What is Ammonium Lactate: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Ammonium lactate is a chemical version of lactic acid, a substance naturally found in skin tissues. Like lactic acid, ammonium lactate is added to moisturizing creams and lotions to help skin tissues hold in water and slough off dead skin from the surface. Both prescription and over-the-counter ammonium lactate creams and lotions are used twice daily on problem skin.

Ammonium Lactate overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • AmLactin Pack, Geri-Hydrolac

Generic Names:

  • Ammonium lactate

Uses:

  • Used as an exfoliant or emollient. Prescription ammonium lactate treats dry skin (xerosis) or dry, scaly, thick skin (ichthyosis vulgaris).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Emollient, keratolytic, humectant, alpha-hydroxy acid

Forms:

  • Cream, lotion

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin

What is Ammonium Lactate used for?

Over-the-counter topical ammonium lactate products help improve skin appearance or remedy dry, itchy, or thick skin. Dermatologists use ammonium lactate to treat dry skin (xerosis) or thick, scaly skin (ichthyosis vulgaris).

What form(s) does Ammonium Lactate come in

  • Cream

    • 5% lactic acid

    • 7% lactic acid

    • 12% lactic acid

    • 15% lactic acid

  • Lotion

    • 5% lactic acid

    • 7% lactic acid

    • 12% lactic acid

    • 15% lactic acid

What are common Ammonium Lactate doses?

  • For daily exfoliation (OTC): Apply to the affected skin twice daily

  • For dry, flaky skin, keratosis pilaris, crepe firming, or rough, dry feet (OTC): Apply to the affected skin twice daily

  • For xerosis or ichthyosis vulgaris (Rx): Apply and rub into the affected skin twice daily

Common Ammonium Lactate prescriptions

  • Ammonium Lactate
    225gm of 12% bottle

  • Ammonium Lactate
    227gm of 12% bottle

  • Ammonium Lactate
    385gm of 12% bottle

  • Ammonium Lactate
    400gm of 12% bottle

  • Ammonium Lactate
    140gm of 12% tube

  • Ammonium Lactate
    385gm of 12% tube

  • Ammonium Lactate
    140gm of 12% tube of cream

How to take Ammonium Lactate

  • Follow the instructions on the packaging or any directions given by a healthcare provider.

  • This medicine is for use on the skin only.

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after use.

  • Shake the lotion well just before each use.

  • Apply a thin layer of the medicine to the affected area and gently rub it into the skin. 

  • Store ammonium lactate cream or lotion in a closed container at room temperature. Avoid exposure to excessive heat.

What to do if you miss a dose of Ammonium Lactate

  • Take a missed dose when remembered.

  • Don’t apply two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

  • Only apply the cream or lotion twice per day.

Ammonium Lactate contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. 

  • Do not use ammonium lactate creams or lotions if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the product.

Ammonium Lactate warnings

  • Before using ammonium lactate, talk to a healthcare professional first if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or are frequently exposed to sunlight.

  • Ammonium lactate may cause burning or tingling if applied to the skin with cracks or fissures or that has been recently shaved. Try to avoid applying ammonium lactate to skin with cracks or cuts.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen and minimize sun exposure for at least one week after applying ammonium lactate cream or lotion.

  • Be cautious when using topical ammonium lactate on the face because it might cause irritation. Additionally, the face is the part of the body most commonly exposed to the sun, so there’s a risk of sunburn. 

  • Don’t let ammonium lactate get in your eyes, mouth, or lips. 

  • Do not use prescription ammonium lactate to treat any skin problem the doctor has not examined.

  • When using prescription ammonium lactate, call the doctor if symptoms do not improve or worsen.

Ammonium Lactate interactions

  • Ammonium lactate does not have any known drug interactions.

  • Even so, tell any doctor or other healthcare professional treating you if you are using ammonium lactate regularly before they prescribe any new medications.

Ammonium Lactate side effects

Serious side effects

Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, skin rash, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat

Less serious side effects

  • Temporary stinging or burning of treated skin areas

  • Redness

  • Peeling

  • Increased risk of sunburn

  • Dryness

  • Eczema

  • Changes in skin color

  • Red skin dots (petechiae)

Sources:

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