PROFILE of C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE:
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is a safe ingredient and has minimal use restrictions.
C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate works well for all skin types and has no known side effects.
However, a patch test can be performed prior to usage.
Further, C 12 13 Alkyl Lactate is also vegan and halal.
ALTERNATIVES of C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE:
*ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE
*GLYCERIN
PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE:
Assay:95.00 to 100.00
Food Chemicals Codex Listed:No
Soluble in:water, 6.301 mg/L @ 25 °C (est)
Name:C12-13 alkyl lactate
Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, C12-15-alkyl esters
Trade Name:COSMACOL/ELI;CERAPHYL.® 41
Formula:C15-18H29-35O3
Molecular Weight:257.39-299.46
CAS-No:93925-36-1
Form:liquid; 20ºC ; 1.013 hPa
Colour:Colorless to light yellow, transparent
Melting point/range:ca. -20ºC; 1.013 hPa
Boiling point/range:> 250ºC; 1.013 hPa
Flash point:ca. 158ºC; 1.013 hPa
Density:ca. 0,915 g/cm3; 20ºC; 1.013 hPa
Water solubility:20ºC; 1.013 hPa; negligible
Solubility in other:20ºC,Alcohol:negligible;
Acetone:partly soluble;Hydrocarbons:soluble
Ester content::≥85%
Alcohol Free:≤15%
Acid value:≤2mgKOH/g
Moisture:≤0.5%
INCI name: C12-13 Alkyl Lactate.
IUPAC / descriptive name: 2-Hydroxypropanoic acid, C12-13-alkyl esters (i.e., lactate esters of C12 and C13 fatty alcohols).
Typical material: mixture of C12 (lauryl) and C13 (tridecyl) lactate esters.
CAS (mixture): 93925-36-1 (CAS for the C12-13 alkyl lactate mixture).
Note: single-component analogues exist (e.g., lauryl lactate CAS 6283-92-7).
EC / EINECS (mixture): 300-338-1 (reported for the C12-13 mixture).
Typical molecular formula (representative avg): often given as C15H30O3 and an average Mw ≈ 258.4 g·mol⁻¹ (this is a representative formula corresponding to a C12/C13 lactate ester average).
Appearance: colorless to pale yellow liquid (typical).
Odour: slight characteristic fatty / mild ester odor (typical for fatty ester emollients).
Molecular weight: representative ≈ 258.4 g·mol⁻¹ (average; individual components vary).
Density: not universally standardized in public sources; typical fatty-ester densities are near ~0.85–0.88 g·cm⁻³ (approximate — product datasheets give exact values for specific grades).
Viscosity: low to moderate (liquid emollient); product datasheets list kinematic viscosity ranges depending on grade.
Melting / freezing point: not generally listed for the mixture (liquid at ambient temperatures).
Boiling point: not typically listed for the mixture (decomposition/flash point data reported on supplier datasheets rather than a single bp).
Solubility: practically insoluble in water (very low solubility); soluble/miscible with oils, esters, many organic solvents; dispersible in formulations using emulsifiers.
logP / lipophilicity: predicted to be relatively high (lipophilic emollient); individual lauryl lactate has XLogP ≈ ~5.4 (estimates for similar molecules).
Flash point / flammability: typically non-flammable to low flammability in normal handling (supplier / safety sheets should be consulted for exact flash point).
Boiling Point:325°C
Melting Point:-20°C
Solubility:Soluble in water
Viscosity:Viscous
CAS Number:93925-36-1
ECHA EC Number:300-338-1
FDA UNII:GC844VRD7E
Assay:95.00 to 100.00
Food Chemicals Codex Listed:No
Soluble in: water,6.301mg/L@25°C(est)
Name:C12-13AlkylLactate(INCIname)
IUPAC / Systematic Name: Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, C12-15-alkyl esters
CAS Number: 93925-36-1
EC Number: 300-338-1
Molecular Formula: approximately C15H30O3
Molecular Weight Range: ~258–299 g/mol (depending on chain distribution)
Boiling Point: >250–325 °C (decomposition range)
Melting / Pour Point: approx. -20 °C or lower (pour points below −55 °C also reported)
Flash Point: ~156–158 °C
Density: ~0.92–0.93 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Water Solubility: very low/negligible (≪1 mg/L) — essentially insoluble
Solubility in Organic Solvents: soluble in hydrocarbons, alcohols (partial), acetone, silicones
Lipophilicity: high (oil soluble)
Functional Groups: ester moiety, one hydroxy group (from lactate portion)
Physical Form: Liquid (colorless to pale yellow)
Main Function: Emollient / Moisturizer
Typical Applications: Skincare, shampoos, body wash, deodorants
Vapor Pressure: 0.1 Pa at 25 °C
Refractive Index: 1.437
LogP: 4.73 at 20 °C
FIRST AID MEASURES of C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE:
-Description of first-aid measures
*General advice:
Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
*If inhaled:
After inhalation:
Fresh air.
*In case of skin contact:
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing.
Rinse skin with
water/ shower.
*In case of eye contact:
After eye contact:
Rinse out with plenty of water.
Call in ophthalmologist.
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
After swallowing:
Immediately make victim drink water (two glasses at most).
Consult a physician.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed.
No data available
ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE:
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Cover drains.
Collect, bind, and pump off spills.
Observe possible material restrictions.
Take up dry.
Dispose of properly.
Clean up affected area.
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Foam
Dry powder
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.
EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE:
-Control parameters:
--Ingredients with workplace control parameters:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection.
Safety glasses
*Body Protection:
protective clothing
*Respiratory protection:
Recommended Filter type: Filter A
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.
HANDLING and STORAGE of C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed.
Dry.
STABILITY and REACTIVITY of C 12 13 ALKYL LACTATE:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature).
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available