Lactose
Ingredient Info
Lactose is a natural sugar found in milk, composed of two simpler sugars (galactose and glucose). In skincare, it's used as a humectant and texture ingredient to help retain moisture and create a smooth feel in formulations.
Benefits
- Helps skin retain moisture
- Provides smooth texture in products
- Natural origin ingredient
Potential concerns
- May trigger reactions in people with cow's milk protein allergies (distinct from lactose intolerance)
- Can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
- Not suitable for those with milk allergies
Science: Lactose itself is generally well-tolerated in topical skincare since it's applied to skin rather than ingested. However, research shows that people with cow's milk sensitivity may also react to milk-derived ingredients including lactose; approximately 70% of people with lactose intolerance showed IgE-mediated sensitization to milk proteins. Limited peer-reviewed data exists specifically on lactose's safety profile in cosmetic formulations.
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