The Truth About AmLactin's Daily Nourish 5% Lactic Acid
If you’re wondering whether this is a good product to buy, then you’ve clicked on the right post!
In this post, I’ll explain what it can and can’t do, compare it to other lactic acid products from AmLactin, and help you decide whether to buy this one or another option.
This product contains three derivatives of lactic acid: ammonium lactate, potassium lactate, and sodium lactate.
Together, these derivatives equal 5% lactic acid, with ammonium lactate being the highest concentration. AmLactin products consistently use ammonium lactate in high concentrations, which is where the name AmLactin comes from.
Now, let’s dive into what this product can and can’t do by discussing lactic acid in detail.
What the Product Can Do:
Lactic acid belongs to a class of skincare ingredients called alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs, such as lactic acid, mandelic acid, and glycolic acid, are exfoliating agents.
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead, unwanted cells from the skin’s surface.
While most of these cells naturally shed, some cling together and form a thin layer that can thicken over time if not properly exfoliated. This leads to dry, flaky skin and other concerns.
Regular cleansing isn’t enough to remove these tightly bonded cells, which is why exfoliating agents like lactic acid are important.
Lactic acid targets and breaks the bonds between these cells, allowing them to fall off and reveal smoother skin underneath.
Face vs. Body: We often hear about exfoliating the face, but many people forget to exfoliate their body, where dry, flaky skin is more common.
AmLactin’s Daily Nourish Lotion is formulated primarily for the body, though it can be used on the face if needed. However, there may be better options for facial exfoliation.
Hydration: In addition to exfoliating, lactic acid is a humectant, meaning it attracts water to the surface of the skin, keeping it hydrated.
It also boosts the production of ceramides, which strengthen the skin’s barrier, helping to retain moisture and reduce breakouts.
This product contains three additional ceramides to further reinforce the skin’s barrier.
Emollients: The lotion also includes emollients, which form a thin layer on the skin to prevent moisture from evaporating.
This ensures that the hydration provided by the lactic acid stays locked in.
In summary, this product will:
Gently exfoliate the skin
Add hydration
Strengthen the skin’s barrier
Help retain moisture
However, remember that the product contains only 5% lactic acid, which is on the lower end of the required concentration for full benefits.
Higher concentrations (around 5-10%) are typically needed for lactic acid to perform optimally.
What the Product Can’t Do:
Because it only contains 5% lactic acid, this lotion won’t be as effective for certain skin concerns like keratosis pilaris (those small red bumps on the skin). For those, the 12% or 15% lactic acid products from AmLactin are more effective.
If your skin is very dry, flaky, or thick with bumps, these higher concentrations will also work better than the 5% version.
Who Is This Product For?
Sensitive Skin: If you have sensitive skin, this product may be a good option, as the 12% and 15% versions may be too harsh. If you have keratosis pilaris and sensitive skin, it’s best to consult a dermatologist to find the right balance.
Mild Dryness or Flakiness: If your skin is mildly dry, flaky, or dehydrated with a few bumps here and there (but not keratosis pilaris), this product will work, albeit more slowly than the higher-strength versions.
Daily Maintenance: If your skin is generally in good condition and you’re looking for a daily maintenance product, you can use this lotion 2-3 times a week. Since it contains an exfoliating agent, it’s best to alternate with a regular body lotion on the other days to avoid over-exfoliating.
What to Consider if You Don’t Have Sensitive Skin:
Keratosis Pilaris: If you have keratosis pilaris, go for the 15% lactic acid lotion from Amlactin.
General Dryness: Even if you don’t have keratosis pilaris but struggle with dry, flaky, or bumpy skin, I’d recommend the 15% version, as it contains some great ingredients for treating these concerns.
Tip-Top Skin: If your skin is in great condition and you just need a maintenance lotion, the choice between the 12% or 5% lactic acid products will depend on how prone your skin is to dryness. Regardless, you should only use these exfoliating products 2-3 times a week, alternating with a regular body lotion.
Below is a video on my YouTube channel about this - The Truth About AmLactin's Daily Nourish 5% Lactic Acid
