Ammonium Lactate
AKA “515-98-0, LacHydrin, ammonium 2-hydroxypropanoate, Amlactin, Laclotion, Kerasal AL, Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, monoammonium salt, 52003-58-4, Lac hydrin”
Humectant
Ingredient Facts
Ammonium lactate
AKA: 515-98-0, LacHydrin, Ammonium 2-hydroxypropanoate, Amlactin, Laclotion, Kerasal AL, Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, Monoammonium salt, 52003-58-4, Lac hydrin
Humectant · Humectant · EWG: 5
Synthetic
Rx Active
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Chemical Exfoliant
Not Clean
Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, ammonium salt
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
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR