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Moumoujus

MENTHYL LACTATE.

Valuable CAS 59259-38-0 / FRAGRANCE, REFRESHING

Menthyl Lactate delivers a gentle, enduring cooling and refreshing sensation by selectively activating skin's cold receptors, offering a milder experience than menthol. This multifaceted ingredient also utilizes its lactic acid component to provide mild exfoliation, enhance skin hydration, and support a healthy skin renewal process.

Summary

Cooling Agent Refreshing Agent Soothing Agent Calming Agent Mild Exfoliant Moisturizing Agent Skin Texture Enhancer Cell Migration Stimulator Skin Renewal Booster Masking Agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

Menthyl Lactate functions by binding specifically to the TRPM8 cold receptors on the skin, inducing a perceptible, long-lasting cooling and refreshing sensation without the intense, sometimes irritating, characteristics of menthol. Beyond its sensory attributes, its lactic acid moiety contributes to significant skin benefits: it facilitates mild exfoliation by assisting in the removal of dead skin cells, stimulates cellular migration, and accelerates the skin's natural renewal rate, concurrently bolstering skin hydration.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.1–3%
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

No available data suggests Menthyl Lactate is commonly utilized at sub-efficacious concentrations purely for marketing claims without delivering its intended functional benefits.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 5.5 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Menthyl Lactate exhibits chemical stability across a pH range of 4.0 to 8.0, with optimal stability and efficacy in formulations observed when pH is maintained between 5.5 and 7.0. It is oil-soluble and also dissolves in ethanol and glycols, but it is not water-soluble. For effective incorporation into water-based systems, it is best emulsified at approximately 40°C or pre-dissolved in fatty oils or perfume. Note that high concentrations of oils and waxes may diminish its cooling effect, while the addition of 5-10% alcohol can enhance it. It maintains chemical inertness with most common cosmetic ingredients.

Synergies

  • Adding 5-10% alcohol may enhance its cooling effect.

Conflicts

  • High concentrations of oils and waxes may reduce the cooling effect.
  • Formulations with fluctuating pH levels require diligent chemical stability monitoring.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
3%
Sensitization risk Low

Menthyl Lactate possesses a highly favorable safety profile, reflected by an EWG Skin Deep score of 1, indicating minimal concerns for genotoxicity and cancer risk. It has been evaluated as non-sensitizing and is broadly recognized as safe for topical application, receiving endorsement from the Expert Panel for Fragrance Safety.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Menthyl Lactate is a valuable ingredient, providing gentle, long-lasting cooling alongside mild exfoliating and hydrating benefits, making it suitable for a broad spectrum of skin types and diverse formulations.

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