Last Updated on February 25, 2025 by Doris Jean
Skincare methods are now a lot more expansive than the plain old cleansing -toning- moisturizing. There are a plethora of products available for use today. But, to get the desired results, you must use them in a certain order.
In this article, we are going to tell you about the amazing benefits of lactic acid and how you can correctly incorporate it into your routine. We know that when you hear lactic acid, you immediately think of the stuff that is part of dairy products like yogurt or milk.
Though this is not a very far-fetched assumption, we believe that to use a product properly, you must understand it completely. Hence, we shall start with the basics.
What is Lactic Acid
Aha! No, we don’t mean the expression. Lactic acid is part of the Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHAs) family. AHAs are plant and animal-derived acids that are commonly found in cosmetic products.
They have a variety of uses, and Lactic Acid is on the popular bandwagon now. Do not get alarmed by the use of the word ‘acid’ here. Lactic Acid is, in reality, very mild and works very well as an exfoliator.
Additionally, unlike most other AHAs, it is safe to be used even by individuals who have sensitive or acne-prone skin. Other commonly found AHAs are Glycolic, Malic, Citric, Mandelic, and Tartaric acids.
You may have chanced upon these names in one or other of your beauty products. This is because apart from being used individually, many cosmetics use these acids in their products.
Why Should You Use Lactic Acid
Interestingly, lactic acid occurs naturally in our bodies and is also found in many food products. However, to reap its full benefits to the skin, it must be applied topically.
Before you jump on to using it, you ought to know what this magic serum can do for your skin. Here are some benefits of using Lactic Acid.
You May Also Like:
Exfoliation
Like all cells in our body, skin cells also die out to be replaced by newer cells. However, these dead cells often cling on and refuse to leave, making our skin look darker and duller.
Exfoliation is basically the process of ridding your skin of these dead buddies and bringing out a natural sheen. It is usually done with the help of an exfoliating agent spread onto one’s fingers and subsequently massaged onto the face or other areas in a gentle, circular motion.
Lactic Acid is a great exfoliator, and it works by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin and newer cells together. This immediately brightens your skin while also making it smoother and softer.
Hydration
We all know that the easiest yet most powerful tool for good health and great skin is hydration. All skincare experts go on and on about how you should constantly water your skin (not literally).
But it is not always easy nor practical to keep gulping down gallons of water. Hence, you use products that hydrate your skin. Lactic acid is one such miracle worker.
It adds to the skin’s natural moisture making it feel moisturized. In this way, by reducing dryness, lactic acid protects your skin against aging (premature or otherwise).
No Fine Lines
Boundaries are important but not on your skin! One of the major problems people face today is the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin, which can make you look so much older than you actually are.
Using lactic acid makes the skin firmer and thicker. This results in a smoother appearance and significantly fewer fine lines and wrinkles. It does this by stimulating the production of collagen which is a fiber that keeps skin firm.
Acne
Dead skin is our enemy here again as it is one of the main causes that lead to the breakout of acne. Due to its keratolytic (breaking bonds) ability, lactic acid clears the skin’s surface and releases clogged pores.
It is also a strong deterrent against the future occurrence of acne which is a blessing for so many who suffer from it.
Frontliner
Lactic acid is on the frontline of the fight against unhealthy skin, and it helps by exfoliating the skin evenly. This means that other products that you use can finally get to your skin and begin working their magic.
Thus, by improving the penetration ability of other cosmetics, lactic acid helps your skin directly as well as indirectly.
Gentle
Lactic acid is really mild and is the gentler one among the other AHAs. It is so mild that it is even recommended for use by pregnant women who may replace their retinoids for this.
It even works on chicken bumps or bumpy skin that are usually found on the back of arms. It does this by dissolving the skin plug that forms around hair follicles.
Directions for Use
Whenever you start using something new, start slow. Do not go overboard all at once since not all products suit all skin types (more on that later). Introduce it gradually into your routine and watch for reactions.
- Always cleanse your face well before using this. Exfoliating, as many of you already know, is the second step in a skincare routine. And this is where lactic acid comes into play.
- You can either use a cream, gel mask, or serum with lactic acid or even go for its pure clinical formulation that is sold by many brands.
- Always remember to use it only in the evenings. This is because exfoliating can make your skin more prone to sun damage.
- Follow up with sunscreen ALWAYS. The FDA advises sunscreen usage on lactic acid-treated skin because the new baby skin is extra sensitive to UV radiation.
- During the evening or nighttime routine, use a good moisturizer. Exfoliated skin should be amply moisturized at least twice a day.
- Slight skin irritation redness is normal and expected after the use of lactic acid. Using a moisturizer often soothes the treated skin.
When to Use Lactic Acid
This is a very important part. As discussed above, the primary function of lactic acid is to remove dead skin and reveal good newer skin. However, this skin needs to be protected for a while.
Thus, never go out into the sun after a good exfoliation session. If you do, use sunscreen with good SPF.
