12 Best Lactic Acid Products Of 2023: Benefits & Buying Guide
Achieve firm and smooth skin with minimal appearance of stubborn aging signs.
Oyendrila Kanjilal Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 2 years
Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skincare coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
If you’re looking for a one-stop solution for your skin woes, the best lactic acid skincare products are a must-have! The mild alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) exfoliates dead skin cells gently while reducing acne scars, dark spots, and wrinkles. With daily use of lactic acid, you can get firmer, softer, and smoother skin. If you are new to the world of skincare using lactic acid, then start here. Listed below are a few products with lactic acid. So, take your pick from the range of moisturizers, exfoliants, and everything else you need for glowing skin! It’s time to give your skin some lovin’!
Top Picks
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Best For Dry Skin DRMTLGY Exfoliating Body Lotion $21.95 ON AMAZON Read More › $21.95 ON AMAZON - 2
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Best For Dead Skin Cells Removal Mystic Moments Biorigins Lactic Acid $17.98 ON AMAZON Read More › $17.98 ON AMAZON - 6
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Best For Dead Skin Cells Removal Mystic Moments Biorigins Lactic Acid $22.98 ON AMAZON Read More › $22.98 ON AMAZON
In This Article
12 Best Lactic Acid Products For Flawless Skin
1. Best Lightweight Formula:Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer
Have combination skin and are looking for a good moisturizer? Try the Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer. It contains the goodness of lactic acid that helps fade dark spots, acne scars, and blemishes.
This lightweight, breathable moisturizer contains allantoin and chamomile that soothes and calms irritated skin. It has an instant hydrating effect, gets absorbed into the skin quickly, makes it soft and smooth, and minimizes pores. Use a pea-sized amount to reveal beautiful and glowing skin. This product is suitable for combination and dry skin types.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Corrects uneven skin tone
- Improves texture
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Contains parabens
Did You Know?Lactic acid is most commonly found in milk and is used both as a fermenter and a preservative. Lesser known sources of lactic acid include beer, kefir, kimchi, miso, olives, and sourdough bread.
2. Best For Hyperpigmentation:REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
The REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic is a dual-action exfoliator formulated with fruit acids that help remove dead cells and cleanses the pores. The natural lactic acid (AHA) in this toner helps slough off the upper dead skin layer and smoothes the skin texture. Salicin (BHA) from willow bark extract dissolves pore buildup and unclogs and refines the pores to brighten and re-energize the skin. Azelaic acid from grains helps boost the skin’s natural glow, reduces hyperpigmentation, and evens the skin tone.
If you have sensitive skin, use it once a week to prevent irritating your skin. To use the toner, dab it on a clean cotton pad and swipe it across the face and neck in an upward motion. Click on the video to find an honest review of the REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic.
Pros
- Prevents breakouts
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Recyclable packaging
Cons
- Expensive
Quick TipLactic acid may increase the skin’s sensitivity, leaving it vulnerable to sun exposure. Use a broad-spectrum physical sunscreen and avoid sun damage.
3. Best Paraben-Free Formula:Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment
If you are struggling with a host of skin problems like dull skin, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and enlarged pores, you will be surprised how well Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment works. This multi-tasking lactic acid serum rapidly exfoliates the skin and reveals naturally youthful radiance. It visibly reduces fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots, and dark spots.
The high potency, pure-grade lactic acid exfoliates dull and dead skin cells while removing dirt and gunk from clogged pores to clarify and reveal smooth and clear skin instantly. The skin-brightening licorice reduces discoloration and hyperpigmentation caused by sun exposure for a brighter, even-toned skin. Apply it after toning to leave your skin feeling hydrated, firm, and plump. Take a look at the honest review of the Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment to better understand the product.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Recyclable packaging
Cons
- Expensive
4. Best For Pore Minimization:theraderm Fruit Acid Exfoliant
If you have an extremely dull skin that needs immediate and regular attention, try the theraderm Fruit Acid Exfoliant. It is a toner with 10% lactic acid that helps exfoliate dead skin cells and reveal healthy, smooth, and soft skin underneath.
This lactic acid toner minimizes pores, improves the skin’s permeability to other products, prevents premature aging, and reduces the visible signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. It also brightens the skin and evens the skin tone, revealing younger-looking and healthy skin.
