Common Name(s): Trimethylsilyl trimethylsiloxy lactate,trimethylsilyl trimethylsiloxy lactate,silyl-protected hydroxy acid,controlled-release active
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides controlled-release lactic acid from trimethylsilyl ester hydrolysis in the sc, delivering the active acid at a sustained low concentration that reduces irritancy while maintaining efficacy.
Why It's Used: Trimethylsilyl trimethylsiloxy lactate is selected for its silyl-protection strategy — the trimethylsilyl groups provide a lipophilic prodrug that penetrates the sc more efficiently than the free acid, then releases lactic acid upon enzymatic hydrolysis for reduced-irritancy sustained exfoliation.
How It Works: Trimethylsilyl ester → sc esterase hydrolysis → lactic acid release at sc depth; silyl protection: neutral lipophilic molecule → superior sc penetration vs ionised free acid.
Typically Found In: Gentle exfoliation,sensitive skin
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–3%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Silyl-protected acid delivery achieves deeper sc delivery than free acid — the neutral silyl ester penetrates further before hydrolysis than the ionised acid that partially distributes in the aqueous sc.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,trimethylsilyl trimethylsiloxy lact silyl-protected acid delivery review