Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

BUTYL LACTATE.

Valuable CAS 138-22-7 / FRAGRANCE, SOLVENT

Butyl lactate functions as a gentle alpha-hydroxy acid precursor that gradually releases lactic acid upon skin contact through enzymatic hydrolysis. This multi-functional ingredient serves as both a mild chemical exfoliant and an effective solvent system, promoting cellular turnover while enhancing product penetration. Its controlled-release mechanism makes it particularly suitable for sustained exfoliation without the immediate irritation associated with direct AHA application.

Summary

solvent fragrance skin conditioning mild exfoliant penetration enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

Upon topical application, skin esterases slowly hydrolyze butyl lactate into lactic acid and n-butanol. The released lactic acid disrupts corneocyte cohesion by loosening desmosomal connections in the stratum corneum, facilitating dead skin cell removal and promoting natural cell renewal while improving moisture retention.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.01–10%
Optimal

5%

Key findings

  1. 01 CIR Expert Panel Safety Assessment confirming efficacy at ≤10% concentration with pH ≥3.5
  2. 02 Professional-grade formulations demonstrate safety at up to 30% for brief discontinuous use

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted
Min. effective
0.1%
Red flag below
0.05%

Primarily used as a fragrance solvent at low concentrations (0.01-1.0%), but functional exfoliation requires minimum 1% concentration

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 3.5 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Maintains stability under standard storage conditions but undergoes hydrolysis when exposed to extreme pH environments, reverting to constituent lactic acid and butanol

Synergies

  • moisturizing agents
  • penetration enhancers
  • fragrance components

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizing agents
  • strong bases
  • strong acids
  • alkali metals
  • hydrides

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
10%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

Requires pH maintenance ≥3.5 in consumer products and mandates sun protection advisories due to photosensitization potential. FDA GRAS status for food applications provides additional safety validation.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

A well-researched multifunctional ingredient offering controlled AHA delivery with excellent safety profile for most skin types.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…