SkinAtlas
Ingredient library / Ammonium Lactate
Exfoliant ingredient

Ammonium Lactate

The ammonium salt of lactic acid, used as a mild keratolytic exfoliant and humectant in intensive moisturizing creams.

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Benefits

  • ✓Mild AHA exfoliation via reduced corneocyte cohesion
  • ✓Humectant, natural-moisturizing-factor hydration
  • ✓Buffers formula pH

Watch for

  • ⚠CIR-assessed safe up to 10% at final formulation pH
  • ⚠Sun sensitivity common to AHAs

Compatibility

× Use with care
× Retinol× Retinal

In depth

What it does

The ammonium salt of lactic acid, used as a mild keratolytic exfoliant and humectant in intensive moisturizing creams. As an exfoliant ingredient, it is particularly valued for mild aha exfoliation via reduced corneocyte cohesion, humectant, natural-moisturizing-factor hydration, and buffers formula ph.

Skin type guide

Ammonium Lactate is a potent active that requires a careful introduction. Oily and combination skin types tend to tolerate it well; sensitive skin types should start with a lower frequency and patch test first.

How to use it

Best used in your PM routine. Chemical exfoliants make skin more sun-sensitive, so daily SPF is essential when using them. Avoid layering multiple exfoliants in the same routine.

At a glance
CategoryExfoliant
IrritancyModerate–high
Beginner-friendlyUse care
In your routine

Generally well-tolerated and easy to layer.

Found in 0 products

Common questions

What should I avoid combining with Ammonium Lactate?

Take care when layering Ammonium Lactate with Retinol and Retinal. These combinations can reduce each other's effectiveness, increase the risk of irritation, or destabilise the formula. When in doubt, use them in separate routines (e.g. one in AM, one in PM).