Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle

AMMONIUM LACTATE.

Valuable CAS 515-98-0 / BUFFERING, HUMECTANT, KERATOLYTIC, SKIN CONDITIONING

Ammonium lactate is a potent alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derivative, acting as both a humectant and a keratolytic agent. It effectively enhances skin hydration, refines texture, and promotes healthy cellular turnover.

buffering moisturizer/humectant

Science

As a humectant, it attracts and binds water within the stratum corneum, significantly increasing moisture levels. Its keratolytic properties reduce corneocyte cohesion, facilitating exfoliation and accelerating cellular replacement, while also stimulating ceramide and glycosaminoglycan synthesis.


Research

High confidence
Effective range 12–12%
Optimal

12%

Key findings

  1. 01 Jenkins, M. E., et al. (1990). 'Ammonium lactate lotion 12% as a moisturizer in the treatment of xerosis.'
  2. 02 Oreate AI Blog / clinical observations referenced in dermatological literature (e.g., Lavker et al., 1992)
  3. 03 Biometrix Clinical Research (2002), PMID: 11978141

Transparency

Not commonly dusted

Ammonium Lactate is a well-established active ingredient with significant clinical efficacy, making it unlikely to be used in 'dusting' concentrations.


The Formula

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 4.5 – 5.5
0 7 14

Stability

Highly water-soluble and stable within an acidic pH range of 4.5-6.0, which is crucial for maintaining efficacy and preventing ammonia release.

Conflicts

  • Strong bases
  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Highly alkaline ingredients

Safety

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
10%
Sensitization risk Low

CIR deems it safe for consumer use at concentrations up to 10% with a pH of 3.5 or greater. FDA has also approved 12% concentrations for prescription and OTC treatments.


Your Skin

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Valuable

Ammonium Lactate is a valuable ingredient, clinically proven to effectively hydrate, exfoliate, and improve skin texture, particularly beneficial for dry and rough skin conditions.


Related

Finding similar ingredients…