murphyAmmonium Lactate
AKA: 515-98-0, LacHydrin, Ammonium 2-hydroxypropanoate, Amlactin, Laclotion, Kerasal AL, Propanoic acid, Monoammonium salt, 52003-58-4, Lac hydrin
Synthetic
Rx Active
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
OriginAmmonium lactate is synthesized from lactic acid, an organic compound derived from carbohydrate fermentation or chemical synthesis. The lactic acid is neutralized with ammonia to form the ammonium salt through acid-base reaction.
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)
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Uneven Texture
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
5
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
2 studies / 2 not sensitizing (CIR 34)
Not Phototoxic
Product formulation test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 34)
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating (CIR 34)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
8 studies / 6 irritating / 2 not irritating / reactions minimal to moderate / plus 1 case report (CIR 34)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.0003–0.06%
Rinse-off0.0064–0.032%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2013 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR