AmLactin Daily Nourish Lotion, formerly sold as Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion, delivers 12% lactic acid as ammonium lactate in a simple, fragrance-free base with mineral oil and glycerin. It exfoliates and moisturizes at once, and is a long-running recommendation for rough, dry and bumpy skin such as keratosis pilaris. Dermatologist Dr Dray covers it in her review of every AmLactin lotion, alongside the stronger 15% formulas. It can sting on broken or freshly shaved skin, and as an AHA it raises sun sensitivity, so sunscreen is needed on treated areas.

Best for

Keratosis pilaris and rough, bumpy arms or legs
Very dry, flaky skin on the body
Budget-conscious shoppers who want a proven AHA

What we love

12% lactic acid exfoliates and moisturizes in one step
Fragrance-, dye-, paraben- and phthalate-free
Large bottle for under $20
Widely recommended for keratosis pilaris and very dry skin

Worth knowing

Can sting on sensitive, broken or freshly shaved skin
Increases sun sensitivity, so sunscreen is required
Some users dislike its ammonia-like smell
Results fade if daily use stops

How it scored

The breakdown.

Five factors, weighted for formulas. Here’s our working.

8.4Great

Beauty score out of 10. Brands can’t pay for placement — ever.

Results30%8.6
A 12% lactic acid lotion is a well-established over-the-counter approach to smoothing rough, dry and bumpy skin, and the brand calls the 12% lactic acid clinically proven.
Formula & ingredients20%8.2
A meaningful 12% lactic acid dose in a short, fragrance-free and paraben-free base, though the mineral oil and dimethicone base is basic.
Texture & experience15%7.0
The brand calls it lightweight and non-greasy, but the label warns of stinging on sensitive or broken skin, and some Reddit users are put off by an ammonia-like smell from the ammonium lactate.
Value20%9.0
$19.99 for 14.1 oz on the brand site is inexpensive for a high-strength exfoliating body lotion.
Community love15%8.6
A longtime staple on skincare Reddit for rough, dry and crepey body skin, recently boosted again by TikTok, with smell and sun sensitivity the usual complaints.

Beauty profile

Inside the bottle.

Texture

Lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-greasy lotion (brand description)

Format

Body lotion

Fragrance

Fragrance-free

Size

14.1 oz

Key ingredients

Ingredient encyclopedia →

What’s in it: 12% lactic acid delivered as ammonium lactate, pH-balanced, in a base of mineral oil, glycerin, dimethicone and fatty alcohols.

How to use

Shake well and apply twice daily or as directed by a physician; use sunscreen on treated skin.

Free from (brand-stated)

fragrance
dyes
parabens
phthalates

Claims & certifications

Fragrance-free
Paraben-free
Cruelty-free (brand-stated)

Full ingredient list (INCI)12 ingredients · key actives highlighted · as listed by the brand

Water,
Ammonium Lactate,
Mineral Oil,
Glycerin,
Cetearyl Alcohol,
Dimethicone,
Glyceryl Stearate SE,
Steareth-2,
Stearyl Alcohol,
Xanthan Gum,
Phenoxyethanol,
Ethylhexylglycerin

Formulas change. Always check the packaging, and patch-test if your skin is reactive.

Official product page

Creator video reviews

Watch it in action.

Real reviews, try-ons and wear tests from independent creators — verified with TikTok and YouTube and labelled when sponsored.

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What people say

Straight from the source.

Verbatim from Reddit, forums, blogs and the beauty press — linked, so you can read the whole thread.

5 verbatim quotes · 3 positive · 2 mixed

r/30PlusSkinCare

Amlactin lotion is extremely effective. Get the 12% lactic acid version to start. It can increase sun sensitivity, si be diligent with sunscreen.

u/inacharmedlife777r/30PlusSkinCare · 2026-095Source

r/SkincareAddiction

AmLactin. Every time I stray, I always find my way back to you and remember what it's like to have baby soft arms, legs, and bum.

u/cascocamelr/SkincareAddiction · 2026-0912Source

r/30PlusSkinCare

You can also use Amlactin 12 or 15% for long-term, modest improvement. Sunscreen forever.

u/AskPennilynLottr/30PlusSkinCare · 2026-0925Source

r/30PlusSkinCare

Amlactin is a beast for elbows and knees. But I wouldn't apply it to inflamed, rashy skin.

u/AskPennilynLottr/30PlusSkinCare · 2026-095Source

r/30PlusSkinCare

Active ingredient in Amlactin is ammonium lactate, combination of lactic acid and ammonium hydroxide. The latter is used in hair dye, and ammonia is a result of decomposed urea in the cat urine. So it checks out.

u/moody_moder/30PlusSkinCare · 2026-095Source

Price & value

Is it worth it?

Typical price

$19.99

for 14.1 oz

DrugstoreMid-rangePrestigeLuxury

About 13% less than the typical body we review. Our value score: 9.0/10 for a drugstore pick.

Price checked November 2026 at a non-Amazon retailer. Prices change — retailers show the current one.

Where to buy

Check price on Amazon Buy from the brand$19.99 ◎See it at Target

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never affects our scores or what we recommend. How we make money

Community

What members noticed.

Ratings, skin types and the benefits people actually saw — logged on the Benefit Wheel.

No member ratings yet.

Tried it? Your score — and your skin or hair type — helps the next person decide.

Highlighted: what it’s built to do.

Discussion

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FAQ

Good questions.

Is this the same as AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Lotion?

AmLactin now sells its 12% lactic acid daily lotion as Daily Nourish Lotion, and some retailers still list it under the older Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion name. The brand notes it recently upgraded its formulations, so check the ingredient list on the package.

Does AmLactin sting?

It can. AmLactin warns that mild stinging or irritation may occur on sensitive or broken skin and to stop use if it persists.

Do I need sunscreen with AmLactin?

Yes. It contains an alpha hydroxy acid, and the brand advises sunscreen, protective clothing and limited sun exposure while using it and for a week afterward.

How often should I apply it?

AmLactin directs users to shake well and apply twice daily or as directed by a physician.

Sources we checked (5)