Amlactin Daily vs Intensive Healing (The Definitive Guide)

So, you've decided you want to try one of Amlactin's best-selling lotions, but you can't quite figure out what the differences are? We've all been there, don't worry!

Come with us as we compare the Amlactin Daily Nourish Lotion (formerly Daily Moisturizing Lotion) vs Amlactin Intensive Healing Lotion (formerly Rapid Relief Lotion) side-by-side to help you decide which is right for you. Enjoy!

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Amlactin Daily Nourish vs Amlactin Intensive Healing

2024 update: AmLactin has rebranded their Rapid Relief Lotion as the Intensive Healing Lotion and their Daily Moisturizing Lotion is now Daily Nourish. It seems like a relatively superficial update, though, as the ingredients lists haven't changed much - if at all.

Those striving for soft, supple skin may think that the cardinal rule for achieving such results is to moisturize (over and over and over). However, exfoliation is just as—if not more—important than moisturizing. Thus, finding a cream or lotion that has exfoliating agents is crucial.

Enter: AmLactin, a brand that specializes in exfoliating moisturizers. The key ingredient in all their products? Lactic acid, a gentle alpha-hydroxy acid that sloughs away dead skin cells. Moreover, their impressive lineup has varying percentages of lactic acid in each formula.

So, before you decide to purchase one of their moisturizers for yourself, let’s discuss the differences between two of their most popular products: AmLactin Daily Nourish Lotion 12% Lactic Acid and AmLactin Intensive Healing Lotion 15% Lactic Acid.

First, we’d like to touch on who would benefit from AmLactin’s moisturizers the most. If you’re like me and have keratosis pilaris—a (harmless yet unsightly) condition where the skin produces too much keratin and clogs hair follicles—then this is the perfect formula for you. AmLactin is also ideal for those with dry, normal, and mature skin types. However, for those with skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema, we recommend consulting your doctor before using AmLactin.

Further, AmLactin warns that mild stinging or irritation might occur should their lotions be used on sensitive or broken skin. And though it might be tempting to use their lactic acid moisturizer(s) on the face, they advise against it. Lastly, given that their products contain alpha-hydroxy acids—which make the skin more photosensitive—sunscreen is a must after each use.

Now, as suggested by its name, AmLactin’s Daily Nourish Lotion is gentle enough for daily use with a lactic acid concentration of 12%. This lightweight, non-greasy solution aims to jumpstart skin’s cell renewal process to reveal softer, nourished, and more radiant skin. (And don’t forget to shake the bottle well before applying!)

AmLactin’s Intensive Healing Lotion is also fine for everyday use, but with a higher concentration of 15% lactic acid, it packs a harder punch exfoliation-wise. So, for those with severely flaky, ashy skin, you’ll want to choose this one. Rest assured, though, as it’s made with three ceramides to lock in moisture as it works to clear dead skin from the surface.

Pricewise, both formulas have similar costs online: the Daily Nourish Lotion is ~$14 for a 7.9oz bottle while the Intensive Healing Lotion is ~$15 for a 7.9oz bottle.

Though the formulations of both lotions are similar, the distinctions are rather clear-cut. Both will address issues related to dryness, but at different degrees of strength and lactic acid potency.

According to a July 2021 report from The Derm Review, AmLactin’s brand is cruelty-free and vegan. Though lactic acid is often sourced from dairy, their brand takes the plant-based route when sourcing their AHAs. Furthermore, we’re confident that AmLactin is a brand you’ll feel good about using—and look even better after doing so.

This article was originally published on November 5th 2022, but it has been reviewed and updated with the latest available information on February 14th 2024 by Sara Mckay, MA.