EWG Safety Score
Lactose products at Skintique
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What Is Lactose?
Lactose is a disaccharide (sugar made of two molecules) and the principal sugar found in milk. When ingested, it serves as an energy source with a low glycemic index. It also aids in calcium absorption, though after infancy in humans, it becomes more difficult to metabolize, resulting in lactose intolerance for many people.
Applied topically, as with other sugars, lactose serves as a humectant, a type of ingredient that attracts water to skin, giving it a plump, dewy look. Humectants serve as building block ingredients for most moisturizers.
The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review Board has ruled lactose safe to use, with no instances of irritation or sensitization, in amounts up to 2.48%. In its raw form, lactose is a white or slightly yellow powder. It's common to see lactose in a blend with other humectants such as lactic acid and glycerin.
Note that because this ingredient is typically animal-derived, it isn't considered vegan.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Foods, May 2022, ePublication Foods, 2022
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International Journal of Toxicology, May/June 2019, pages 5S-38S International Journal of Toxicology, 2019
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Journal of Dairy Science, November 1984, Pages 2654-2679 Journal of Dairy Science, 1984
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UL Prospector, Website, Accessed March 2024 UL Prospector, 2024
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Cosmile Europe, Website, Accessed March 2024 Cosmile Europe, 2024
From the Clinic
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Lactobacillus/Coconut Fruit Juice Ferment Filtrate
Result of combining lactobacillus bacteria + coconut juice Blend starts a fermentation process that releases natural sugars
Lactobacillus/Rye Flour Ferment
Non-living probiotic made by fermenting rye flour with Lactobacillus Works as a humectant to draw and hold moisture to skin
Lactoperoxidase
Natural enzyme derived from milk Also found in human saliva and mucosal systems
Larix Europaea Wood Extract
A plant-derived humectant from European larch that helps skin retain moisture
Lauric …
Fatty acid derivatives that condition skin and support moisture retention
Laurus Nobilis Leaf Water
A plant-derived hydrating ingredient from bay laurel leaves with traditional skin-conditioning properties
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