Rate My SPF

Potassium Lactate

What Potassium Lactate is & what it does

A salt of lactic acid and part of the skin's natural moisturizing factor, used as a humectant and mild pH buffer. It hydrates and balances.

Is Potassium Lactate safe in skincare?

Potassium Lactate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and is the potassium salt of lactic acid. It is commonly used as a humectant and to help adjust the pH of a formula. As with any ingredient, those with sensitive skin should review the full product and patch test if needed.

What does Potassium Lactate do in skincare?

Potassium Lactate works mainly as a humectant, helping skin hold onto water, and can also serve as a pH adjuster and part of a buffering system. As a lactate salt, it is related to skin's own natural moisturizing factor components. This makes it useful for supporting hydration and formula stability.

Is Potassium Lactate vegan?

Potassium Lactate used in cosmetics is typically produced by fermentation of plant-based sugars and neutralization with a potassium source, which makes it suitable for vegan formulas. However, the lactic acid it is derived from can in principle come from various sources, so a brand's vegan claim is the most reliable confirmation. Checking the product's certification is the best way to be sure.

Sunscreens with Potassium Lactate

We rate 9 sunscreens that contain it:

← All ingredients