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C12-13 Alkyl Lactate

What C12-13 Alkyl Lactate is & what it does

C12-13 Alkyl Lactate is an ester formed from lactic acid and a blend of C12 to C13 fatty alcohols. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it works as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent, softening the skin and improving the spread and texture of the product. Its notable property is a light, silky after-feel that helps reduce the heavy or greasy sensation some oils can leave.

What does C12-13 Alkyl Lactate do in skincare?

C12-13 Alkyl Lactate works mainly as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. It softens the skin and improves how smoothly a product spreads, giving creams and sunscreens a lighter, silkier feel. It can also help reduce the greasy sensation that some richer oils leave behind.

Is C12-13 Alkyl Lactate comedogenic?

C12-13 Alkyl Lactate is an ester emollient and is generally considered low on the comedogenic scale, though individual skin can respond differently. Lightweight esters like this are often chosen to give slip without a heavy, pore-clogging feel. If you are very acne-prone, it is sensible to patch test a new product first.

Is C12-13 Alkyl Lactate vegan?

C12-13 Alkyl Lactate is usually made from synthetically produced or plant-derived fatty alcohols combined with lactic acid, so it is commonly suitable for vegan formulas. The exact sourcing can vary by supplier. If strict vegan status matters, check with the specific brand.

Sunscreens with C12-13 Alkyl Lactate

We rate 16 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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