What does Ammonium Lactate do for the skin?

Ammonium Lactate acts as both a humectant and an exfoliant. It helps to moisturize the skin by attracting water and gently removes dead skin cells, leading to smoother, more hydrated skin.

Does Ammonium Lactate make skin more sensitive to the sun?

Yes, as an AHA, Ammonium Lactate can increase skin's sensitivity to the sun. It is crucial to use sunscreen daily when using products containing this ingredient.

Can Ammonium Lactate be used on sensitive skin?

Individuals with sensitive skin should introduce Ammonium Lactate gradually and perform a patch test, as it can cause irritation, redness, or stinging, especially at higher concentrations.

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Ammonium Lactate

Ammonium Lactate is a salt of lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It functions as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin, and as an exfoliant, helping to shed dead skin cells. This dual action can improve skin texture, hydration, and reduce roughness.

AhaAlpha hydroxy acid (AHA)

BenefitStrong 3.5 / 4

Texture i3.5 / 4

Whether it can improve smoothness and surface texture — roughness, flaking, clogged pores, or unevenness. Exfoliating acids, retinoids, and smoothing moisturizers may score here.

Hydration i3 / 4

Whether the ingredient helps increase the skin’s water content — humectants that attract water, ingredients that reduce water loss, or ones that make skin feel less dry.

RiskHigh 2.5 / 4

Irritation i2.5 / 4

Risk of short-term irritation — stinging, burning, dryness, redness, or discomfort. Common for strong actives, acids, retinoids, fragrances, and harsh surfactants.

Sensitization i1.5 / 4

Risk of allergic contact dermatitis or immune-based reactions. Fragrance allergens, preservatives, botanicals, and some dyes may score here.

Systemic exposure i0.5 / 4

Whether it has meaningful potential to be absorbed into the body at levels that may matter biologically. Most cosmetic ingredients score low unless there is known concern or high exposure.

Rated by SpottyLabs' ingredient methodology, independent of brands.

What it helps with

exfoliates dead skin cells
improves skin hydration
smooths rough skin
enhances skin texture

Things to watch

can cause irritation
increases sun sensitivity

Be careful combining with

Retinoid — Combining with retinoids can increase the risk of irritation and sensitivity due to enhanced exfoliation.
Vitamin C — Using with Vitamin C may reduce the effectiveness of Vitamin C and increase irritation, especially with L-Ascorbic Acid.

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Frequently asked questions

What does Ammonium Lactate do for the skin?: Ammonium Lactate acts as both a humectant and an exfoliant. It helps to moisturize the skin by attracting water and gently removes dead skin cells, leading to smoother, more hydrated skin.
Does Ammonium Lactate make skin more sensitive to the sun?: Yes, as an AHA, Ammonium Lactate can increase skin's sensitivity to the sun. It is crucial to use sunscreen daily when using products containing this ingredient.
Can Ammonium Lactate be used on sensitive skin?: Individuals with sensitive skin should introduce Ammonium Lactate gradually and perform a patch test, as it can cause irritation, redness, or stinging, especially at higher concentrations.