Lactic Acid

The Ingredient Library · Ingredient

Lactic Acid

The gentlest of the AHAs — soft renewal for smoother, brighter-looking skin.

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INCI nameLactic Acid
TypeAlpha-hydroxy acid — gentle renewal & hydration
Key benefitVisibly smoother, brighter-looking skin
SuitsAll skin types, including dry and sensitive skin
Lactic Acid

What is this

Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), historically associated with milk and produced today by natural fermentation. One of the gentlest exfoliating acids, it is used in skincare to loosen dull surface cells and attract moisture, revealing smoother, brighter-looking skin.

Lactic Acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid obtained today through natural fermentation, though its beauty heritage reaches back to the milk baths of antiquity. The gentlest of the classic AHAs, it works delicately at the skin's surface, loosening dull, spent cells to reveal a smoother, more luminous complexion. It is also a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin as it refines, so renewal never comes at the cost of comfort. Used in measured doses at night, it supports an even, refined, radiant look.

In which products

Formulas with lactic acid

Every ingredient in our library serves one measure of success — skin longevity — the years skin keeps its strength, moisture and evenness.

Questions about lactic acid

What is lactic acid?

Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid, or AHA — famous since the milk baths of antiquity and produced today by natural fermentation. In skincare it gently loosens the bonds holding dull, spent cells at the surface, revealing the fresher, smoother skin beneath.

What does lactic acid do for skin?

Two things at once: it refines, by encouraging the shedding of dull surface cells for a smoother, brighter look; and it hydrates, acting as a humectant that draws water to the skin. This double nature is why it feels gentler than other exfoliating acids.

Is lactic acid good for sensitive skin?

Among AHAs, lactic acid is generally the most considerate choice — its larger molecule works at the surface, making it comfortable for many sensitive complexions. As with any exfoliating acid, introduce it gradually and use sun protection during the day.

Can I use lactic acid every night?

Frequency depends on your skin and the formula's strength. In a balanced night serum, gentle levels can be enjoyed regularly; skin that is new to acids may prefer alternate evenings at first. Let smoothness, not tingling, be your measure of progress.