INTRODUCTION
Xerotic and hyperkeratotic skin conditions represent a substantial proportion of dermatologic consultations and are associated with both physical discomfort and psychosocial burden. These conditions encompass a wide spectrum of disorders, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, ichthyosis vulgaris, keratosis pilaris, and age-related xerosis.1,2
Keratinizing disorders are characterized by impaired epidermal turnover and reduced stratum corneum hydration, resulting in scaling and roughness. These changes are associated with reduced natural moisturizing factor (NMF) activity and impaired water-binding capacity.3,4 Altered desquamation contributes to retention of corneocytes and visible scaling.5
Standard emollients improve symptoms of dryness but often provide only transient benefit in chronic xerotic conditions.6 In contrast, ammonium lactate, a pH-balanced source of L-lactic acid, acts through both humectant and corneodesmolytic mechanisms, supporting moisture regulation while promoting epidermal renewal.
While the mechanistic basis of ammonium lactate has been explored in detail elsewhere, the present review focuses on its clinical application across a range of dermatologic conditions, with emphasis on treatment selection, patient outcomes, and real-world use.
This therapy provides a biomimetic, single-ingredient approach to the management of xerotic skin that is consistent with physiological processes such as moisture regulation and epidermal renewal (Figure 1).
Ammonium lactate is widely accessible across both prescription and over-the-counter settings in various formulations. It may be used as part of routine dermatologic care, both as an initial intervention and as part of longer-term treatment strategies.
Ammonium Lactate's Mechanism of Action in Xerotic Skin
The clinical relevance of ammonium lactate lies in its ability to support hydration and normalize corneocyte turnover within the stratum corneum (Figure 1). As a humectant, it enhances water retention, improving skin flexibility and reducing roughness. In parallel, its corneodesmolytic activity promotes desquamation, reducing scale and smoothing the skin surface. It may also support aspects of lipid
Keratinizing disorders are characterized by impaired epidermal turnover and reduced stratum corneum hydration, resulting in scaling and roughness. These changes are associated with reduced natural moisturizing factor (NMF) activity and impaired water-binding capacity.3,4 Altered desquamation contributes to retention of corneocytes and visible scaling.5
Standard emollients improve symptoms of dryness but often provide only transient benefit in chronic xerotic conditions.6 In contrast, ammonium lactate, a pH-balanced source of L-lactic acid, acts through both humectant and corneodesmolytic mechanisms, supporting moisture regulation while promoting epidermal renewal.
While the mechanistic basis of ammonium lactate has been explored in detail elsewhere, the present review focuses on its clinical application across a range of dermatologic conditions, with emphasis on treatment selection, patient outcomes, and real-world use.
This therapy provides a biomimetic, single-ingredient approach to the management of xerotic skin that is consistent with physiological processes such as moisture regulation and epidermal renewal (Figure 1).
Ammonium lactate is widely accessible across both prescription and over-the-counter settings in various formulations. It may be used as part of routine dermatologic care, both as an initial intervention and as part of longer-term treatment strategies.
Ammonium Lactate's Mechanism of Action in Xerotic Skin
The clinical relevance of ammonium lactate lies in its ability to support hydration and normalize corneocyte turnover within the stratum corneum (Figure 1). As a humectant, it enhances water retention, improving skin flexibility and reducing roughness. In parallel, its corneodesmolytic activity promotes desquamation, reducing scale and smoothing the skin surface. It may also support aspects of lipid
