Index / AmLactin / Daily Moisturizing Lotion 12%
AmLactin

Daily Moisturizing Lotion 12%.

AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Lotion 12%
Moisturizers

About this product

A drugstore body lotion with 12% lactic acid that exfoliates and hydrates to smooth rough, bumpy skin, often used for keratosis pilaris.

Best for

Dry skin
Moisturizers

The Guru Index verdict

72%

Approved

Approved · 72%
9Reviewers
8Approved
1Mixed
0Skip
#24 in Best Moisturizers

What the gurus are saying

Gurus consistently praise AmLactin as an affordable, evidence-backed workhorse for body texture issues like keratosis pilaris and crepey skin, with clinical backing for its skin-thickening benefits. The overwhelming consensus drawback is its pungent chemical smell, which some find deal-breaking while others consider a minor trade-off. Most note it can sting or tingle on sensitive or irritated skin and is better suited to body than face, though a few reviewers split on personal tolerance. The formula itself earns widespread approval for its lightweight, non-greasy feel and genuine exfoliating power.
Synthesized from 9 expert reviews

Key actives & flags

Fragrance-freeAlcohol-free

Full ingredients

Water (Aqua), Ammonium Lactate, Mineral Oil, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Steareth-21, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Steareth-2, Stearyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate

Every take, in full

What the gurus are saying.

Every take we've logged from this product's reviews across YouTube. Click any row to watch the moment they said it.

