The ingredient, explained
Lactose
Lactose has a published cosmetic safety assessment.
Ingredient guide
What it is and what it does
Lactose
About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗
- Humectant
- Helps attract and retain moisture.
- Skin conditioning
- A broad cosmetic role for maintaining skin condition. It does not identify a particular clinical benefit.
Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗
Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.
A closer look
What the research shows
Safety assessment
The report reviews animal and clinical evidence for the listed sugars and related ingredients in cosmetics.
What this does not tell us
The group conclusion relies partly on extrapolation from other listed ingredients and oral safety history. It is not proof of topical skin benefits or unrestricted safety.
Sources for this summary. DOI 10.1177/1091581818814189 ↗
Research review checked Oct 1, 2026
Selective screening of 4 local candidates and reuse of the final primary report after checking its explicit exact member list.
Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.
Read the 1 selected study
Safety assessment
Safety Assessment of Monosaccharides, Disaccharides, and Related Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics. ↗
International journal of toxicology · 2019
Follow the formula
Products containing this ingredient
From the wider catalogue. Linked by the ingredient list, without an efficacy ranking.
Names and identifiers
Registry identity
Lactose
- INCI name on ingredient lists
- LACTOSE
- CAS registry number
- 63-42-3
- EC number
- 200-559-2
Other recorded names (1)
- lactosum
Sources for this ingredient record
- EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗ · ODbL 1.0 (Open Beauty Facts database) · Recorded Aug 8, 2026