C12-13 Alkyl Lactate is a chemical compound, an ester.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• C12-13 Alkyl refers to an alkyl group, which is a type of hydrocarbon chain. The term 'C12-13' indicates that the chain contains 12 to 13 carbon atoms. Alkyl groups are commonly derived from fatty acids.
• Lactate refers to the lactate ion C3H5O3-, which is derived from lactic acid C3H6O3. Lactic acid is an organic acid that plays a key role in different biochemical processes.

The synthesis process takes place in different steps:

• Lactic acid can be produced through the fermentation of sugars by certain types of bacteria.
• C12-13 alcohol produced through various methods, such as hydroformylation of decene or dodecene, followed by hydrogenation.
• Esterification. Lactic acid and C12-13 alcohol are reacted together in a process known as esterification. This involves heating the two reactants, often with an acid catalyst, to produce the ester C12-13 Alkyl Lactate and water.
• Purification. The final step involves the removal of all unreacted materials and by-products from the reaction mixture to obtain pure C12-13 Alkyl Lactate.

It appears in form of a colorless to pale yellow liquid.

What it is for and where

Cosmetics

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss.  Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Synonyms:

• Dodecyl lactate
• Dodecyl 2-hydroxypropanoate
• Lactic Acid Dodecyl Ester
• Propanoic acid,2-hydroxy-, dodecyl ester
• EINECS 228-504-8   300-338-1