Cetyl Lactate is a remarkable emollient used in beauty products to provide a silky-smooth feel to skin and hair. This ester also enhances the texture of formulations and makes them less greasy and tacky. It enhances spreadability and offers mild exfoliation, leaving the skin smoother and brighter. In its raw form, Cetyl Lactate appears as a white waxy solid having no odor. Cetyl Lactate is also known as Propanoic Acid or Hexadecyl Lactate. It is commonly used in products like lipsticks, mascaras, creams, lotions, shampoos, and nail polish removers. It is a safe and versatile ingredient with a long history of use in the cosmetic industry. The chemical formula of Cetyl Lactate is C19H38O3.
CAS Number: 35274-05-6Chem/IUPAC Name: Hexadecyl 2-hydroxypropanoateEINECS/ELINCS No: 252-478-7COSING REF No: 74961Products with CETYL LACTATE
With samples available
GLTEST® LC
by Guangdong Goodlight New Material Technology
Pelemol® CL
by Phoenix Chemical
What is CETYL LACTATE used for?
Cetyl Lactate is a versatile ingredient that improves both the texture and performance of cosmetic products. It is an emollient and skin conditioning agent that locks moisture into the skin without clogging the pores. Its lightweight and non-greasy formula makes it an ideal addition to moisturizers, sunscreens, and serums. It delivers its benefits without weighing the skin down. Its lactic acid component provides mild exfoliation. This helps promote a softer and brighter complexion. Cetyl Lactate is commonly included in BB creams, foundations, and hair conditioners to enhance spreadability and texture.
Origin
Cetyl Lactate is made by the esterification of cetyl alcohol (a fatty alcohol) and lactic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid, AHA). This process occurs in the presence of a catalyst. This reaction eliminates water, creating the ester bond. The mixture is then purified by distillation and filtration to remove excess reactants and impurities.
What does CETYL LACTATE do in a formulation?
EMOLLIENT|
HAIR CONDITIONING|
HUMECTANT|
MOISTURISING|
SKIN CONDITIONING|
SKIN PROTECTING|
SMOOTHINGSafety Profile
Cetyl Lactate is a safe and non-toxic ingredient. It is ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin. However, overuse or high concentrations may cause skin irritation and rashes. Patch testing is recommended prior to use.
CETYL LACTATE alternatives
CETYL LACTATE technical profile
| Property | Values |
| Melting Point | 37°C - 44°C |
| Solubility | Almost insoluble in water; soluble in oil |