Common Name(s): Lauryl lactyl lactate,lauryl lactyl lactate,lactic acid ester emollient,mild exfoliating conditioner
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides emollient conditioning from the lauryl c12 chain and mild slow-release aha exfoliant activity from sequential lactic acid ester hydrolysis — a dual-function ingredient providing both immediate emolliency and gradual skin renewal.
Why It's Used: Lauryl lactyl lactate's slow ester hydrolysis releases lactic acid in the sc over hours — providing sustained mild exfoliation without the peak-concentration irritation of directly applied lactic acid formulations.
How It Works: Lauryl lactyl lactate hydrolysis cascade: lauryl lactyl lactate + tissue esterase → lauryl lactate + lactic acid (step 1); lauryl lactate + esterase → lauryl alcohol + lactic acid (step 2). two moles of lactic acid released per mole of ester at aha concentrations 10-100× lower than direct acid application, achieving gentle aha renewal without irritation.
Typically Found In: Gentle exfoliants,emollient skin care
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emollient
Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%–10%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low; formulation-dependent
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Lactic acid release concentration in skin from lauryl lactyl lactate is much lower than direct aha formulations — ideal for sensitive skin exfoliation where direct aha concentrations cause irritation but the gentle enzymatic release provides sufficient exfoliation for improved skin texture.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,lauryl lactyl lactate lactic acid ester emollient review