Can I Use a Salicylic Acid Cleanser with Lactic Acid?
If you’ve spent any time exploring skincare, chances are you’ve come across the terms AHA and BHA.
These chemical exfoliants have taken the beauty world by storm, becoming staples in many skincare routines thanks to their powerful yet gentle ability to clear, brighten, and refine the skin.
Among the most popular ingredients in these categories are lactic acid (an AHA) and salicylic acid (a BHA). But a common question arises: Can you use a salicylic acid cleanser together with lactic acid?
Is it safe? Will they work well, or could they cause irritation if combined?
In this post, we’ll break down the science behind these two acids, how they work, and how best to combine them for optimal skin benefits.
What Are AHAs and BHAs?
First, a quick refresher. Both AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) exfoliate the skin, but they work differently:
AHAs like lactic acid are water-soluble acids that work primarily on the skin’s surface to gently dissolve dead skin cells, improve texture, and encourage cell turnover.
They’re great for brightening and hydrating, and are especially helpful for dry or sensitive skin.
BHAs, primarily salicylic acid, are oil-soluble, allowing them to penetrate deep into pores to dissolve excess sebum and unclog pores. This makes salicylic acid a favorite for oily and acne-prone skin.
Together, AHAs and BHAs can be a powerful duo, but they need to be used wisely.
What Can You NOT Mix with Lactic Acid?
One of the main rules when using acids like lactic acid is to avoid combining them directly with vitamin C products in the same routine.
Both are acidic and work at a low pH, so layering them can disrupt their effectiveness and potentially irritate the skin.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of both ingredients.
For example, many skincare enthusiasts apply vitamin C serums in the morning to protect against free radical damage from UV rays and pollution, then use lactic acid products in the evening to exfoliate and refresh the skin.
This separation allows each product to work optimally without compromising skin health.
Should I Use a Cleanser with Salicylic Acid?
The answer here depends largely on your skin type.
If you have oily or blemish-prone skin, a salicylic acid cleanser can be a fantastic addition. Most effective salicylic acid cleansers contain between 0.5% to 2% salicylic acid.
This concentration is strong enough to penetrate deep into pores to dissolve excess oil, dead skin cells, and impurities without being overly harsh.
Because cleansers are rinsed off, they offer a gentle way to introduce salicylic acid into your routine without the risk of prolonged irritation, which sometimes occurs with leave-on treatments.
On the other hand, if you have dry or sensitive skin, you might want to use salicylic acid cleansers sparingly or avoid them altogether to prevent dryness or redness.
Can You Use a Salicylic Acid Cleanser with Lactic Acid?
Yes, but with caution.
For those with dry or sensitive skin, using both salicylic acid and lactic acid in the same routine can be too aggressive. Over-exfoliation may lead to irritation, redness, and a compromised skin barrier.
If you have combination or oily skin, combining these acids can be beneficial for clarity and texture.
Lactic acid, being one of the gentler AHAs, hydrates and exfoliates superficially, while salicylic acid works deeper to keep pores clear.
How to use both safely: Ideally, space their usage by about 15 minutes. This allows your skin’s pH to rebalance between applications, preventing them from neutralizing each other and minimizing irritation risk.
Is It OK to Use Lactic Acid Every Day?
Daily use of high-strength lactic acid products is generally not advised, especially for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
However, lactic acid in lower concentrations, especially in rinse-off formulations like cleansers or exfoliating toners, is usually gentle enough for everyday use without significant irritation.
Still, listen to your skin. If you notice redness, dryness, or flaking, reduce frequency or pause use. Consult a dermatologist if irritation persists.
Is It OK to Use Salicylic Acid Every Day?
Similar to lactic acid, daily use of salicylic acid depends on your skin’s tolerance.
If you’re new to salicylic acid, start by using it 3 times a week to monitor how your skin responds. If there’s no irritation, you can gradually increase usage.
People with oily or acne-prone skin often use salicylic acid daily with success.
However, those with dry or sensitive skin should proceed cautiously and consider consulting a medical professional to avoid over-exfoliation.
Can You Use Lactic Acid Every Night?
Yes, nighttime is actually the best time to use chemical exfoliants like lactic acid.
Why? During sleep, your skin undergoes repair and regeneration.
Applying lactic acid at night helps remove dead skin cells and impurities without interference from environmental aggressors like UV rays and pollution.
Pairing lactic acid with a hydrating serum containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid can boost hydration and strengthen your skin’s barrier.
Can You Apply Lactic Acid on Pimples?
While salicylic acid is generally considered the go-to acid for pimples due to its ability to penetrate and unclog pores, lactic acid can be a good alternative, especially if you have dry but blemish-prone skin.
Lactic acid exfoliates gently and helps remove bacteria and dead skin cells that cause breakouts, without the drying effect often associated with salicylic acid.
How to Build a Routine Using Salicylic Acid and Lactic Acid
Here’s a simple way to include both acids in your routine safely:
Morning:
Cleanse with a gentle, non-acid cleanser
Apply a vitamin C serum (optional)
Moisturize and apply SPF
Evening:
Cleanse with a salicylic acid cleanser (if suitable for your skin)
Wait 15 minutes to allow pH normalization
Apply lactic acid toner or serum
Follow with hydrating serum (e.g., hyaluronic acid)
Moisturize
Adjust frequency based on your skin’s tolerance. For sensitive skin, you might choose to alternate nights—salicylic acid one night, lactic acid the next.
Final Thoughts
Using a salicylic acid cleanser with lactic acid can be effective and safe when done thoughtfully, especially if you have oily or combination skin.
The key is to avoid over-exfoliation, watch your skin’s response closely, and allow time between applications.
If you’re ever unsure or notice irritation, back off and consider consulting a skincare professional.
For more skincare insights and expert advice, be sure to check out our blog and follow us on Instagram for the latest updates, new product launches, and special offers!
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
