
General Description:
Menthyl Lactate is an ester of menthol and lactic acid, known for its mild, long-lasting cooling effect without the intense, sometimes irritating sensation associated with pure menthol. It appears as a white crystalline solid or powder and offers a refreshing sensory profile, making it an increasingly popular ingredient in personal care formulations. Menthyl Lactate is favored for its stability, pleasant minty aroma, and gentle action, and is widely available for bulk supply to support large-scale cosmetic production.
Uses in the Cosmetics Industry:
Menthyl Lactate is commonly used in:
Skin care products such as gels, creams, and after-sun lotions to provide a cooling and soothing sensation.
Shampoos, conditioners, and scalp treatments for a fresh, invigorating feel.
Lip balms and oral care products to impart a subtle, long-lasting minty taste and coolness.
Deodorants and foot care items to enhance freshness and user comfort.
Shaving products and post-shave balms to calm the skin and reduce irritation.
Its mild, delayed cooling effect and excellent compatibility with other ingredients make it ideal for both rinse-off and leave-on applications.
Side Effects & Hazards:
Menthyl Lactate is generally considered safe for cosmetic use and is well-tolerated by most skin types. It has a much lower irritation potential compared to menthol, making it suitable for sensitive skin areas and mucous membranes. However, high concentrations may still cause mild irritation in rare cases, especially around the eyes or on broken skin. It is not known to be toxic, carcinogenic, or mutagenic. During manufacturing, protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and dust masks (if handling in powder form) is recommended to avoid inhalation or direct contact. The ingredient should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, in tightly sealed containers to prevent moisture absorption and maintain product stability.
CAS Number: 59259-38-0
INCI Name: Menthyl Lactate
Composition: Ester of menthol and lactic acid; provides a cooling effect with lower irritation compared to menthol
Purity Grade: Cosmetic/Pharmaceutical Grade
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder or waxy solid
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol, glycols, and oils
Preservation: Typically does not require preservation; chemically stable in anhydrous form
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place; protect from light and moisture; keep container tightly sealed
Raw Material Sources: Derived from natural menthol (from mint oils) and lactic acid (usually via fermentation of carbohydrates)
Manufacture: Produced via esterification of menthol and lactic acid under controlled conditions
Animal Testing: Often available from cruelty-free suppliers; confirm with specific manufacturer
GMO: Can be non-GMO, especially if lactic acid is sourced from certified non-GMO fermentation substrates
Vegan: Yes; composed of plant-based and fermentation-derived components; no animal ingredients
Proposition: Generally compliant with California Proposition 65; not listed as a known harmful substance
Warning: May cause mild skin or eye irritation in concentrated form; avoid inhalation of dust
THE STORY OF MENTHYL LACTATE
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Menthyl Lactate: The Soft, Long-Lasting Cooling Agent for Modern Sensory Skincare
Menthyl Lactate is a mild yet long-lasting cooling active widely used in skincare, haircare, and personal care formulations.
It provides a clean, refreshing, non-irritating cooling sensation, making it an excellent alternative to strong menthol.
Used in lotions, gels, deodorants, after-sun care, hair products, foot creams, and luxury spa formulations.
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A Gentle Cooling Ester Formed by Combining Menthol & Lactic Acid
Menthyl Lactate is produced through the esterification of:
• Menthol (natural or synthetic)
• Lactic acid (often bio-fermented)
This process creates a cooling ester that:
• Is less intense than menthol
• Has a prolonged cooling effect
• Is smoother and more skin-friendly
TRCkem supplies high-purity cosmetic-grade Menthyl Lactate ideal for premium sensory formulations.
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Refresh. Comfort. Prolong.
Menthyl Lactate delivers multiple functional benefits:
✅ Provides soft, long-lasting cooling without harshness
✅ Suitable for face, body & scalp due to mildness
✅ Enhances freshness in deodorants and body-care products
✅ Soothes skin in after-sun & calming formulations
✓ Ideal for premium products requiring gentle sensory effects
Used in: lotions, after-sun gels, deodorants, scalp refreshers, face creams, foot care, shower gels & spa creams.
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Mild, Stable & Easy to Use — Perfect for Sensitive-Skin Formulations
• Typical use level:
– 0.2–2% in skincare
– 0.5–3% in deodorants & foot-care
– 0.1–1% in shampoos & hair tonics
• Oil-soluble → add during the oil phase or cool-down
• Very mild → suitable for face and sensitive skin
• Enhances cooling without overpowering scent
• Stable in pH 4–8 formulations
• Store in cool, dry, airtight containers
Formulator’s Queries, We Answered
1. What is Menthyl Lactate?
Menthyl Lactate is an ester of menthol and lactic acid, used in personal care formulations to provide a long-lasting, cooling sensation without the harshness or irritation associated with pure menthol. It offers a mild, refreshing feel on the skin or scalp and is widely used in both skin and hair care products.
2. What is the INCI name and CAS number of Menthyl Lactate?
CAS Number: 59259-38-0
INCI Name: Menthyl Lactate
3. What are the main benefits of using Menthyl Lactate in personal care products?
Provides a cooling and soothing effect on skin and scalp
Longer-lasting and milder than menthol
Non-irritating, suitable for sensitive areas
Enhances the sensory profile of cosmetic products
Can help mask unpleasant odors in formulations
4. What types of personal care products commonly contain Menthyl Lactate?
Menthyl Lactate is used in a variety of applications, including:
Aftershaves and post-shower gels
Scalp-care shampoos and conditioners
Cooling facial masks and creams
Lip balms and oral care products
Sports rubs and muscle relief gels
Deodorants and foot sprays
5. Is Menthyl Lactate natural or synthetic?
Menthyl Lactate is semi-synthetic, made by esterifying natural menthol with lactic acid. While it is not 100% natural, it is considered a safe and effective alternative to synthetic cooling agents or high-dosage menthol.
6. What is the recommended usage level of Menthyl Lactate in formulations?
Typical usage levels range from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired cooling intensity and product type. Lower levels are recommended for facial or sensitive-skin products.
7. Is Menthyl Lactate safe for all skin types?
Yes, Menthyl Lactate is generally regarded as safe and non-irritating, even for sensitive skin. It is well tolerated in both rinse-off and leave-on products when used within recommended levels.
8. Does Menthyl Lactate have regulatory approval for cosmetic use?
Yes, Menthyl Lactate is widely approved for cosmetic use globally, including in the EU, US, and Asia-Pacific markets. It is listed in the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) and considered safe in standard cosmetic concentrations.