The Science of Lactic Acid in Skin Care

Have you ever wondered why lactic acid has been a popular skin care ingredient for thousands of years? Derived from natural sources like milk, fermented fruits, or yogurt, this hydroxyacid offers many advantages to dry, resistant skin types.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into what lactic acid is, where it comes from, its numerous benefits, potential side-effects, and its various applications in skincare. But before we dive into the details, let’s start with the basics.

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The best lactic acid products

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What is lactic acid?

Lactic acid in skin care is a hydroxyacid that can play a beneficial role in many daily routines. (3) Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from natural sources like milk. AHAs like this one and glycolic acid are renowned for their exfoliating and hydrating properties, making them one of the most common categories of ingredients in skin care products. (2)

Where does lactic acid come from?

The lactic acid used in skin care products does not come from the human body even though we produce lactic acid. For skin care products, lactic acid can be sourced from various places, but one of the most common sources is milk. The extraction process involves fermenting milk sugars (lactose) using bacteria, resulting in a chemical reaction that produces lactic acid. (6) This natural production method ensures that the lactic acid used in skincare is safe and effective. The lactic acid produced by these reactions is used alongside other ingredients to serve particular functions in a variety of product types such as moisturizers, cleansers, sunscreens, balms, and more.

Common sources of lactic acid in skin care include:

Fermented Fruits

Milk

Mushrooms

Sugarcane

Yogurt

Benefits of lactic acid in skin care

Lactic acid is a versatile and multifaceted ingredient in skin care products. Some of the most notable benefits attributed to this compound in skin care are:

Humectant properties – Lactic acid, like other humectants (such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol) attract moisture to themselves, leaving the skin feeling more hydrated. Lactic acid does not dry your skin. (7,8) It is in a group of compounds known as “Natural Moisturizing Factors” (NMF)

Exfoliation – Hydroxyacids like lactic acid have a low pH, meaning they are acidic and can aid in the removing of dead skin cells. (9) Your skin is always naturally experiencing desquamation, and this ingredient can supplement that process. (1) Exfoliating is beneficial for anti-aging, dark spot treatments (13), and collagen synthesis.

Acne Care – Another benefit attributed to low pH is antimicrobial properties. (10) Ingredients like lactic acid are able to eliminate acne causing bacteria on the skin. The exfoliating properties of lactic acid also help keep pores clear of dead skin. This ingredient is found in many cleansers because it is good at removing debris like dirt and pollution from the skin.(11)

All of these benefits make lactic acid a great contender for acne prone, dry, or aging skin types who can tolerate a low pH ingredient.

It is also worth noting that studies have found lactic acid to be a good treatment for psoriasis (5) and xerosis.

To see if lactic acid fits in your skin care routine, take our quiz by clicking the button just below!

What Skin Conditions does Lactic Acid Treat?

Lactic acid is used to treat many skin conditions. These are the most common:

Acne

Bumps on Skin

Dull Skin

Hyperpigmentation

Melasma

Keratosis pilaris

Rough Skin

Sun spots

Xerosis

Wrinkles

Side-effects of lactic acid in skin care

Lactic acid has been extensively reviewed for use in skin care and is very safe to use. (3) Research organizations like the CIR and the EWG have published reports on the safety of lactic acid used in skin care. The EWG is adamant that the specific use of lactic acid determines it safety, grading it “1-5.” When used in concentrations of 10% or less, there is only a chance of irritating sensitive skin. (12)

Lactic acid is nonetheless one of the least irritating hydroxyacids on the skin, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everybody.

There are really only two main considerations to keep in mind when choosing a lactic acid product:

It has an odor – this might not bother everybody, and the smell can be covered or washed off, but lactic acid products often do have a fragrance worth mentioning.

Extremely sensitive skin types might still experience irritation or stinging – some people simply cannot tolerate low pH products or ingredients on their skin.

It is a alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and therefore slightly thins the stratum corneum layer of skin which reduces the skin’s natural SPF slightly. So always use a SPF in the daytime if AHAs are in your skincare routine.

Uses of lactic acid in skin care

Lactic acid has been used for centuries by some of history’s greatest beauty icons. Cleopatra, known for her legendary aesthetics, reportedly bathed in sour milk, which contains ample lactic acid. (4) This practice contributed to her famously soft and radiant skin. Similarly, the character Scarlett O’Hara from “Gone with the Wind” used buttermilk on her shoulders to address hyperpigmented dark spots. (5)

If you are looking for an ingredient with endless historical precedent for your routine, lactic acid might be right for you.

Lactic acid for acne

Lactic acid’s antimicrobial properties make it a valuable tool in the fight against acne. By killing acne-causing bacteria and exfoliating the skin’s surface, it can help reduce breakouts. However, individuals with sensitive skin should be cautious, as lactic acid may cause some stinging. (14)

Lactic acid for anti-aging

Exfoliation is one of the keys to anti-aging, and lactic acid excels in this regard. By removing dead skin cells and promoting collagen production, it helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. (1,9) Additionally, lactic acid can address photodamage, potentially slowing down the aging process. (15)

Lactic acid for dry skin

Lactic acid’s humectant properties make it an excellent choice for dry skin. It attracts and retains moisture, keeping your skin well-hydrated. (7) Comparatively, lactic acid can be gentler on the skin than glycolic acid while still delivering effective results. It’s a superb alternative to other hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

Notably, lactic acid can be found in products for the legs such as the prescription product AmLactin.

Conclusion

Incorporating lactic acid into your skincare routine can be a game-changer. Whether you’re dealing with acne, seeking anti-aging benefits, or combating dry skin, lactic acid’s versatility has you covered. If you’re unsure where to start, consider taking the Baumann Skin Type questionnaire to discover the products best suited for your unique skin needs. Here’s to healthier, more radiant skin through the power of lactic acid!

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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