What Is Ammonium lactate?
Ammonium lactate is a substance that can be used in cosmetics to help keep products stable and moisturize the skin. It can also help to gently exfoliate the skin and improve its overall texture. Ammonium lactate looks like a white solid or liquid, doesn't have any smell, and is made from lactic acid which is found in things like milk. It's also sometimes taken internally to help prevent stomach problems caused by too much fermentation.
What is the purpose of Ammonium lactate in personal care products?
It is used for its buffering
, humectant, keratolytic, and skin conditioning characteristics.
Ammonium lactate regulates the pH balance, prevents drying, eliminates dead surface-level skin cells, and moisturizes and strengthens skin.
Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Ammonium Lactate, Ammonium 2-hydroxypropanoate, (±)-Ammonium lactate, "Lactic acid, monoammonium salt", and "Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, ammonium salt".
What Are Buffering Ingredients?
Ammonium lactate has buffering characteristics.
Buffering ingredients helps regulate and maintain the pH balance of cosmetic products. The pH scale is a method used to determine a mixture's acidity or alkalinity level. Our skin's natural pH balance helps it stay healthy and function properly. When cosmetic products are applied to the skin, they can alter the pH balance, potentially causing irritation or other adverse effects.
Buffering ingredients neutralize or adjust the pH of cosmetic products to match that of the skin, which helps minimize the risk of irritation or damage. By maintaining a consistent pH balance, buffering ingredients can also improve the stability and effectiveness of a product's active ingredients.
Types of Buffering Ingredients
Here are some of the most common types of buffering ingredients:
Alkalis: These have a high pH and are used to neutralize acids. They help maintain the product's pH within a desired range.
Acids: These have a low pH and are used to neutralize alkalis. They help maintain the cosmetic product's pH within a desired range.
Salts: These are formed when an acid and a base (alkali) are mixed. They help maintain the cosmetic product's stability by preventing changes in pH caused by external factors such as heat or exposure to air.
What Are Humectant Ingredients?
Ammonium lactate has humectant characteristics.
Humectants can be found in many products, such as foods, medicines, and personal care products. The primary role of humectants in these products is to prevent them from drying out, which helps to maintain their texture, quality, and effectiveness.
Many different types of humectants are used in cosmetic products, including glycerin, hyaluronic acid, propylene glycol, and urea. Each ingredient has a slightly different chemical structure, offering various skin benefits also. When applied to the skin, humectants draw in moisture from the surrounding environment and help lock it in, keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized while helping improve its texture and appearance.
In food products, humectants play a crucial role in preventing foods from drying out, especially in packaged or processed foods. Examples of common humectants used in food include glycerin, sorbitol, and propylene glycol. These ingredients help to maintain the moisture content of the food, thereby improving its texture and prolonging its shelf life.
Humectants are also commonly used in medicines and other pharmaceutical products. They help to retain moisture in tablets and capsules, which prevents them from breaking down or becoming less effective over time.
What Are Keratolytic Ingredients?
Ammonium lactate has keratolytic characteristics.
Keratolytic ingredients are commonly found in cosmetic products like creams, lotions, and exfoliating scrubs. These ingredients have a unique ability to help eliminate dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface of our skin.
The stratum corneum (surface layer of skin) contains dead skin cells that provide a protective barrier. Over time, these dead cells can build up and cause our skin to look dull and rough. Keratolytic ingredients break down the bonds holding dead skin cells together. When these bonds are weakened, the dead cells are more easily shed from the skin's surface. This process helps to reveal smoother, brighter skin and can also help to unclog pores, preventing breakouts.
Some common keratolytic ingredients in cosmetic products include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid, and enzymes like papain and bromelain.
What Are Skin Conditioning Ingredients?
Ammonium lactate has skin conditioning characteristics.
Skin conditioning ingredients improve the texture, feel, and overall appearance of the skin, helping to avoid harmful effects from external factors. Skin conditioning ingredients moisturize the skin and strengthen its natural barrier function to help protect it from damage caused by harsh weather and sunlight. Some skin conditioning ingredients are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce redness and irritated skin.
Safety
Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.