Pros
- Contains unbuffered lactic acid
- Can be used regularly
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Expensive
- Contains alcohol
Best For Dry Skin:DRMTLGY Exfoliating Body Lotion
Not just face, your whole body needs equal attention. And if you are on the lookout for a good lactic acid lotion for your body, try the DRMTLGY Exfoliating Body Lotion with 12% lactic acid. It is perfect for dry, rough, bumpy, peeling skin, and also works well for keratosis pilaris and folliculitis. The clinically proven formula stimulates cellular regeneration for younger and smoother skin. With a balanced blend of alpha hydroxy acids, this lotion exfoliates and moisturizes the skin, leaving it feeling soft all day long.
Pros
- Suitable for dry and flaking skin
- Oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Hormone-free
- Gluten-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Cruelty-free
- Pump dispenser
Cons
- Not fragrance-free
Best Skin Texture Improvement:COSMEDIX Define
If you have dry and aging skin, COSMEDIX Define with alpha-hydroxy acids can help brighten and smoothen it. This multi-tasking cream formulated with lactic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid exfoliates and refines the skin texture. It prevents free radical damage, and the soothing botanical ingredients improve skin tone without dryness. The 2% AGP in the cream visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Use a small amount on a clean face 2-4 times a week at night to get a firm, hydrated, and youthful skin.
Pros- Improves skin texture
- Hydrating
- Fragrance-free
- No harsh chemicals
Cons
- Expensive
- Contains alcohol
Best For Acne Scars:QRxLabs Lactic Acid 50% Gel Peel
If you have age spots, sunspots, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and fine lines, consider using QRxLabs Lactic Acid 50% Gel Peel. This professional-grade chemical peel contains lactic acid (50%), kojic acid, bearberry extract, and licorice root extract. It effectively fades dark spots, sun spots, age spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation.
The peel improves skin texture and reduces wrinkles and fine lines to make it appear even-toned and healthy. This exfoliating gel is as effective as any other expensive spa treatments. The thicker texture prevents it from trickling down. However, remember, it is a potent exfoliating agent. Always do a patch test before using it on your face.
Pros- Thick texture
- Artificial color-free
- No fragrance
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Not for sensitive skin
8. Best For Collagen Boost:perfect image Lactic 50% Gel Peel
The perfect image Lactic 50% Gel Peel is enhanced with kojic acid, licorice, and bearberry extracts. This highly concentrated lactic acid peel exfoliates dead skin cells, fades hyperpigmentation, acne marks, and promotes collagen and elastin synthesis. The kojic acid inhibits melanin production to brightens the skin, while the green tea and cucumber extracts revitalize it and add a youthful glow. Use it once or twice a week, along with following a regular skin care routine, to see a visible improvement.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
- Phthalate-free
- SLS-free
- GMP certified
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
Best For Dead Skin Cells Removal:Mystic Moments Biorigins Lactic Acid
Rough, dry, and scaly skin requires hydration. But first, you must get rid of the upper dry and dead skin layer. The Mystic Moments Biorigins Lactic Acid is the perfect peeling solution for that. This 80% pure lactic acid must be diluted down to 5%-20% to make it milder and non-irritating to the skin. It helps slough off the top dead and flaky skin layer to reveal soft and glowing skin. However, you must use sunscreen if you step out, as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) make the skin photosensitive.
Pros- Vegan
- 100% natural
- Professional-grade face acid
Cons
- May not suit sensitive skin
10. Best For Stubborn Calluses:Beauty Facial Extreme Exfoliating Body Lotion
Best For Dead Skin Cells Removal:Mystic Moments Biorigins Lactic Acid
The Beauty Facial Extreme Exfoliating Body Lotion contains 12% lactic acid. It is formulated with a unique blend of fruit acids and rich emollients that helps smooth rough and dry skin and promotes cellular regeneration. This lotion work wonders for dry and flaky skin on the feet and hands and softens stubborn calluses. It also effectively manages keratosis pilaris and body acne. Check out the video to know all about the Beauty Facial Extreme Exfoliating Body Lotion.
Pros
- Clinically proven
- Not tested on animals
- GMP certified
- FDA-approved
- 30 days money-back guarantee
Cons
None
11. Best For Moisture Balance:Biossance Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum
The Biossance Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum is perfect for your nighttime skin care routine. This 10% vegan lactic acid serum is formulated with lavender, clover, and squalane. It gently exfoliates dull and dead skin, accelerates skin cell turnover, locks moisture, calms irritated skin, and minimizes the damaging effects of dust, pollution, and overexposure to blue light. This serum works overnight and gives you baby soft, firm, bright, and glowing skin by the morning.
