From the Guidelines
Ammonium lactate is a recommended treatment for dry skin, as it helps to restore the skin's natural moisture barrier and reduce dryness and irritation. According to the most recent evidence, moisturizers, including ammonium lactate, play a crucial role in managing dry skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, by minimizing transepidermal water loss and improving stratum corneum hydration 1.
Key Points to Consider
- Ammonium lactate is available in concentrations of 12% (prescription strength) or lower (OTC) and can be applied once or twice daily to affected areas after bathing when skin is still slightly damp.
- The dual action of ammonium lactate, which includes breaking down rough, dry skin and drawing moisture into the skin, helps to restore the skin's natural moisture barrier.
- Some people may experience mild stinging, redness, or irritation when first using ammonium lactate, which typically subsides with continued use.
- It is essential to avoid applying ammonium lactate to broken, irritated skin or immediately after shaving, and to wait 15-20 minutes between applications if using other skin products.
Important Considerations
- For severe dry skin conditions, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist who may recommend a higher concentration or combination therapy.
- The use of moisturizers, including ammonium lactate, can help to reduce signs, symptoms, and inflammation in dry skin conditions, and can improve the overall management of these conditions 1.
- The most recent evidence suggests that moisturizers are an integral part of nearly all dry skin management plans, and can be used as monotherapy in mild cases or as part of a comprehensive regimen with pharmacologic treatments 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Ammonium Lactate Lotion is indicated for the treatment of dry, scaly skin (xerosis) and ichthyosis vulgaris and for temporary relief of itching associated with these conditions.
- Indication: Ammonium lactate is indicated for the treatment of dry, scaly skin (xerosis).
- Use: It is used for the treatment of dry skin, providing temporary relief of itching associated with this condition 2.
From the Research
Ammonium Lactate for Dry Skin
- Ammonium lactate is used for the treatment of xerosis, with different degrees of success, as compared to urea in a study published in the American journal of clinical dermatology 3.
- A randomized, double-blind, bilateral paired comparison study was conducted involving 25 men and women who were undergoing treatment for moderate to severe xerosis, and results indicated that clinical observation ratings by patients and investigators, as well as instrument measures, show differences between the two treatments 3.
- Most measures show that improvement is achieved in less time with 40% urea cream than with 12% ammonium lactate lotion, with the 40% urea cream being superior to the 12% ammonium lactate lotion as measured by skin roughness, fissure reduction, thickness and dryness on day 14 of treatment 3.
Benefits of Ammonium Lactate
- Ammonium lactate has been shown to produce an increase in the thickness of epidermis and increased amounts of dermal glycosaminoglycans, and may be useful in mitigating the adverse effects of corticosteroid on skin 4.
- Topical ammonium lactate can minimize cutaneous atrophy produced by a potent topical corticosteroid, without any influence on the bioavailability or antiinflammatory properties of the corticosteroid 4.
Comparison with Other Treatments
- Urea is a potent emollient and keratolytic agent, making it an effective monotherapy for conditions associated with dry and scaly skin, and has been reported to be effective for the treatment of ichthyosis, xerosis, atopic dermatitis/eczema, and other conditions 5.
- Urea has been used with other medications as a penetration enhancing agent, and is a safe and tolerable topical drug without systemic toxicity 5.
- Topical omega-3 fatty acids have been compared to topical sodium hyaluronate after corneal crosslinking, and were found to increase tear film stability more prominently than sodium hyaluronate, but this study is not directly related to the use of ammonium lactate for dry skin 6.