From the FDA Drug Label
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid. It is a normal constituent of tissues and blood. The alpha-hydroxy acids (and their salts) may act as humectants when applied to the skin. This property may influence hydration of the stratum corneum. In addition, lactic acid, when applied to the skin, may act to decrease corneocyte cohesion. The mechanism(s) by which this is accomplished is not yet known.
The mechanism of action of ammonium lactate for treating keratosis pilaris is thought to be related to its properties as a humectant, which may influence hydration of the stratum corneum, and its ability to decrease corneocyte cohesion. However, the exact mechanism by which this is accomplished is not yet known 1.
- Key points:
- Ammonium lactate is an alpha-hydroxy acid
- May act as a humectant when applied to the skin
- May decrease corneocyte cohesion
- Exact mechanism not yet known
From the Research
Ammonium lactate treats keratosis pilaris by combining two active components that address the condition's underlying causes, with the lactic acid component acting as an alpha hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin, and the ammonium component helping maintain the skin's pH balance while the lactate portion provides moisturizing benefits. The mechanism of action of ammonium lactate for treating keratosis pilaris involves the exfoliation of the skin, which helps to unclog hair follicles and remove dead skin cells that contribute to the formation of the characteristic rough bumps of keratosis pilaris 2. This is achieved through the alpha hydroxy acid properties of the lactic acid component, which gently dissolves the excess keratin buildup that forms the rough bumps. Additionally, the ammonium component helps to maintain the skin's pH balance, while the lactate portion provides moisturizing benefits, improving skin hydration 3.
Key Points
- Ammonium lactate is a topical treatment that combines lactic acid and ammonium components to address the underlying causes of keratosis pilaris
- The lactic acid component acts as an alpha hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin, dissolving excess keratin buildup and unclogging hair follicles
- The ammonium component helps maintain the skin's pH balance, while the lactate portion provides moisturizing benefits, improving skin hydration
- Typical formulations include 12% ammonium lactate lotion or cream, applied once or twice daily to affected areas
- Improvement typically requires consistent use for 4-6 weeks, and the treatment may need to be continued long-term as keratosis pilaris tends to recur when treatment is stopped 4
Treatment Recommendations
- Apply 12% ammonium lactate lotion or cream once or twice daily to affected areas
- Apply the medication after bathing when skin is slightly damp to enhance absorption
- Continue treatment for at least 4-6 weeks to see improvement, and consider long-term use to prevent recurrence of keratosis pilaris 5