Topical lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, is used in lotions such as ammonium lactate to treat dry, scaly skin by loosening dead skin cells and attracting moisture.

Is it true that topical lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, is used in lotions such as ammonium lactate to treat dry, scaly skin by loosening dead skin cells and attracting moisture?

Unclear. Several sources partially support the claim: a Cleveland Clinic drug page says ammonium lactate treats dry, scaly skin by increasing moisture, and dermatology reviews confirm topical alpha hydroxy acids including lactic acid accelerate corneocyte detachment and improve stratum corneum hydration. No retrieved item covers the full claim, since none states that lactic acid in ammonium lactate lotion works by both loosening dead skin cells and attracting moisture.

Verdict: PARTIAL LEAN · 4 sources for, 0 against · Last checked 2 Oct 2026

The private library was unavailable for some searches in this check. Missing library results are not evidence against the claim.

E, D. (2025). The Effectiveness of Topical Keratolytics (Alpha Hydroxy Acids/Beta Hydroxy Acids/Urea) in Treating Keratosis Pilaris: A Review of the Literature.. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.100507

Ammonium Lactate Cream: Uses & Side Effects. (n.d.). my.clevelandclinic.org. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19510-ammonium-lactate-skin-cream

Kunde, O. (2018). Treatment of multiple skin concerns with an alpha hydroxy acid superficial skin peel. doi.org. https://doi.org/10.12968/joan.2018.7.5.260

Ａｌｐｈａ‐Ｈｙｄｒｏｘｙ Ａｃｉｄｓ（ＡＨＡｓ）の皮膚に対する薬理作用. (n.d.). cir.nii.ac.jp. https://doi.org/10.2336/nishinihonhifu.63.221