Emollient

Cetyl Lactate

The ester of lactic acid and cetyl alcohol is a mild emollient with a light acidity. It gives the skin smoothness and softness, slightly promotes exfoliation due to the lactic acid part. Popular in products for gentle skin renewal.

Mild emollientEster of lactic acidGentle textureAHA derivative

⚠ Use with Caution

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Cetyl Lactate (1-hexadecyl 2-hydroxypropanoate) — the ester of cetyl alcohol (C16H33OH) and lactic acid (CH3-CH(OH)-COOH). Molecular weight ~314 Da. State: solid or semi-solid, melting at ~22–26°C → liquid oil at body temperature. Lactic acid in the structure: the ester bond hydrolyzes very slowly → slight release of lactic acid in situ. Origin: can be plant-derived (lactic acid from fermentation, cetyl alcohol from coconut). Functions: emollient, skin conditioner.

Creamy body lotions with gentle exfoliation, aftershave and depilation products, gentle exfoliating fluids for the face, products for dry and flaky skin.

Key Benefits

✦

Gentle exfoliation with nourishment — a dual action

Cetyl lactate is unique in that it combines an emollient (cetyl part) and a very light exfoliator (lactic acid part, which is slowly released). Not as active as direct lactic acid (pH 3–4), but with regular use improves skin texture, facilitates the shedding of dead cells. Ideal for products with a "gentle renewal" effect without irritation.

◈

Gentle silky texture upon application

Melts at body temperature → upon application, there is a transition from slightly solid to liquid, which spreads evenly. Leaves the skin soft, without a greasy film. Popular in after-shave products: soothes irritation after shaving + slightly exfoliates and softens the skin. In body lotions: improves glide during massage.

✧

Compatibility with other AHAs and actives

Cetyl lactate works well with direct AHA acids (glycolic, lactic) to enhance the exfoliating effect in low-pH formulas. It does not compete with them — acts as a "carrier" for active ingredients, improving their penetration due to the emollient effect. In formulas for gentle areas (bikini area, armpits): a milder choice than direct AHA with the same effectiveness.

Suitable for

Dry skin with flakingBody and delicate areasAfter-shave care

Main Actions

✓ Mild emollient-exfoliant✓ Gentle silky texture✓ Skin renewal

Cetyl Lactate vs Lactic Acid

Direct lactic acid: pH ~3.5, pronounced exfoliating effect, requires an acidified formula. Cetyl Lactate: milder, more neutral pH, less pronounced exfoliating effect, but emollient plus. For daily products without irritation — cetyl lactate is better. For active chemical peels — direct lactic acid. The combination of both provides synergy: nourishment + exfoliation.

CategoryEmollients

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