EWG Safety Score
What Is C12-15 Alkyl Lactate?
C12-15 alkyl lactate is an emollient ester that also works as a texture-enhancing ingredient in skin care and hair care products. It creates a soft, lubricious feel and is oil-soluble, making it a good choice for helping to solubilize other ingredients in a formula. For example, it’s used to help solubilize the UV filter avobenzone in some sunscreens.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Cosmetics, October 2022, pages 1-16 Cosmetics, 2022
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Cosmetics, August 2016, pages 1-13 Cosmetics, 2016
How widely it's used
Regulatory information
Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.
Show identifiers
- INCI Name
- C12-15 ALKYL LACTATE
- EC Number
- 300-338-1
- Function
- Emollient, Skin Conditioning
From the Clinic
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C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters
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C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Popular emollient (skin-softening, moisture-sealing) ingredient
C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate
A lightweight synthetic emollient that conditions skin without heaviness
C12-18 Acid Triglyceride
A plant-derived emollient that softens skin and stabilises formulations
C14-18 Acid Glycol Ester
A lightweight ester that conditions and softens the skin without a heavy feel
C18-30 Acid Glycol Ester
A synthetic emollient that conditions and softens the skin barrier
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