AmLactin Daily Nourish 12% Lactic Acid Lotion
Summary
AmLactin Daily Nourish 12% Lactic Acid scores 38/100. The active — 12% lactic acid — is one of the most effective evidence-based AHA exfoliants for keratosis pilaris (chicken-skin bumps) and rough/dry skin. That clinical benefit is real and not easily replicated by cleaner brands at the same intensity. However, the carrier base has not been modernized: it still contains both methylparaben and propylparaben (EU restricts propylparaben use), synthetic fragrance, propylene glycol, and mineral oil. Cleaner exfoliant alternatives exist (Naturium Lactic Acid 12%, First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser) but at higher price points. Effective for its therapeutic purpose; carrier system is dated.
At a glance
Key ingredients 22
WaterNeutral
Solvent base. Inert and necessary for formulation.
See more about Water →Lactic Acid (12%)Good
Alpha-hydroxy acid exfoliant. Gold-standard active for keratosis pilaris, hyperkeratosis, and rough/dry skin. Lactic acid is a naturally occurring component of skin's acid mantle and is well-tolerated at properly buffered concentrations.
See more about Lactic Acid (12%) →Ammonium LactateGood
Buffered form of lactic acid; reduces stinging while preserving efficacy. Native to skin's natural moisturizing factor.
See more about Ammonium Lactate →Propylene GlycolBad
Petroleum-derived humectant. Common irritant and allergen, especially with frequent application. Cleaner brands use glycerin alone.
See more about Propylene Glycol →GlycerinGood
Humectant that draws water into the skin; offsets alcohol's drying effect. Safe, well-tolerated, and biodegradable.
See more about Glycerin →Mineral Oil
Petroleum-derived occlusive emollient. Cosmetic-grade is inert but petroleum-sourced.
See more about Mineral Oil →Cetearyl AlcoholNeutral
Fatty alcohol thickener.
See more about Cetearyl Alcohol →Glyceryl Stearate SENeutral
Self-emulsifying blend.
See more about Glyceryl Stearate SE →PEG-100 Stearate
PEG-derived emulsifier; possible 1,4-dioxane contamination depending on purification.
See more about PEG-100 Stearate →Ceteareth-20
Ethoxylated emulsifier; possible 1,4-dioxane contamination.
See more about Ceteareth-20 →PanthenolGood
Pro-vitamin B5; humectant and barrier-supportive.
See more about Panthenol →Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)Very Good
Multi-benefit barrier-supportive active.
See more about Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) →Dimethicone
Silicone emollient. Inert on skin; environmentally persistent.
See more about Dimethicone →Sodium HyaluronateGood
Effective humectant.
See more about Sodium Hyaluronate →UreaGood
Natural skin humectant and mild keratolytic.
See more about Urea →Magnesium Aluminum SilicateNeutral
Mineral thickener; inert.
See more about Magnesium Aluminum Silicate →Behentrimonium MethosulfateNeutral
Conditioning agent.
See more about Behentrimonium Methosulfate →Glycine Soja (Soybean) OilGood
Plant-derived emollient.
See more about Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil →MethylcelluloseNeutral
Plant-derived thickener.
See more about Methylcellulose →Fragrance (Parfum)Very Bad
Undisclosed fragrance blend — can contain dozens of unlisted synthetic chemicals including phthalates and known allergens. A major contributor to contact dermatitis and one of the most common reasons hand sanitizers irritate sensitive skin.
See more about Fragrance (Parfum) →MethylparabenVery Bad
Paraben preservative classified as a potential endocrine disruptor (weak estrogenic activity). Restricted/banned in several European jurisdictions for use in personal-care products. Cleaner alternatives (phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate) are widely available.
See more about Methylparaben →PropylparabenVery Bad
Longer-chain paraben with stronger estrogenic activity than methylparaben. Banned by the EU's SCCS at concentrations above 0.14% and increasingly avoided industry-wide. Its continued use in AmLactin reflects a non-reformulated legacy product.
See more about Propylparaben →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.
Download on theApp Store