All takes Approved only Skip only Mixed only Hide sponsored
Approved
"If you want more of a traditional exfoliating body lotion, the AmLactin with 12% ammonium lactate is my go-to. It's affordable and it has that higher concentration of lactic acid, so you're going to get exfoliating smoothing and skin thickening benefits. Fair warning, it has a slightly sour smell, which some people don't notice at all, but some people will not be able to get past. But if it doesn't bother you, this is a tried and true affordable option for skin anti-aging and glowiness."
All 2 takes from Dr. Sam Ellis
How to Fix Dull, Crepey Body Skin | Firm Glowing Skin Tricks | Dr. Sam Ellis
"If you want more of a traditional exfoliating body lotion, the AmLactin with 12% ammonium lactate is my go-to. It's affordable and it has that higher concentration of lactic acid, so you're going to get exfoliating smoothing and skin thickening benefits. Fair warning, it has a slightly sour smell, which some people don't notice at all, but some people will not be able to get past. But if it doesn't bother you, this is a tried and true affordable option for skin anti-aging and glowiness."
Stop Dullness: How to Use AHAs for Real Radiance | Dr. Sam Ellis
"Even though I like amlactin for your body, aside from the kind of nasty smell, and that's very personal, when it comes to face, I don't really like a lactic acid lotion, I prefer it in serum form."
~Mixed
"This smells really bad. It smells so bad. Like really bad. I mean, it's not like horrible, but it like it smells bad. Like lactic acid just doesn't smell good. It has that like chemically like almost sulfuric like I just got some on my nose scent to it. The formula is like nice enough. It's like it's kind of like a gel somewhere between like a gel and a cream moisturizer. So, it glides really nicely on the skin. It's described as non-greasy and lightweight. I would agree with that. And to be honest with you, it did a pretty decent job. Like it was gentle enough, but it definitely like exfoliated well. So, it's actually quite nice. But like because the scent is so nasty, I actually think that I'm going to stop using exfoliating moisturizers."
Approved
"The AmLactin Daily Nourish 12% Body Lotion is a fragrance-free lotion that they often have a great deal on at Costco if you catch them on a good day. Moisturizers such as this that contain greater than 12% lactic acid or ammonium lactate, in the case of AmLactin which is a salt of lactic acid, have been shown to improve the thickness of the epidermis and the dermis, showing promise for helping to improve the appearance of crepey skin, thicken the skin, and have even been shown to be helpful for reducing dermal atrophy related to inappropriate use of topical steroids. In other words, this is a topical that can help to thicken the skin. The ammonium lactate, aka lactic acid, is also wonderful for exfoliating the surface of the skin. Great if you have keratosis pilaris, dry rough elbows, dry rough knees. This fragrance-free lotion is an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve the appearance of dry, rough skin on the body, improve the look of aging skin, thicken the skin. It can be used on the face, but it is more likely to burn, sting, and possibly cause irritation there. So, I suggest doing a test spot first. Also, keep in mind lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid. They can make you a bit more susceptible to sunburn. So, make sure you're wearing sunscreen. If you continue using it every single night, you end up a lot more prone to getting blisters, which nobody wants, because it's really good at smoothing out the top dead layer of the skin. So, just be mindful of that."
All 9 takes from Dr Dray
Dermatologist Shops Costco Best Anti Aging and Korean Skincare
"This is underrated. Once you get over the aroma, which does not linger, okay? And the reason you have that aroma is because they're not backing down and putting fragrance in this and turning it into a scented nightmare. The lactic acid hydrates and exfoliates and with long-term use can help improve the thickness of the epidermis and the dermis for firmer skin. This is going to help actually firm the skin, crepey skin. Now, it's not going to replace loss of volume. So if you have loose skin like after weight loss, no cream is going to address that. That is a surgical issue at that point. But this will have a firming effect."
Dermatologist Reviews the Most Purchased Skincare of 2025
"The AmLactin Daily Nourish 12% Body Lotion is a fragrance-free lotion that they often have a great deal on at Costco if you catch them on a good day. Moisturizers such as this that contain greater than 12% lactic acid or ammonium lactate, in the case of AmLactin which is a salt of lactic acid, have been shown to improve the thickness of the epidermis and the dermis, showing promise for helping to improve the appearance of crepey skin, thicken the skin, and have even been shown to be helpful for reducing dermal atrophy related to inappropriate use of topical steroids. In other words, this is a topical that can help to thicken the skin. The ammonium lactate, aka lactic acid, is also wonderful for exfoliating the surface of the skin. Great if you have keratosis pilaris, dry rough elbows, dry rough knees. This fragrance-free lotion is an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve the appearance of dry, rough skin on the body, improve the look of aging skin, thicken the skin. It can be used on the face, but it is more likely to burn, sting, and possibly cause irritation there. So, I suggest doing a test spot first. Also, keep in mind lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid. They can make you a bit more susceptible to sunburn. So, make sure you're wearing sunscreen. If you continue using it every single night, you end up a lot more prone to getting blisters, which nobody wants, because it's really good at smoothing out the top dead layer of the skin. So, just be mindful of that."
Dermatologist Q&A: Sulfur for Acne, Sunscreen & Beards
"The AmLactin lotion I did not like. I just finished that."
Skincare Science: Unmasking the Truth About Ingredients
"For example, 12% and higher ammonium lactate or the salt of lactic acid can help to improve collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin. AmLactin lotion, glycolic acid peels used in office, game changer for a lot of skin concerns, hyperpigmentation, collagen production. They are definitely evidence-based. Another benefit of alpha hydroxy acids is that they help also with moisture retention in the skin."
*BEST* Skincare For Scars: Dermatologist's Picks
"12% or higher lactic acid in AmLactin shows promise for improving not just the surface change but also the deeper layers of the skin specifically with regards to wrinkles and could potentially also help soften the rough sloping of a depressed scar."
*NEW* Anti-aging Skincare At Costco | November 2023
"AmLactin is underrated, very good for softening and exfoliating dry skin, keratosis pilaris, and it also may help improve slightly the appearance of sun damage and help to lighten age spots. Its lactic acid can help exfoliate gently. Now if you have irritated skin be careful when you put this on, it will burn and sting, so this is one to not necessarily use if you have atopic dermatitis and you are in the throes of a flare because it will burn and sting. But that being said, it's really good if your eczema has gotten thickened and discolored. Lactic acid's great for them."
