Type of Ingredient:
- Exfoliant
- Humectant
- Anti-Aging
Benefits of Lactic Acid:
- Anti-Aging
- Evens Skin Tone
- Smooths Bumpy Skin
Best For:
- Oily Skin
- Dry Skin
- Normal Skin
- Combination Skin
- Sensitive Skin
What is Lactic Acid?
- Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that can be found in milk. Because most cosmetics are made of synthetic materials, they can be more stable and easy to make, and they're also vegan.
- Lactic acid can be used in a pH-correct formula with a pH between 3 and 4, and in concentrations between 5% and 12%. It can be used on the surface of the skin to remove dead skin cells. It does this by breaking down the material that holds dead skin together, letting it fall off on its own as it did before. Lactic acid also has moisturising properties because it is part of the skin's natural moisturising factor, or NMF.
- Also, lactic acid helps the skin's barrier by encouraging it to make more ceramides, which are important for healthy skin. It also has a big impact on the skin's microbiome, which helps keep its first line of defence strong by interacting with a neuropeptide on the skin's surface called Substance P, which helps spread signs that the skin is stressed quickly.
- The same thing happens with glycolic acid, which is another popular AHA. It helps to even out and brighten a dull skin tone.