Pros
- Vegan lactic acid
- Reduces redness
- Brightens the skin
- Adds a youthful glow
- No toxins
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Eco-conscious packaging
Cons
- Expensive
12. Best For Sensitive Skin:Instaderm Anti-Aging Exfoliating Peel Pads
Best For Dead Skin Cells Removal:Mystic Moments Biorigins Lactic Acid
Aging is a natural process. But if you want lock time and throw away the key, Instaderm Anti-Aging Exfoliating Peel Pads can be your calling. These clinically proven, anti-aging chemical peel pads are recommended by top dermatologists and are infused with lactic, salicylic, and glycolic acids to lighten and brighten your complexion.
The medical-grade botanical extracts improve dullness, sagging, age spots, enlarged pores, and rough skin. They smooth fine lines and wrinkles and prevent cellular damage. These peeling pads gently exfoliate and reduce acne scars, regulate sebum production, and eliminate blemishes for healthier and younger-looking skin. You can use them on your face, hands, and neck. They are suitable for sensitive skin, oily, and dry skin.
Pros
- Clinically proven
- Medical-grade botanical
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Expensive
These are the 12 best lactic acid skin care products you can use to get a beautiful, radiant, younger-looking skin. But before you decide which one to go for, here’s a list of benefits of using skin care products with lactic acid. Scroll down.
Benefits Of Using Skin Care Products With Lactic Acid
- It exfoliates dead skin cells and encourages new cell formation. This, in turn, makes the skin healthy and glowing.
- It smoothens and softens the skin.
- It reduces hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and sunspots.
- It improves skin permeability, enhancing the efficacy of other skin care products.
- It clears pores, whiteheads, and blackheads.
- It reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
For sure, you will see visible results in just a few weeks of using lactic acid products. But things can go wrong if you do not choose the right product. How to do that? Take a look at the following checklist.
How To Choose A Good Lactic Acid Skin Care Product
- Choose a lactic acid skin care product with at least 10% lactic acid for visible results.
- Check if the product contains any ingredient that you are allergic to.
- Use a product that has soothing ingredients like aloe vera and lavender.
- Use a gentle exfoliator with lactic acid, glycolic acid, and skin-soothing botanicals.
Should You Avoid Using Lactic Acid Products?
Lactic acid is good for your skin, but in higher concentrations, it can burn sensitive skin. If you have active cystic acne, it is best to wait for a few days before using a lactic acid peel or exfoliant. The best way to go about it is to do a patch test and see if your skin swells or becomes red.
If you want softer, smoother, and plumper skin, beauty products with lactic acid will be your right pick! Lactic acid beauty products comprise mild alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates dead skin cells and prevents the further growth of acne scars, dark spots, and wrinkles. Choose products that get absorbed into the skin quickly and eliminate pores, patches, and redness. There are many beauty products with lactic acid which correct uneven skin tone. Steer clear of products that contain parabens or phthalates.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal, who penned this article, is a certified skin care coach and our resident skin and hair expert. She has a penchant for finding the best products to cater to your skin type and needs. She poured through many reviews and feedback to find the best lactic acid skin care products so you can make your skin bright and firm. She selected this list on the basis of ingredients added, and additional skin care benefit like exfoliation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of lactic acid is most effective?
Any concentration between 10%-30% is the most effective
Can you use lactic acid if you are allergic to milk?
Yes. You can use a lactic acid peel if you are allergic to milk protein as the issue is related to the digestive system.
Which is stronger – glycolic or lactic acid?
Glycolic acid is the strongest AHA as it has the smallest molecule size.
Is it okay to use lactic acid every day?
No. If used too often, the acid may irritate the skin. It is best to use any face acid, not more than once or twice a week.
Can you use lactic acid and vitamin C together?
No, you should never use lactic acid and vitamin C together. It can destabilize the pH of your skin and make it burn and breakout.
Is lactic acid good for acne?
Lactic acid is good for improving acne. However, if you have active acne, use the lowest concentration (2%-5%) of lactic acid to minimize flare-ups. This will dry the acne and speed up healing.
Are lactic acid skin products safe during pregnancy?
Yes, lactic acid skin care products exfoliate your skin without harming your baby’s health.
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