This section focuses on an overview of menthyl lactate as well as its manufacturing processes and uses. Also, please check out the introduction to menthyl lactate manufacturers, supply chain issues, menthyl lactate suppliers, and menthyl lactate prices. Sinofi can help you buy high-quality menthyl lactate in bulk for industrial applications at wholesale prices based on FEMA 3748 and CAS 59259-38-0.
Table of Contents
What is Menthyl Lactate?
Menthyl lactate has emerged as an important cooling agent in various industries, from cosmetics to food production. It is known as L-menthyl lactate, and it appears as a white crystalline powder. Menthyl lactate is an ester formed by combining menthol with lactic acid. Menthyl lactate, known for its refreshing mint-like properties and skin-soothing capabilities, is in growing demand globally. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), menthyl lactate is approved to be used in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. It has also been evaluated by relevant regulatory authorities like JECFA, EUR-Lex, NIST, RIFM, and WHO. The IFRA Transparency List provides a guideline to ensure the use of menthyl lactate in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
CAS No.: 59259-38-0
According to the American Chemical Society, the CAS number of menthyl lactate is 59259-38-0.
CAS Name: L-menthyl lactate
Molecular Formula: C13H24O3
Molecular Mass: 228.33
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Congealing Point: 40.00 °C.
Solubility: Easily soluble in alcohol; very slightly soluble in water: 141.4 mg/L @ 25 °C (est)
Other Names:
L-Menthyl D-lactate
Menthyl lactate
FEMA Gras 3748
Covafresh II
Frescolate ML
Fescolat MI Nat
Frescolat ML 620105
FEMA Number 3748
According to the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA), the number of menthyl lactate is FEMA 3748.
Menthyl Lactate Odor
Weak aroma of chrysanthemum or tobacco.
Bulk Menthyl Lactate Manufacturers
Bulk menthyl lactate manufacturers are primarily located in Japan, Germany, and China. Symrise is one of the largest producers of menthyl lactate. The company specializes in high-purity grades suitable for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications. The bulk menthyl lactate manufacturing industry continues to evolve, driven by growing demand across various applications.
Sinofi is a bulk manufacturer of menthyl lactate in China, and we have a manufacturing facility with 2,500 square meters for the production of menthyl lactate cooling agent. We supply high-quality menthyl lactate at bulk prices and serve the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and personal care industries worldwide.
Manufacturing Process of Menthyl Lactate
The manufacturing of menthyl lactate represents a sophisticated process that combines traditional chemical engineering principles with modern efficiency and environmental considerations.
Raw Materials
The production of menthyl lactate requires two primary raw materials:
- L-Menthol: Typically derived from mint oils (primarily peppermint and cornmint) or synthesized through chemical processes such as the thymol isomerization or the Haarmann & Reimer process.
- Lactic Acid: Usually produced through bacterial fermentation of carbohydrate sources like glucose or lactose, though it can also be synthesized chemically.
Manufacturing Process
Step 1: Preparation and Purification
The manufacturing process begins with the careful preparation and purification of raw materials:
- L-menthol is typically melted and filtered to remove any impurities.
- Lactic acid is concentrated and purified to achieve the desired grade.
Step 2: Esterification Reaction
The core of the manufacturing process is the esterification reaction:
- L-menthol and lactic acid are combined in a reaction vessel, typically in a slight excess of menthol to ensure complete reaction of the lactic acid.
- The mixture is heated to 100-150°C under reduced pressure.
- An acid catalyst (often sulfuric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, or an immobilized acidic catalyst) is added to accelerate the reaction.
- The reaction proceeds with the formation of water as a byproduct, which is continuously removed through distillation to drive the reaction to completion.
The esterification reaction can be represented as:
C10H20O (l-menthol) + C3H6O3 (lactic acid) → C13H24O3 (menthyl lactate) + H2O
Step 3: Purification and Crystallization
Following the esterification reaction, the crude menthyl lactate undergoes several purification and crystallization steps.
Step 4: Quality Control
Before packaging, the menthyl lactate undergoes rigorous quality control testing:
- Chemical analysis to verify purity (typically >98%).
- Sensory evaluation to assess cooling properties.
- Microbiological testing for cosmetic-grade products.
- Stability testing under various conditions.
As demand for this cooling agent continues to grow, menthyl lactate manufacturers are continuously optimizing their processes to improve yield, reduce environmental impact, and ensure consistent product quality. The evolution of this manufacturing process reflects the broader trends in specialty chemical production, emphasizing sustainability, efficiency, and product innovation.
