FlavScents AInsights Entry for Laevo-Menthyl Lactate (CAS: 59259-38-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Laevo-menthyl lactate
• IUPAC Name: (1R,2S,5R)-2-isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexyl 2-hydroxypropanoate
• CAS Number: 59259-38-0
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C13H24O3
• Molecular Weight: 228.33 g/mol

Laevo-menthyl lactate is a single chemical compound characterized by its menthol backbone esterified with lactic acid. The presence of the hydroxyl group and ester linkage contributes to its cooling sensation and mild minty aroma, which are significant for its use in flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Laevo-menthyl lactate is known for its cooling effect, which is less intense than menthol but more prolonged. It imparts a mild minty aroma with a subtle sweetness, making it suitable for applications where a gentle cooling sensation is desired without the overpowering intensity of menthol. The compound is often used as a modifier to enhance freshness and provide a cooling effect in both flavors and fragrances.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Laevo-menthyl lactate does not occur naturally and is typically synthesized through the esterification of menthol with lactic acid. This synthetic pathway allows for controlled production of the compound, ensuring consistency in its cooling properties. Its synthetic origin means it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under most regulatory frameworks.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Laevo-menthyl lactate is used in a variety of flavor applications, particularly in confectionery, oral care products, and beverages where a cooling effect is desired. It serves as a functional cooling agent, providing a refreshing sensation without the intense minty flavor of menthol. Typical use levels in finished products range from 10 to 100 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product matrix. It is stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade at high temperatures or extreme pH levels.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrances, laevo-menthyl lactate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, cooling sensation. It is commonly used in personal care products, such as lotions and creams, as well as in air fresheners and other household products. The compound acts as a modifier, enhancing the freshness of floral and citrus notes. Typical concentration ranges from 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations, contributing primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Laevo-menthyl lactate is not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS but is used under general flavoring principles.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; use is subject to general safety assessments.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Limited specific data; generally follows international safety assessments.
• Latin America: Usage is typically aligned with international standards, though specific national regulations may vary.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Laevo-menthyl lactate is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications at typical use levels. Oral exposure through flavor use is generally low, with no specific ADI or MSDI established, but it is used within industry-typical safety margins. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is well-tolerated, with low potential for irritation or sensitization, aligning with IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, posing low occupational risk.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Laevo-menthyl lactate is prized for its ability to provide a cooling effect without the intense minty aroma of menthol, making it versatile in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with citrus and floral notes, enhancing freshness. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an undesirable waxy note. It is often underutilized in applications where a subtle cooling effect is beneficial.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on laevo-menthyl lactate is well-established in terms of its sensory properties and safety profile. However, specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological data are less documented, relying on general industry practices and safety assessments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1–9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-08-31 20:06:24 GMT (p2)