If you haven’t yet been introduced, lactic acid is the sensitive, gentle-spirited member of the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) family.
But don’t let its delicate nature be overshadowed by its glycolic acid siblings who are known to pack more of a punch, because while it may be considered more tolerable for easily irritated skin, it still delivers an effective exfoliation.
In fact, lactic acid can produce visible results when it comes to minimising fine lines and wrinkles, plus boosting the hydration and radiance of dry, dull skin.
So if your complexion sits in the sensitive camp but you’re still looking to dabble in active ingredients, we’re here to recommend the following lactic acid cleansers, serums, masks and scrubs for results minus the irritation.
Panemorfi Skincare Lactic Acid Gel Cleanser
The Panemorfi Skincare Lactic Acid Gel Cleanser offers an oil-free gel formula that’s been enriched with lactic acid and soothing aloe vera to thoroughly clean, exfoliate and hydrate.
$55 at Panemorfi
BOOST LAB AHA Glow Resurfacing Serum
BOOST LAB’s AHA Glow Resurfacing Serum uses the latest resurfacing ‘Gold Standard’ lactic acid complex to effectively remove dead skin cells and reveal fresh, radiant and younger-looking skin underneath. Plus, the inclusion of naturally nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and manuka honey helps to keep dry complexions moisturised, smooth and clean year-round.
“I applied the resurfacing serum each night and always woke up with lovely smooth face, within a few weeks I noticed my face was starting to glow.” – Trixidixi
$29.95 at Adore Beauty
NIVEA Daily Essentials Clean Deeper Daily Wash Scrub
Gentle enough for daily use, the NIVEA Daily Essentials Clean Deeper Daily Wash Scrub helps to prevent impurities like blackheads and clogged pores via the lactic acid and magnolia extract-rich formula.
$7.69 at Chemist Warehouse
Nu Skin® 180°® AHA Facial Peel and AHA Facial Peel Neutralizer
Nu Skin®’s 180°® AHA Facial Peel and AHA Facial Peel Neutralizer creates a younger and smoothing looking complexion by stimulating cell renewal and enhancing collagen in just minutes. The scientifically proven formula uses a 10 per cent lactic acid solution to sweep away sun damage and the appearance of ageing.
$88 at Nu Skin
Paula’s Choice Clinical KP Treatment Cloths
Specifically targeting keratosis pilaris, the Paula’s Choice Clinical KP Treatment Cloths are soaked in eight per cent lactic acid and two per cent salicylic for an all-over reduction of bumps, breakouts and redness.
$45 at Paula’s Choice
Synergie Skin ReVeal
Synergie Skin’s ReVeal exfoliating serum utilises an active blend of lactic, malic and salicylic acids to improve dull skin texture, boost luminosity and increase hydration.
$115 at Synergie Skin
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Ultimate Perfecting Mask
This advanced home peel courtesy of Alpha-H’s Liquid Gold Ultimate Perfecting Mask offers a long-lasting deep hit of moisture and a potent collagen boost. Rich in all the heavy hitters, this rejuvenating formula features glycolic acid, lactic acid, shea butter, HA and squalane.
“Immediately after using my skin is very hydrated and feels soft and just clean. It also looks radiant and brighter. The next day my skin is still very hydrated and plump. It helps to keep any hyperpigmentation at bay and any other issues such as dry patches etc.” – Gorgina
$89.95 at Adore Beauty
Nude by Nature Hydrating Cream Cleanser
This new to the market cleanser is formulated to remove impurities, dirt and makeup, while moisturising and softening the skin. Made with naturally derived ingredients including shea butter esters, coconut oil and lemon aspen, the Nude by Nature Hydrating Cream Cleanser releases lactic acid on contact with the skin to soften, smooth and deliver a silky after-feel.
$22.95 at Myer
I love the Alpha H mask, haven't tried any of the others though.
The alpha h mask looks good, bit pricey though.
OOh that Nuskin set looks like something I'd love to treat my skin with – the alpha H looks great too!
The Ordinary has a lactic acid serum which works really well
I'd love to try the Nude by Nature cleanser.
Id love to give the Nude by Nature skincare a try
The NbN cleanser looks terrific and reasonably priced (bet it goes on sale with the rest of the range on the regular too).
Something my skin needs
Nude by Nature please. Boost Lab also as I've heard good things about their AHA serum.
My skin's not dry or sensitive, so I look for something a little stronger. Maybe I should try battery acid to melt off the ageing?
LOL! Haha!
I love lactic acid!
Lactic acid is my favourite. I’ll have to try the Glow Labs serum.
So many products I haven’t tried!
We could probably get a group discount XX
A bit pricey but would be nice to try
The Boost Lab formula is interesting. It contains 'Lactic Acid – Arginine Complex 15%', which I suspect is the ingredient sold as 'AHCare L65'. The strength is more like 10% lactic acid*. However, it is a slow-release so I think it would be a good product to try as it should be less irritating.
* Quoting from AHCare's brochure:
> In a clinical study with 17 volunteers aged 25-29 years old, a 10 % lactic acid solution and a 14.7% AHCare L65
solution were compared. The concentration of lactic acid in these two solutions is equivalent.
Agree, __Miss19__ . And they offer two strengths, 5% or 10% so that consumers have a choice.
I have Ordinary lactic in 10% that is superb, will use up later. Using atm mandelic (gentle and great in effective softening of skin), glycolc (stronger a bit than lactic apparently) and PHA (gentle, great) . Love acids and have and use all range day & night. Works superbly on keeping my skin so plump, smooth, skin tone better and better by the week etc.
Thanks BH for the information regarding Latic Acid I also like gentler formulas like the Nude by Nature Hydrating Cream Cleanser also like to try BOOST LAB’s AHA Glow Resurfacing Serum as well.
I like chemical exfoliants but after overdoing it once and damaging my skin, I make sure to use really gentle products
Some lovely products I didn’t know about have used the boost labs resurfacing serum and enjoyed it 🙂 love the idea of the treatment cloths and would love to try the Alpha H Mask.
Would like to try the synergie skin reveal
I read a lot of positive reviews about Alpha H, so that is one I want to try.
Never tried any of these.
My skin loves lactic acid so keen to try a few of these.
I have that NIVEA product in my cupboard that I only use during Summer. I didn't know it contained Lactic Acid. Thanks bh.
I use Goldfaden MD's Fresh A Peel, which contains lactic acid + some fruit acids for good measure. It gets along well enough with my sensitive skin, although at times it can be a bit irritating. I only use it once a week though, or sometimes once a fortnight as I'm alternating it with a sample of Mukti Organics 2-in-1 Exfoliant right now.
I need to get more into my acids and peels.
I want to try the NBN one.
Yes to the NBN cleaner, looks good and its affordable
Taking note of the NBN cream cleanser! $23 means $11.5 when it's on sale 🙂
Both glycolic and lactic acid work well for my skin. My skin also responds well to fruit enzymes like papain, bromelain, etc
I've just started using the Boost Lab serum & so far so good.
I would love to try nude by nature hydrating cleanser.
Never tried any of them.
The NBN cleanser looks good! 🙂
Nude by Nature is affordable and has no nasties
Alpha H is awesome, Nivea is such a bargain and the NBN looks like something i would like
Something to consider…
interesting article. Have heard of lactic acid but never used a product with it
would love to try
The Ordinary 5% Lactic is a great place to start, and really affordable.
this is interesting! I need this in my life.
I love lactic acid – it was the first liquid exfoliant I tried and still love it to this day
Same here!
Great info
Lactic Acid works absolute wonders!
I love Lactic Acid so much!