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Lactic Acid

Our database includes 4,978 products that contain Lactic Acid.

Explained

Lactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.

Benefits of Lactic Acid are that it can help to reduce large pores and reduce the effects of aging. Some potential downsides are that it can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.

Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, it helps strengthen the skin's barrier. When applied, lactic acid helps the skin create ceramides.

Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk.

Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

You should know

What it is

AHA

Benefits

Brightening
Texture
Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing

Concerns

Irritation
Rosacea
Eczema
Community Rating
Loved

What it does

Humectant A substance that promotes retention of moisture.
Skin Conditioning To hydrate and soften skin
Buffering Buffering ingredients help stabilise or adjust the ph level of a product.

Prevalence

Somewhat common Percentage of products that contain it
7.1%
Top categories
Cleansers
Treatments
Moisturizers
Position Predominant list placement
Bottom 50%
Concentration Concentrations we've seen
0% to 20%

References

CosIng Data

CosIng ID 34809
INCI Name LACTIC ACID
INN Name lactic acid
EC #  200-018-0
Ph. Eur. Name acidum lacticum
All Functions Buffering, Humectant, Skin Conditioning