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CarCareTruthProducts · Ranked

Ethyl Lactate

  • Esters
  • CAS 97-64-3
  • IUPAC: Ethyl (S)-2-hydroxypropanoate

Ethyl Lactate (CAS 97-64-3) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is classified as a VOC.

Low acute oral toxicity (LD50 >2000 mg/kg rat, >5000 mg/kg rabbit dermal). Classified as STOT SE 3 (respiratory irritation Cat 3, H335) in some formulations at occupational concentrations. Skin irritant (H315) at typical use concentrations per GHS CLP calculation method. Not a skin sensitizer on its own — sensitization risk in Tar-X comes from the orange peel extract co-solvent.

Ethyl lactate is a biodegradable ester solvent produced from lactic acid and ethanol, both of which can be derived from fermentation of plant sugars. It is water-miscible, has a high boiling point (154°C), a flash point around 46–48°C (placing it in the flammable liquids Cat 3 range), and a very low octanol-water partition coefficient (log Pow −0.18), meaning it does not bioaccumulate. It is widely used as a green replacement for petroleum-derived solvents in cleaning applications. In high-concentration formulations (>60%), it contributes H304 (aspiration hazard via viscosity classification), H315 (skin irritation), and H335 (respiratory irritation at occupational exposure) classifications per WHMIS/GHS calculation methods.

Health & environment profile

VOC
yes
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Renewable ester solvent derived from lactic acid and ethanol; used as a tar and adhesive dissolver in citrus-based decontamination products

Common questions about Ethyl Lactate

What is Ethyl Lactate used for in car care?
Renewable ester solvent derived from lactic acid and ethanol; used as a tar and adhesive dissolver in citrus-based decontamination products
Is Ethyl Lactate a VOC?
Yes. Ethyl Lactate is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Ethyl Lactate on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Ethyl Lactate is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Ethyl Lactate biodegradable?
Yes. Ethyl Lactate has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

1 product contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.