Bulk Menthyl Lactate Suppliers
The global supply of menthyl lactate is dominated by several bulk manufacturers and suppliers like Symrise AG. They are the world’s leading suppliers of flavours and fragrances and offer high-purity menthyl lactate under their cooling ingredients portfolio.
Sinofi is a bulk menthyl lactate supplier in China, and we have a warehouse with 1,200 square meters for high-quality menthyl lactate cooling agent. We sell different grades of menthyl lactate at wholesale prices to food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and personal care manufacturers.
Supply Chain of Menthyl Lactate
The menthyl lactate supply chain is a complex network that spans agriculture, chemical manufacturing, and various end-use industries.
Supply Chain Structure Overview
The menthyl lactate supply chain can be divided into several key stages:
Raw Material Sourcing
- Lactic acid production (from sugar beet, corn, or sugar cane fermentation).
- Menthol extraction (from peppermint oil or synthetic production).
Menthyl Lactate Manufacturing
- Esterification facilities that combine lactic acid and menthol
- Quality control and purification processes
Distribution and Logistics
- Bulk chemical distributors.
- Regional warehousing
- Transportation networks
End-User Industries
- Cosmetics and personal care manufacturers
- Food and beverage companies
- Pharmaceutical companies
Success in this supply chain requires careful management of relationships between raw material suppliers, menthyl lactate manufacturers, distributors, and end users. As sustainability and efficiency become increasingly important, the industry is likely to see continued evolution in supply chain structures and practices.
Wholesale and Buy Menthyl Lactate in Bulk
Purchasing menthyl lactate wholesale offers significant cost savings compared to smaller quantities. It requires careful consideration of supplier selection, quality requirements, and storage capabilities. By establishing strong wholesale relationships and understanding market dynamics, menthyl lactate buyers can secure a reliable supply of this valuable ingredient while optimizing costs. Whether you’re formulating cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or food products, the right wholesale partnership can significantly impact your product development and profitability. Bulk menthyl lactate orders typically come with:
- Lower per-unit pricing
- Reduced shipping costs
- Negotiable terms for long-term contracts
- Consistent supply for production needs
As a bulk manufacturer and supplier of menthyl lactate in China, we supply high-quality menthyl lactate for food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and personal care industries. We also wholesale menthyl lactate to small customers. Normally, they want to buy menthyl lactate in small quantities. To serve them, we can wholesale menthyl lactate at bulk prices and provide a one-stop purchasing service.
Menthyl Lactate Prices (USD/Kg)
Food Grade Cooling Agent Menthyl Lactate Prices (purity >=98.0%)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 10 USD | Express |
| 500g | 55 USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 78 USD/Kg | Express |
| 20Kg | 20% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
Menthyl lactate pricing reflects a multi-tier structure based on purity specifications and intended applications. Technical and standard grades for bulk industrial use trade between $45-80 per kilogram in quantities exceeding 100 kilograms. Cosmetic-grade material at approximately 98% purity commands $60-120 per kilogram, while pharmaceutical-grade product meeting GMP standards and achieving ≥99% purity reaches $100-180 per kilogram. Food-grade menthyl lactate with appropriate safety certifications falls in the $80-140 per kilogram range.
The end-use application landscape for menthyl lactate reveals strong concentration in personal care and cosmetics, which commands an estimated 45-55% of total market demand. This segment’s dominance reflects menthyl lactate’s unique value proposition: unlike menthol, it delivers cooling sensations without eye stinging, mucous membrane irritation, or the sharp pungent notes that limit menthol’s use in facial products. After-sun products, body lotions, shaving preparations, deodorants, and scalp treatments represent core applications, with the ingredient’s compatibility with sensitive skin formulations driving particular growth.
Menthyl Lactate Price Drivers
- Raw Material Costs: The production of menthyl lactate depends heavily on the availability and cost of lactic acid and menthol, its primary raw materials. Fluctuations in these precursor costs directly impact final product pricing.
- Energy Costs: Manufacturing processes are energy-intensive, making the compound sensitive to energy price changes. Recent energy market stabilization has helped moderate price volatility.
- Supply Chain Dynamics: Global supply chain disruptions have affected the industry, though conditions have improved significantly from the pandemic-era challenges.
- Regulatory Environment: Increasing regulatory scrutiny in the cosmetics and personal care industries has led to higher quality control costs, which manufacturers pass on to consumers.
- Market Demand: Growing consumer preference for natural cooling agents in skincare products has sustained demand, supporting price levels.
