What Does Lactic Acid Do for Skin?
Discover all the benefits of lactic acid for skin and how to use it in your skincare routine for soft, glowing skin.
Lactic acid is a naturally-occurring alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates the skin and promotes cell turnover. In doing so, it helps to soften and smooth the skin, improving skin texture. Because lactic acid is one of the gentlest AHAs, it’s a great exfoliant for people with dry skin or sensitive skin. However, all skin types can benefit from using lactic acid for skin.
Additionally, lactic acid is a component of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor, so it doesn’t dry out your skin. Conversely, it keeps your skin hydrated.
Ahead, we share everything you need to know about lactic acid in skincare so you can start enjoying the benefits of this chemical exfoliant as soon as possible.
What Does Lactic Acid Do for Skin?
Lactic acid is a mild alpha hydroxy acid that’s suitable for all skin types. It gently exfoliates the skin to remove dead skin cells, which makes it effective for treating fine lines, dullness, dark spots, and rough skin. Thanks to its humectant properties, lactic acid also helps to lock in moisture, keeping skin soft, smooth, and hydrated.
You’ll find it in skincare products such as cleansers, toners, and serums which promote its gentle exfoliating properties, as well as its hydrating, anti-aging, and brightening properties.
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Benefits of Lactic Acid for Skin
Here are all the lactic acid benefits for skin.
1. Improves Skin Texture
Lactic acid is a gentle yet powerful exfoliator that works by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to shed more easily. This process reveals fresh, new skin underneath, leaving your complexion smoother, brighter, and more radiant.
By consistently sloughing away rough, uneven skin, lactic acid helps refine texture, softening dry patches and minimizing the appearance of fine lines, bumps, and roughness. Over time, skin feels noticeably softer and silkier.
2. Balances Skin Tone
Uneven skin tone refers to areas of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, or dullness caused by factors like sun exposure, acne scars, or hormonal changes. Lactic acid helps to fade discoloration by gently exfoliating the skin’s surface, accelerating cell turnover, and encouraging the growth of new, healthy skin cells.
What’s more, lactic acid has been shown to inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production. Since excess melanin leads to dark spots and discoloration, regulating its production helps prevent new pigmentation from forming while gradually brightening existing spots. Over time, regular use of lactic acid for skin visibly brightens the complexion, creating a more even skin tone.
3. Locks in Moisture
A unique benefit of lactic acid is its ability to attract and retain moisture—a result of its natural humectant properties. By drawing water into the skin, lactic acid helps maintain hydration levels, improving skin suppleness. This makes the skin feel noticeably softer and smoother.
Beyond just adding moisture, lactic acid also plays a role in strengthening the skin’s natural barrier. It works alongside ceramides—lipid molecules essential for maintaining the skin’s protective shield—to help lock in hydration and prevent water loss.
4. Controls Acne
There are two reasons why lactic acid is good for acne. First, its exfoliating properties keep the pores clear. Since clogged pores is a leading cause of acne breakouts, lactic acid removes dead cell buildup to keep pores clear and blemishes at bay.
Second, lactic acid is an effective antimicrobial. Studies show it can stop the growth of bacteria on the skin, which helps control acne. With consistent use, lactic acid products can help prevent acne without the irritation that harsher acne treatments may cause.
5. Fights Signs of Aging
By promoting faster cell turnover, lactic acid for skin can soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for younger, smoother skin. Additionally, its ability to boost collagen production helps maintain skin firmness and elasticity over time.
Beyond its exfoliating properties, lactic acid also functions as an antioxidant, helping to protect the skin from sun damage. Many dermatologists recommend pairing lactic acid with retinol or peptides to further enhance its anti-aging and antioxidant benefits. Regular use results in a brighter, fresher complexion.
6. Enhances Product Penetration
One often-overlooked benefit of lactic acid is how it prepares the skin to absorb other skincare ingredients more effectively. By removing the outer layer of dead skin cells, it allows serums, moisturizers, and active ingredients—like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, retinol, and peptides—to penetrate deeper and work more efficiently.
Many chemical peels use lactic acid in higher concentrations to resurface the skin, making it more receptive to hydrating and brightening ingredients. Whether you're targeting hydration, brightening, or anti-aging, lactic acid helps optimize your cosmetic routine for better, faster results.
How to Use Lactic Acid in Your Skincare Routine
When incorporating lactic acid into your routine, start with lower concentrations (5%) to allow your skin to adjust. Apply it in the evening after cleansing, followed by a hydrating moisturizer to counteract any dryness. If you use other active ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid (BHA), or retinol, introduce lactic acid on alternate nights to prevent irritation.
Since lactic acid increases skin sensitivity to UV rays, always follow up with SPF 30 or higher in the morning. Sunscreen is non-negotiable when using AHAs to protect your skin from sun damage.
Side Effects of Lactic Acid for Skin
While lactic acid is one of the milder AHAs, it can still cause side effects, especially if overused or combined with other exfoliants like glycolic acid or salicylic acid. Common side effects include redness, dryness, and peeling. However, these only tend to be experienced when lactic acid is used incorrectly.
If irritation occurs, reduce usage to 1-2 times per week and opt for lower concentrations. Pairing lactic acid with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or a gentle lotion can help maintain the skin barrier and prevent side effects.
How Often Can You Use Lactic Acid on Face?
How often you use lactic acid depends on your skin type and tolerance. For most people, using lactic acid 2-3 times per week is effective for maintaining a smooth, radiant complexion. If your skin is accustomed to exfoliating acids like glycolic acid or salicylic acid, you may be able to use it more frequently.
For beginners or those with sensitive skin, start using lactic acid once a week and gradually increase usage if your skin tolerates it well. Lower concentrations (5%) can be used more frequently, while higher concentrations (10-15%) should be limited to once or twice a week.
Do Dermatologists Recommend Lactic Acid for Skin?
Yes, dermatologists recommend using lactic acid for its exfoliating effects. While other AHAs like glycolic acid are also effective exfoliators, lactic acid is the gentlest option, making it suitable for all.
Lactic Acid for Skin: Is it Worth it?
Absolutely! Lactic acid is an excellent exfoliator that’s gentle and suitable for all skin types. It fights acne and signs of aging while keeping your skin smooth and hydrated. If you’re looking for a mild exfoliant that won’t leave you red and dry, it’s definitely worth using lactic acid for skin.
Especially if you have dry or sensitive skin, lactic acid is one of the best choices for achieving smooth, glowing skin.
