Lactic acid in skincare explained

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Enzyme Smart Daily Cleanser Ignae

An exfoliating cleanser is a clever way to incorporate AHAs into your routine if a treatment product intimidates. Take this offering from Ignae, which cocktails lactic, citric and tartaric acids to provide gentle exfoliation. And – for a mild peeling effect – after massaging onto your face, you can let the cleanser sit for a minute before washing away. Either way it'll leave skin moisturised, as well as refined.

Squalane and Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum Biossance

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With 10 per cent lactic acid, this serum accelerates cell turnover, helping to shift dullness and refine hyperpigmentation. Meanwhile the addition of squalene (sustainable brand Biossance’s core ingredient) soothes irritation and quenches dehydration. This is a brilliant option for anyone wanting a one-and-done active night-time routine after cleansing.

Vitamin C + Lactic 15% Vitamin C Firm & Bright Serum Dr Dennis Gross

This smart serum combines the benefits of two key active skincare ingredients: AHA in the form of lactic acid, and vitamin C – another superior skin brightener. If fading dark spots, improving radiance and smoothing fine lines is your priority then this is one to try.

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Lactic Acid 10% + HA The Ordinary

This potent “peeling solution” comes in the form of a lightweight serum. Combining lactic acid at 10 per cent, it’s hailed for its ability to improve acne scarring and hyperpigmentation, plus being enhanced with hyaluronic acid – another humectant – it helps improve the skin’s ability to attract and retain moisture. Beginners would do well to start on the five per cent version, while you can also reduce the strength by diluting the serum with other products, such as your moisturiser, until your tolerance develops.

Liquid Mask Lactic Acid Micro-Peel Oskia

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Another stellar option is this Liquid Mask from Oskia. Combining 10 per cent lactic acid ("the Queen of all acids", according to Oskia's founder Georgie Cleeve) with tone-brightening niacinamide and mixed molecular weight hyaluronic acid, it's intensely hydrating, as much as complexion-refining. Don't only take our word for it; the overnight peel's five-star reviews all report radiant skin come morning.

Lactic Acid Serum Shani Darden

This powerful yet gentle serum combines lactic acid with gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) considered ‘cousins’ of AHAs. “It supports the natural cell renewal process, helping to resurface and retexturise skin with nine per cent lactic acid to boost skin’s clarity and reveal radiance,” explains Darden. Additionally, it contains green and white tea for antioxidant protection, helping to prevent premature ageing on multiple levels.

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Lactic Acid Treatment Teresa Tarmey

Fellow influential facialist Teresa Tarmey is another advocate for the use of lactic acid. Her signature 'TT Facial' has always incorporated lactic acid as the key exfoliator, and subsequently she formulated her own version for at-home use. The toner is gentle while effective, and does everything you want from a lactic acid product: polishing and brightening while aiding moisture retention.

Generation Glow Daily Resurfacing Essence with 5% AHA Complex Alpha-H

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This gentle AHA exfoliator is dermatologist-approved for sensitive skin. The five per cent blend of AHAs features lactic as the star, alongside citric, tartaric, and malic acids which together help to even out skin tone and texture while increasing luminosity. In addition, the formula’s Australian postbiotic botanical blend is intended to bolster a healthy barrier.

Transforming Body Lotion Fragrance Free Ameliorate

For those experiencing bumpy skin on the body, known as keratosis pilaris, Ameliorate’s now-cult Transforming Body Lotion is an easy way to help smooth away this common condition. With optimum levels of lactic acid, plus urea – which also helps to loosen dead skin cells – and sweet almond oil, this rich lotion leaves skin softer and more uniform in tone.

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Flawless Body Therapy Dr Sam's

Another active-packed body treat we rate: Dr Sam’s Flawless Body Therapy blends bakuchiol (a plant alternative to retinol) with niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3 boasting myriad skin benefits) and lactic acid. It brightens dull skin, smooths unevenness and firms crepiness.