Furthermore, the above price quotations of menthyl lactate, especially for small orders, do not include the express shipping fee. The reason is that the shipment cost of menthyl lactate may exceed the value of the sample. However, the bulk wholesale prices of menthyl lactate will be much lower than those of small orders. Please contact us for more details.
Menthyl Lactate Uses
Food Uses
Food and Flavour Industry
While less common than in personal care, menthyl lactate finds application in:
- Confectionery products requiring mint flavouring
- Sugar-free gum formulations
- Breath-freshening products
Personal Care Uses
Skincare Products
In skincare formulations, menthyl lactate serves multiple purposes:
- Cooling sensation: Provides immediate relief for irritated or inflamed skin.
- Gentle exfoliation: The lactic acid component offers mild alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliation.
- Moisturization: Helps maintain skin hydration levels.
- Temperature regulation: Commonly used in sports and summer skincare products.
Hair Care
Hair care products benefit from menthyl lactate’s cooling properties:
- Scalp-soothing shampoos.
- Refreshing conditioners.
- Post-workout hair treatments.
- Dandruff control products
Oral Care
- Toothpaste formulations
- Mouthwashes
- Oral pain relief gels
- Teeth whitening products
Pharmaceutical Uses
Menthyl lactate plays a crucial role in various pharmaceutical formulations:
Topical Pain Relief
- Muscle pain creams and gels
- Arthritis relief products
- Sports injury treatments
- Cooling analgesic patches
Dermatological Treatments
- Eczema and psoriasis relief products
- Anti-itch formulations
- Post-procedure skin care
- Rash treatment creams
Safety and Regulatory Status
Menthyl lactate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in personal care and pharmaceutical products. It has been approved by regulatory bodies worldwide, including:
- FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
- EU cosmetic regulations
- Japanese cosmetic standards
As consumer demand for multifunctional ingredients continues to grow, menthyl lactate is likely to maintain its position as a sought-after ingredient in modern product formulations.
Menthyl Lactate Benefits
Enhanced Cooling Benefits
Like menthol, menthyl lactate provides a cooling sensation when applied to the skin. However, it offers several advantages over pure menthol:
- More prolonged cooling effect
- Gentler on sensitive skin
- Better skin compatibility
- Less irritating than pure menthol
Skin Moisturization Benefits
The lactic acid component contributes moisturizing properties, making menthyl lactate particularly valuable in skincare formulations. It helps to:
- Hydrate the skin
- Improve skin texture
- Support the skin’s natural barrier function
Stability Benefits
Menthyl lactate demonstrates better stability compared to pure menthol, particularly in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. This stability translates to:
- Longer product shelf life
- Better performance in various temperatures
- Reduced the likelihood of crystallization
Versatile Applications
The compound’s unique properties make it suitable for numerous applications:
- Topical analgesics and muscle rubs
- Cooling moisturizers and lotions
- After-sun products
- Deodorants and antiperspirants
- Oral care products
- Hair care formulations
Enhanced Sensory Experience
In personal care products, menthyl lactate provides:
- A pleasant cooling sensation without overwhelming intensity.
- Improved product texture.
- Better spreadability.
- Reduced greasiness in formulations.
Menthyl Lactate Used in Cigarettes
A Flavour for Enhancing the Aroma of Cigarettes
The specific ingredients are as follows (by weight):
2-ethylpyrazine, 0.5 parts; 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, 0.8 parts; 2-methyl-3-(methylthio)pyrazine, 0.5 parts; 2-ethoxy-3-methylpyrazine, 0.4 parts; cis-3-hexenal, 0.8 parts; cis-6-nonenal, 2 parts; acetaldehyde diethyl acetal, 1 part; cyclopentadecalactone, 1.5 parts; menthyl lactate, 1 part; p-anisaldehyde, 0.6 parts; clove oil, 0.8 parts; isobutyric acid, 0.3 parts; dodecanoic acid, 0.6 parts; phenylethyl alcohol, 0.8 parts; isopentanol, 0.5 parts; linalool, 1.8 parts; ethyl isovalerate, 0.6 parts; ethyl acetate, 0.5 parts; and solvent, 85 parts; the solvent is in a mass ratio of 10:6:1 mixture of ethanol, propylene glycol and glycerol.
In conclusion, menthyl lactate represents a significant advancement in ingredient technology, offering formulators a versatile compound that delivers multiple benefits. Its unique combination of cooling, exfoliating, and moisturizing properties makes it invaluable across food, personal care, pharmaceutical, and speciality industries. As a bulk manufacturer and supplier of menthyl lactate in China, we sell different grades of menthyl lactate at wholesale prices to large manufacturers and small customers worldwide.