Category: topical
Aliases: α-hydroxypropanoic acid, AmLactin (ammonium lactate)
Three-carbon α-hydroxy acid and a natural component of the skin's natural moisturising factor (NMF). Larger and more polar than glycolic acid — slower stratum-corneum penetration, less irritating per unit concentration, and with a notable humectant/hydrating effect beyond pure exfoliation. Disrupts corneodesmosome cohesion for desquamation, stimulates ceramide synthesis in the stratum granulosum (reason for the xerosis/ichthyosis indication), and promotes dermal GAG/collagen deposition with chronic use.