Common Name(s): Frescolat ml,menthyl lactic acid ester
CAS Number: 59259-38-0
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides sustained, milder cooling sensation with lower irritation than free menthol for leave-on applications.
Why It's Used: Premium cooling agent for leave-on facial and body formulations where menthol's intensity and irritation are undesirable.
How It Works: Lactate ester of menthol provides slower hydrolysis by skin esterases releasing free menthol gradually. reduced initial trpm8 stimulus provides gentler, more sustained cooling vs free menthol's intense immediate burst. better skin tolerance for leave-on applications.
Typically Found In: Leave-on cooling products,after-sun serums,scalp cooling treatments
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ sustained cooling agent
Secondary Functions: Redness reduction,anti-inflammatory,calming
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ3%
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 extract or synthetic. [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 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; ideal for reactive and sensitive skin.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes โ particularly recommended for sensitive skin
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,panthenol,allantoin,hyaluronic acid,centella asiatica
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
The ester prodrug strategy of menthyl lactate provides two advantages over free menthol: (1) slower release kinetics from enzymatic ester hydrolysis provides sustained cooling duration (2-3ร longer than free menthol), and (2) reduced initial stimulus intensity reduces the sensory irritation that limits menthol in sensitive skin applications.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,symrise frescolat technical data