What it does
A gentle alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the surface while also hydrating, smoothing texture and brightening the look of dull skin with less sting than glycolic acid.
Best for
Dry, sensitive, or dull skin that wants gentle resurfacing plus hydration. Best used at night.
What is lactic acid?
Lactic acid is a gentle alpha hydroxy acid derived from milk sugars. It exfoliates the skin surface to smooth texture and brighten dullness, but it does so more gently than glycolic acid, and it hydrates at the same time.
That gentle, hydrating profile makes it the go-to AHA for dry and sensitive skin.
What does lactic acid do for skin?
Lactic acid resurfaces and hydrates at once, improving the look of texture and dullness with low irritation.
Alpha hydroxy acids exfoliate the surface and improve the appearance of texture, and lactic acid adds a mild hydrating effect.
It is gentler than glycolic acid, so it is the better first AHA for reactive skin. Use it at night, start slowly, and follow with morning sunscreen.
Who should use lactic acid?
Lactic acid suits dry, sensitive, or dull skin that wants smoothing without the sting of stronger acids. Normal to oily skin chasing maximum resurfacing may prefer glycolic acid.
Evidence
Alpha hydroxy acids like lactic acid exfoliate the surface and improve the appearance of texture, and lactic acid also supports hydration.
Read the source: Molecules: Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin (2018) ->
