Vinay Kumar Singh.
Head-Formulation
Kumar Organic Products Research Centre Pvt. Ltd.,
Bengaluru
Email : formulation_krc@kopresearchcentre.net
Lauryl Lactyl Lactate (L3), also known as Koplactylate, is a naturally-derived, multi-functional ingredient used in personal care and cosmetics. It acts as an emollient, surfactant, and emulsifier, improving texture, stability, and feel in products like creams, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners. L3 is derived from lauryl alcohol and lactic acid through esterification.
Koplactylate is a non-ionic multi functional secondary surfactant. It is a clear, colourless liquid with characteristic odour. It is a multifunctional secondary sulphate free surfactant which can be easily formulated via cold mix in surfactant system.
It enhances product texture, stability, and provides a smooth, non-greasy feel. LLL also offers mild exfoliation and helps with the even distribution of other ingredients, making it useful in various products like lotions, creams, sunscreens, and hair care items. L3 can enhance the delivery of other active ingredients and improve the overall performance of formulations.
The global market size for Lauryl Lactyl Lactate (L3) is not explicitly specified in the provided search results, but it is part of the broader natural surfactants market and the emollients market, which have specific size and growth figures. The natural surfactants market was valued at USD 20.74 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 28.92 billion by 2032. The emollients market was estimated at USD 1.70 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2024 to 2032. L3 is also used in personal care and cosmetics, and these sectors contribute to the overall market size.
Specific applications in cosmetics :
• Emollient :
L3 provides a smooth, silky feel to products and helps improve skin hydration and texture.
• Surfactant :
It helps to stabilize emulsions (mixtures of oil and water) and can improve the foaming properties of cleansing products.
• Skin conditioning:
L3 can improve the overall feel and appearance of the skin, making it a good choice for moisturizers and other skincare products.
• Exfoliation :
Due to its lactic acid component, LLL offers mild exfoliation, promoting cell turnover and potentially improving skin radiance.
• Improved spreadability :
L3 helps products spread easily on the skin, enhancing the user experience.
• Stabilization of formulations :
It can help blend oil and water-based ingredients, preventing separation and ensuring product consistency.
• Hair care :
L3 can be found in hair conditioners and other products to improve hair moisture and manageability.
• Sun care:
It can help ensure even distribution of sunscreen ingredients for effective sun protection.
• Makeup :
L3 can be used in makeup products to improve texture and performance.
• Baby products :
Its mildness makes it suitable for use in baby wipes, lotions, and shampoos.
• Natural deodorants :
L3 can help neutralize odours and improve the texture of natural deodorants.
• Emulsifier :
L3 helps to stabilize emulsions, keeping oil and water-based ingredients blended together in products like creams and lotions.
• Preservative booster :
L3 can enhance the effectiveness of preservatives in formulations.
• Viscosity modifier:
It can help adjust the viscosity of products, making them thicker or thinner as needed.
• Solubilizer :
L3 can help dissolve poorly water-soluble active ingredients, making them easier to incorporate into formulations.
Where it's commonly found :
• Creams and lotions
• Shampoos and conditioners
• Body washes and liquid soaps
• Facial cleansers
• Sunscreen and sun care products
• Cosmetic make-up products
How it works :
1. Emollient Properties:
• LLL helps to soften and moisturize the skin by forming a protective layer that prevents moisture loss.
• It can improve the skin's oil content and leave it feeling smooth and soft without being greasy.
• Its smooth texture enhances spreadability, improving the application experience and absorption of products.
2. Surfactant Properties:
• LLL can act as a mild surfactant, helping to create a creamy lather in products like shampoos and body washes.
• It can also reduce eye irritation and contribute to a pleasant, soft skin feel after use.
3. Conditioning and Other Benefits:
• LLL can act as a conditioning agent, improving the overall feel and appearance of hair and skin.
• It can also act as a preservative booster in formulations.
• In some cases, it can help to thicken products and contribute to a more desirable viscosity.
4. Natural Origin :
• Lauryl alcohol, a component of LLL, is often derived from palm oil, while lactic acid is a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acid (AHA).
In summary, Lauryl Lactyl Lactate works by providing a combination of emollient, surfactant, and conditioning benefits, enhancing the performance and feel of cosmetic and personal care products while also offering mildness and natural origin.
