Lactose

Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk. In cosmetics, it primarily functions as a humectant, helping to attract and retain moisture in the skin. It can also act as a mild exfoliant or a carrier for other ingredients, depending on the formulation.

BenefitMinimal 1.2 / 4

Hydration i1.5 / 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.

Texture i0.5 / 4

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

RiskVery low 0 / 4

Rated by SpottyLabs' ingredient methodology, independent of brands.

What it helps with

• Humectant properties
• Mild exfoliation