Ammonium lactate is the ammonium salt of lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid used to hydrate skin and promote exfoliation of the stratum corneum. It is commonly used to treat dry, scaly skin conditions such as xerosis and ichthyosis.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stinging or burning on application | Common | Especially on broken or freshly shaved skin; usually transient. |
| Mild erythema (redness) | Common | Often resolves with continued use. |
| Dryness, peeling, or irritation | Uncommon | May occur particularly at higher concentrations (e.g., 12%). |
| Increased sun sensitivity | Uncommon | As with AHAs; sunscreen use is advised. |
| Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction | Rare | Hypersensitivity to the product is possible. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.