Yogurt
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.
Evidence by route
Topical application
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.
- Tang SC, Yang JH. Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin. Molecules 2018;23:863. PMID 23040863
How to read tiers A–F
- DNo data, or very weak or conflicting data
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Moderate
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination
- Use with caution
- Sensitive
About this ingredient
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is Yogurt safe during pregnancy?
Yogurt is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Yogurt for?
Yogurt suits: normal, dry, combination. Use with caution in: sensitive.
What is Yogurt and what does it do in cosmetics?
Fermented milk product – source of lactic acid, lactose, proteins, calcium.
Is Yogurt comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Yogurt?
The INCI name is Yogurt. It may also appear as: Yoghurt.
See Yogurt in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
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Yogurt Powder, Zea Mays (Corn) Kernel Extract, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Chia Seed Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Lanolin Alcohol, Potassium Lactate
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