Exfoliants & acne actives· in 3 products

Lactic acid

Also listed as Sodium lactate, Ammonium lactate and AHA (alpha hydroxy acid)

Strong evidence 5–12% leave-on (pH 3.5 or higher)

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid originally derived from milk, now usually made by fermentation, that exfoliates and hydrates at the same time. It is gentler than glycolic acid and common in body lotions for rough, bumpy skin.

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3LaLactic acidExfoliants & acne actives

What it does

The short version.

Like other AHAs, lactic acid loosens dead surface cells so they shed more evenly, smoothing texture and brightening dull skin. Because it is a slightly larger molecule than glycolic acid, it penetrates more slowly and tends to sting less. It is also a humectant and a component of the skin's own natural moisturizing factor, so lotions with lactic acid or ammonium lactate soften very dry, rough or flaky skin on arms, legs and feet.

Strong evidence

Well-established in clinical use and regulatory safety assessments; prescription ammonium lactate 12% lotion is FDA-approved for dry, scaly skin, and AAD recommends lactic-acid lotions for keratosis pilaris bumps.

In our directory: It’s a key ingredient in 3 products we review, most often body and exfoliants & masks. Those products are mostly built for resurfacing, smoothing and bumps & kp. In formulas, it most often shares the label with salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid.

Reach for it for

Smoothing Resurfacing Dullness Bumps & KP Dryness relief Flaking relief Hydrating

Usually a good fit for

Dry skin Normal skin Sensitive skin Mature skin Combination skin

How to use it

Getting it right.

Use a few evenings a week on the face, or daily as a body lotion on rough areas, followed by moisturizer. Use sunscreen on exposed skin.

Layering

Friends & frenemies.

Pairs well with

Urea Hyaluronic acid Glycerin Ceramides Niacinamide

Go slow with

Retinol Retinal Adapalene Glycolic acid Salicylic acid Benzoyl peroxide

Not forbidden — just easier to over-do. Alternate nights or separate morning and evening.

Before you start

Can raise sun sensitivity: the FDA advises daily sunscreen while using AHA products and for a week after stopping. Can sting on cracked, irritated or freshly shaved skin. Bumpy or very scaly skin that does not improve warrants a dermatologist visit.

References

Educational, not medical advice. Ingredient guides summarise published research and expert guidance; formulas and concentrations differ between products.