Lactobionic acid is a polyhydroxy acid derived from lactose that gently exfoliates the skin surface while attracting and binding water. It also offers humectant and antioxidant properties and is generally well tolerated, including by sensitive skin.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild transient stinging or tingling | Common | Brief sensation on application, especially at higher concentrations |
Skin redness or irritation | Uncommon | More likely with frequent use or compromised skin barrier |
Dryness or peeling | Uncommon | Related to exfoliating action with overuse |
Increased photosensitivity | Rare | PHAs cause less sun sensitivity than AHAs, but sunscreen use is advised |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated hypersensitivity reactions reported |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.