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.
Check our best Ammonium Lactate prices
AmLactin Pack, Geri-Hydrolac
Ammonium lactate
Used as an exfoliant or emollient. Prescription ammonium lactate treats dry skin (xerosis) or dry, scaly, thick skin (ichthyosis vulgaris).
Emollient, keratolytic, humectant, alpha-hydroxy acid
Cream, lotion
On the skin
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).
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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)
AmLactin, Advantice Health
Ammonium lactate cream prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Ammonium lactate lotion prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
Ammonium lactate skin cream, Cleveland Clinic
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Blog articles are not medical advice. They are intended for general informational purposes and are not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.
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© 2025 SingleCare Administrators. All rights reserved