The methyl ester of lactic acid, used as a solvent and fragrance ingredient.
What it is
Methyl lactate is methyl 2-hydroxypropanoate, the ester of lactic acid and methanol, a colourless liquid. CosIng lists it as a solvent, perfuming and flavouring ingredient.
Where it is used
Found in a small number of products, such as scented products and products that need a solvent.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
Two CAS numbers are listed because the name covers both the (S)-form and the form without a specified configuration.
Functions
- Solvent
- Dissolving other components of cosmetics. Solvents are usually liquids (aqueous and nonaqueous).
- Perfuming
- Used for perfume and aromatic raw materials.
- Flavouring
- Imparting taste and/or flavour to a cosmetic product.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.