Fermented milk product – source of lactic acid, lactose, proteins, calcium. In cosmetics it works as a mild humectant with a gentle exfoliating effect from lactate. Avoid in milk-protein allergic patients. Pregnancy-safe.
Topical application
DVery weak or conflicting data.
A mild humectant with a touch of lactic acid acting as a gentle AHA. No standalone brightening or anti-aging activity at RCT-level evidence. Traffic light YELLOW.
Yogurt as an INCI is fermented whole or skim milk in which lactic-acid bacteria (usually Lactobacillus bulgaricus + Streptococcus thermophilus) have turned part of the lactose into lactic acid. The end product contains milk proteins (casein, whey), lactose, calcium, 0.5-1% lactic acid, and inactivated bacterial cells. INCI: Yogurt. In cosmetics it works as a mild humectant and a mask component. The lactic acid in the composition works as a gentle AHA – it gives a light exfoliating effect and maintains a physiological pH of 3.5-4.5. Milk proteins hold water and form a thin film as the product dries. Calcium is considered a potential signal for keratinocyte barrier differentiation, but clinical confirmation on skin is limited. Folk medicine vs. reality. In folk cosmetology yogurt is used as a simple brightening or after-sun soothing mask. The real effect is modest: humectant plus mild AHA at pH ~4.5. This is not comparable to professional formulas with 5-10% glycolic or lactic acid. Stability in formula. Fresh yogurt is unstable and spoils in days. Cosmetic formulas use a preserved and stabilized fraction or only the dry portion (see Yogurt Powder). Use levels are 1-10%. Pregnancy safety. Topical use is safe. Systemic absorption is absent. No teratogenic effects. Skin tolerance. For most users the irritation potential is low. Allergen risk is medium – patients with confirmed IgE allergy to milk proteins (β-lactoglobulin, casein), more common in children, may react. These patients should choose formulas without dairy derivatives. Non-comedogenic.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
ModeratePregnancy
SafeSuitable for
Yogurt is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Yogurt suits: normal, dry, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive.
Fermented milk product – source of lactic acid, lactose, proteins, calcium.
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
The INCI name is Yogurt. It may also appear as: Yoghurt, Йогурт, Йогуртовая основа.
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Use with caution