It is recommended to always use lactic acid only during the evenings when you are indoors. This ensures that even if you end up going out that night, your skin will not immediately come under the harmful rays of the sun.
Often, a toner is used after exfoliation, and you can use it if it is part of your routine. But, since your skin may already be a bit irritated and red, using a harsh toner may further aggravate the issue. So, use it at your own discretion only.
Skin Types That Shouldn’t Use Lactic Acid
Generally speaking, lactic acid is good for all skin types, and you may even be using it without knowledge. This is because most cleansers, peels, masks, and serums have some amount of lactic acid in them.
Thus, if you haven’t yet had a reaction, there shouldn’t be any reason to worry. Nevertheless, as with any new skincare product, a patch test is the safe way to proceed.
Although safe for sensitive skin, starting out with a product with a lower concentration (ideally 5% or less) is recommended. If you have known skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, you should speak to your dermatologist before venturing on to lactic acid use.
What Shouldn’t Be Used With Lactic Acid
There are a bazillion products on the market, and sometimes it can get overwhelming to figure out what to use when. Especially when using lactic acid, you should be careful not to mix its usage with certain ingredients.
This includes
Retinoids
They are exfoliating agents, and mixing lactic acid will cause a doubling up, probably leading to irritated skin.
Vitamin C
Since the acid content is already there, mixing vitamin C will raise the PH level and increase acidity which will again lead to skin irritation.
Other AHAs
Though not a very strict rule, this is only recommended to avoid excessive drying up of skin.
Products With Lactic Acid
- EFFECTIVE EXFOLIATION: A high-strength exfoliator with 10% lactic acid that smooths skin texture, visibly evens tone, and enhances luminosity.
- HYALURONIC ACID BOOST: Infused with hyaluronic acid.
- ANTI-IRRITANT: Includes Tasmanian Pepperberry extract, a known anti-irritant.
- USE AT NIGHT: Apply once daily, ideally in the evening, and always use sunscreen the next day to protect sensitive, newly exfoliated skin.
- FREE FROM: Cruelty-free, gluten-free, vegan, alcohol-free, oil-free, and silicone-free.
- GENTLE EXFOLIATION: A milder alpha hydroxy acid solution with 5% lactic acid that gently smooths skin texture and reveals a brighter complexion.
- HYALURONIC ACID SUPPORT: Formulated with hyaluronic acid.
- ANTI-IRRITANT: Enhanced with Tasmanian Pepperberry extract, a known anti-irritant.
- PERFECT FOR DRY AND SENSITIVE SKIN: This water-based serum offers effective exfoliation while maintaining hydration, ideal for dry or sensitive skin types.
- USE AT NIGHT: Apply once daily in the evening and use sunscreen the next day to protect your skin from sun sensitivity.
- Gentle Exfoliation: With 5% lactic acid, this serum provides mild exfoliation, helping to slough off dead skin cells and promote a smoother, more refined skin texture without irritation.
- Intense Hydration: The inclusion of hyaluronic acid (HA) delivers deep hydration, ensuring that your skin remains moisturized and plump, counteracting any dryness from exfoliation.
- Improves Skin Texture: Regular use of this serum helps enhance skin texture, leaving it feeling softer and more balanced while reducing roughness.
- Lightweight & Fast-Absorbing: This serum’s lightweight formula absorbs quickly, making it ideal for layering under other skincare products or makeup without leaving a greasy finish.
- Suitable for All Skin Types: ROLANYIN Lactic Acid 5% + HA Serum is formulated with clean, cruelty-free ingredients, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, while delivering effective results.
- Naturally Exfoliating Our serum is formulated to both exfoliate and hydrate for double the benefits. It exfoliates by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells to reveal a more radiant complexion.
- Brightening Formula Hydrating Lactic Acid brightens, smooth’s, and evens skin, resulting in a more balanced appearance.
- Smooth Fine Lines And Wrinkles Lactic Acid (AHA) helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, while making skin appear firmer.
- Perfect For Dry Skin Types While our formula is great for all skin types, it is especially beneficial to those with dry skin. Lactic Acid may cause skin to be more sensitive to the sun, and is recommended for nighttime use.
- Vegan Formula Our plant based formula is 100% vegan, containing no animal products or animal testing of any kind.
To Wrap Up
Lactic acid is a great addition to enhancing your skin’s brightness and making it more supple and smooth. We have lined up all the benefits that you can get from this ingredient and have also explained the proper usage methods.
The most common side effects of lactic acid usage are skin irritation and sun sensitivity. As already mentioned, you can remedy this with the proper use of sunscreen and moisturizer.
Although both of these are usually expected in mild proportions, if you get any doubts, best seek immediate medical attention.
Anything new takes a little getting used to, and so we ask you to be patient while you gradually incorporate lactic acid into your routine and see the magic for yourself. We promise that you will not be disappointed.
Leave a Comment