Humectant

Ammonium Lactate

INCI: AMMONIUM LACTATE
CAS 515-98-0 EC 208-214-8
Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, ammonium salt
Limited Data
Insufficient safety data available. Consider enriching this ingredient.
Details

Description

Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, ammonium salt

Purpose

Function

Buffering; humectant; keratolytic; skin conditioning; exfoliant (AHA salt)
Profile

Properties

Silicone
Silicone free
Compliance

Regulatory Status

EU
Permitted
Safety
GOOD
US
Permitted
Absorptionmoderate
Sensitizationlow
MoSadequate
ConcernLow
Flags
jecfa_safe
Verdict

Photosensitivity increase — sunscreen recommended; stinging on compromised or broken skin; at 12% it crosses into drug territory (FDA).

US Note

Permitted — CIR safe as used; FDA also approves 12% cream as OTC drug for xerosis/ichthyosis (dual cosmetic/drug status)

Assessment

Ratings

Comedogenic0/5
LowHigh
Irritancy0/5
LowHigh
Reference

Identifiers

CAS Number
515-98-0
EC Number
208-214-8
INCI
AMMONIUM LACTATE
Category
Humectant
Updated
Apr 2, 2026