Ammonium Lactate
AKA “LacHydrin, ammonium 2-hydroxypropanoate, Amlactin, Laclotion, Kerasal AL, Propanoic acid, monoammonium salt, Lac hydrin”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Ammonium lactate
AKA: LacHydrin, Ammonium 2-hydroxypropanoate, Amlactin, Laclotion, Kerasal AL, Propanoic acid, Monoammonium salt, Lac hydrin
Synthetic · Humectant · EWG: 5
Synthetic
Rx Active
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Chemical Exfoliant
Synthetic
Clean
Ammonium Lactate gently exfoliates dead skin cells while locking in moisture. It helps smooth texture and improve skin clarity without over-drying.
Formula
C3H9NO3
Mol. Weight
107.11
CAS #
515-98-0
Form
Liquid
State
Ammonium lactate appears as white solid or liquid. Has no odor. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)
See origin →
Functions
Buffering
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Keratolytic
A pharmaceutical-grade active. These are the heavy hitters — often prescription-strength or regulated for potency.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
Lactic acid has historical roots in fermented foods and was traditionally used for skin care; the ammonium salt form was developed in the 20th century as a gentler AHA alternative. Used in modern skincare for mild exfoliation and hydration.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Uneven Texture
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR