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Ceraphyl™ 31 ester is a multifunctional cosmetical/pharmaceutical excipient belonging to the family of fatty acid lactate esters.
It is used as an emollient, de-tackifier, plasticizer and viscosity modifier to improve the sensory properties and performance of topical formulations (skin care, hair care, color cosmetics and hydroalcoholic products).
This article reviews identity, synonyms, CAS/EC registry, production and raw materials, physicochemical properties, formulation uses and guidance, analytical methods, safety and regulatory status, environmental fate, alternatives, and practical formulation examples.
Common synonyms / chemical names:
Lauryl lactate / dodecyl lactate (principal component).
Myristyl lactate.
Cetyl lactate.
Lactic acid dodecyl ester.
Dodecyl 2-hydroxypropanoate.
Supplier/distributor labels sometimes list combined synonyms for the blend.
CAS / EC / Registry: CAS Registry Number commonly associated with lauryl lactate and the principal component is 6283-92-7
Production and raw materials
Typical manufacturing route
Esterification of lactic acid (or lactyl intermediates) with fatty alcohols (lauryl/dodecyl, myristyl, cetyl) under acid-catalyzed conditions (e.g., p-toluenesulfonic acid, sulfuric acid in industrial practice) or by transesterification routes using alkyl lactates and fatty alcohols with catalysts.
Reaction carried out with removal of water (azeotropic distillation/vacuum) to drive equilibrium toward ester formation.
Post-reaction: neutralization, washing, deodorization and fractionation/blending to target product specifications (viscosity, cloud point, HLB behavior).
These are conventional ester production methods for alkyl lactates and are consistent with how cosmetic ester blends are produced industrially.
Raw materials
Food/pharma-grade or industrial lactic acid (could be produced by fermentation).
Technical grades of primary fatty alcohols (C12–C16).
Catalysts and solvents as required; drying agents and neutralizing bases for workup.
Physicochemical properties (typical, formulation-grade)
Note: values vary by supplier and lot; consult the specific product technical data sheet for precise numbers.
Physical form: Clear to slightly hazy pale-yellow liquid / low-viscosity oil at room temperature (typical of mid-chain alkyl lactate mixtures).
Odor: Mild, characteristic ester odor (often faint).
Solubility: Practically insoluble in water; miscible with most cosmetic oils, esters and hydrocarbons; shows good compatibility with hydroalcoholic systems at low concentrations as a sensorial modifier.
pH: Neutral to near-neutral in finished product (as an ester it doesn’t impart acidity).
Flash point / thermal stability: Generally high flash point (often > 150–200 °C for long-chain esters; check SDS for specific product).
Functional properties and mechanism of action in formulations
Ceraphyl™ 31 ester provides multiple sensory and functional benefits in topical formulations:
Emolliency: The long alkyl chains give lubricity and a soft, smooth skin feel without heavy greasiness.
De-tackifier / de-greasing: Reduces tacky/greasy feel of occlusive oils (e.g., petrolatum); improves slip and quick absorption feel.
Viscosity modulation / thickening effect: At certain concentrations it contributes to viscosity building and affords creaminess and improved lather in cleansers (functions as a plasticizer/viscosity modifier).
Plasticizer / co-emollient: In emulsions and stick/case matrices the ester can act as a plasticizer for waxes and polymers.
Sensory enhancement in hydroalcoholic systems: Adds a non-oily lubricity to hand sanitizers and other alcohol-based formulations while maintaining quick-drying properties.
Typical applications and use levels
Primary application areas: skin care (creams, lotions, serums), hair care (conditioners, styling products), color cosmetics (lipsticks, foundations), cleansing systems (shampoos, body washes), and hydroalcoholic sanitizers where improved skin feel is desired.
Typical use levels (empirical guidance):
0.5–5% as sensory modifier/de-tackifier in emulsions and serums.
1–10% in hydroalcoholic gels (lower levels to balance evaporation and feel).
Up to 20% in certain leave-on products or in oil phases of emulsions where strong emolliency/plasticizing is desired.
(Exact levels depend on desired sensory profile; begin at low levels and perform sensory/pH/stability testing.)
Compatibility and formulation guidance
Phase of addition: Usually added to the oil phase of emulsions or to the blend of solvents/oils in hydroalcoholic systems.
Because it is an ester, it is stable in neutral pH; avoid high acid or strong alkaline conditions for extended times to prevent hydrolysis.
Emulsification: Easy to emulsify according to supplier notes; works best near neutral pH.
Interaction with polymers/waxes: Acts as a plasticizer; may affect melting point and hardness of waxy systems — test compatibility in final matrix.
Color cosmetics: Combines readily with pigments and pearlizers; can help bind pearls and improve spreadability in formulations.
Analytical methods and quality control
Analytical characterization for specification and QC commonly includes:
GC–MS / GC–FID: to profile alkyl lactate composition and quantify each ester component.
HPLC (refractive index or UV if derivatized): for lactic ester quantitation and to detect unreacted lactic acid or free alcohols.
Acid value / saponification value: to check residual acidity or free fatty alcohol content.
FTIR: to confirm ester functional groups.
Viscosity & refractive index: as batch consistency markers.
Microbial limits / preservative efficacy (if required): finished formulations must meet preservative/microbiological criteria.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT CERAPHYL 31 ESTER
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