I Tried Remedy Skin By Dr. Shah SO YOU DON"T HAVE TO
"It's a thick, rich cream but it's not greasy. It's a very lightweight, very hydrating formulation, so it is the perfect consistency as a summer moisturizer. It looks, feels, and smells exactly like AmLactin lotion, so if you have used AmLactin and enjoyed using that, you will enjoy the experience of this product. It offers many similar benefits with the exception of the fact that this particular product also has retinol in it, which is something you may be interested in pursuing to improve the visible signs of skin aging. The formulation and ingredients tackle some of the visible signs of skin aging. For that reason, it is a great product if you are looking to brighten up and improve the look of sun damage and photoaging on the backs of the hands, the chest, the sides of the neck. It's a really good formula. I don't have any problem with it. It doesn't peel, it doesn't leave the skin feeling filmy or greasy. I really liked it."
7 WAYS TO HYDRATE YOUR SKIN THIS SUMMER | Dermatologist Tips
"I highly suggest checking out AmLactin lotion, it is ammonium lactate, okay, lactic acid body lotion that is highly underrated for improving the moisture content of the skin. It's a great option if you are trying to improve moisture content in your skin on your body as it relates to maybe keratosis pilaris."
Signs Of Low Estrogen In Women: What Your Skin And Hair Are Trying To Tell You
"AmLactin lotion with 12% lactic acid is a relatively inexpensive, generally well tolerated lotion that you could apply to the skin that not only can help improve the thickness of the epidermis, which declines with age and with menopause and with estrogen deficiency, but also can tackle the dermis and improve dermal thickness. Moisturizers with alpha hydroxy acids may help improve collagen production, specifically 12% or higher lactic acids such as what is found in AmLactin lotion."
Approved
"She can use something like AmLactin, which is a lactic acid body moisturizer. Um, you can get it at like CVS, Walgreens."
Approved
"AmLactin is mainly used for that rough bumpy skin that you can get on the backs of your arms because it works as an exfoliant and so it helps to clear those bumps and the research into lactic acid also shows that it helps with ceramide production in the skin. When I first started using it I would get like a little bit tingly when I would put it on. If this is going to be a little too spicy for you and a little bit too tingly, you can get the AMAC instead which is a lactic acid, another alpha hydroxy acid that's going to do all the same things as this, it's just going to be a little bit milder and a little bit gentler on your skin."
Approved
"Moisturizers with lactic acid such as AmLactin act as a humectant and an exfoliant. It's effective in treating dry, rough, and scaly skin conditions."
Approved
"AmLactin uses lactic acid to help exfoliate. I like that brand a lot. Apply that at bedtime when your skin's slightly damp and it's going to help soften either the thick skin on the elbows and knees or the keratin plugs of keratosis pilaris."
All 2 takes from Dr. Daniel Sugai
Dermatologist Reviews: Essentials in your Winter Skincare Routine!
"AmLactin is a great moisturizer to put on damp skin if you have keratosis pilaris. It has lactic acids, so it's good to consider for those bumps on the back of the arms, especially in wintertime when they become more obvious. Though sometimes people can find it's a little too much with the lactic acid."
How to Upgrade your Nighttime Skincare Routine!
"AmLactin uses lactic acid to help exfoliate. I like that brand a lot. Apply that at bedtime when your skin's slightly damp and it's going to help soften either the thick skin on the elbows and knees or the keratin plugs of keratosis pilaris."
Approved
"AmLactin is an over-the-counter lactic acid moisturizer that you can find at your drugstore. It is very very easy to use."
All 3 takes from Dr. Shereene Idriss
Body Skincare: Eczema, Keratosis Pilaris, Acne, & Anti-Aging! | Dr. Shereene Idriss
"AmLactin is one that you can get in any Duane Reade CVS or like over-the-counter pharmacy. It has lactic acid in it. It doesn't smell the best, but with the 12% lactic acid it is very efficacious and it has ceramides to help fortify hydration, which is great."
Dirty Skin? Dark Underarms? How to Prevent & Treat Acanthosis Nigracans | Dr. Shereene Idriss
"AmLactin is an over-the-counter lactic acid moisturizer that you can find at your drugstore. It is very very easy to use."
Best Body Care for Eczema, Dry Skin, Acne, Keratosis Pilaris, & Anti-aging! | Dr. Shereene Idriss
"If you however prefer to exfoliate while moisturizing, AmLactin has a 12% lactic acid moisturizer. It doesn't smell the best though, so if you're looking for any sort of aroma therapy it's not going to come from this, but this will help keep things smooth in the long run."
Approved
"AmLactin makes a great lactic acid based moisturizer that I love for keratosis pilaris but also great would be great options for your hands and fingernails and those ingredients are also really going to be helpful if you are prone to getting dryness and fissures of your fingertips as well as getting like thickened buildup of dead skin on your hands because of the frequent hand washing and dryness just be mindful because lactic acid or alpha hydroxy acid based moisturizers can cause some temporary burning sensation when there are micro tears in your skin so maybe not the most ideal to use if you actually have cracked and fissured fingertips."
All 2 takes from Dr. Jenny Liu
Nail care tips from a dermatologist | Dr. Jenny Liu
"AmLactin makes a great lactic acid based moisturizer that I love for keratosis pilaris but also great would be great options for your hands and fingernails and those ingredients are also really going to be helpful if you are prone to getting dryness and fissures of your fingertips as well as getting like thickened buildup of dead skin on your hands because of the frequent hand washing and dryness just be mindful because lactic acid or alpha hydroxy acid based moisturizers can cause some temporary burning sensation when there are micro tears in your skin so maybe not the most ideal to use if you actually have cracked and fissured fingertips."
Lightening & Preventing DARK UNDERARMS | Dr. Jenny Liu
"If you have mild acanthosis nigricans, one of the most effective things you can try over the counter is ammonium lactate based moisturizer, so for example AmLactin, it also contains one that's 12% which can be more irritating but it can also be effective. What is happening here is the exfoliation from the lactic acid helps to reduce the thickening of the acanthosis nigricans, which is essentially what it is. But it takes time and you want to be careful because it can be irritating, so you certainly don't want to have secondary hyperpigmentation from the irritation."
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