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Best Lactic Acid For Face (2025 Updated)

If you’re looking for a new skincare product to add to your routine, you might want to consider lactic acid for your face. Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is great for exfoliation and improving skin texture. It can also help with hyperpigmentation and fine lines, making it a versatile ingredient for a range of skin types.

Before buying any skincare product, there are several factors to consider. Your skin type, concerns, and current routine are important to keep in mind when deciding if lactic acid is right for you. It’s also important to patch test any new products to ensure that they don’t cause any adverse reactions.

If you’re curious about incorporating lactic acid into your skincare routine, ask yourself some questions. Do you struggle with rough texture or hyperpigmentation? Are you interested in trying new skincare ingredients? Have you had success with other AHAs in the past? Learning more about lactic acid and how it can benefit your skin can help you make an informed decision about whether or not to incorporate it into your routine.

10 Best Lactic Acid For Face

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
The product is ideal for exfoliating, anti-aging, and correcting dark spots on the face.
2
This product is ideal for improving the texture and appearance of the skin by exfoliating and brightening.
3
It is an ideal professional grade chemical face peel containing alpha hydroxy acid with bearberry and licorice root extracts.
4
This product is ideal for improving skin texture, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and promoting collagen production.
5
This product is ideal for repairing skin damage caused by acne, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, and boosting collagen production.
6
This product is ideal for exfoliating, softening and smoothing skin, diminishing fine lines, and brightening complexion.
7
This product is ideal for reducing scars, acne, and wrinkles while exfoliating and moisturizing the skin with a renewing formula.
8
It is ideal for exfoliating and smoothing the skin, brightening complexion, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
9
Ideal for reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation on the face.
10
The product is an active PM serum that brightens and smooths skin, containing lactic acid.
The product is ideal for exfoliating, anti-aging, and correcting dark spots on the face.
This product is ideal for improving the texture and appearance of the skin by exfoliating and brightening.
It is an ideal professional grade chemical face peel containing alpha hydroxy acid with bearberry and licorice root extracts.
This product is ideal for improving skin texture, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and promoting collagen production.
This product is ideal for repairing skin damage caused by acne, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, and boosting collagen production.
This product is ideal for exfoliating, softening and smoothing skin, diminishing fine lines, and brightening complexion.
This product is ideal for reducing scars, acne, and wrinkles while exfoliating and moisturizing the skin with a renewing formula.
It is ideal for exfoliating and smoothing the skin, brightening complexion, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
Ideal for reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation on the face.
The product is an active PM serum that brightens and smooths skin, containing lactic acid.

1. Cerave Nightly Exfoliating Anti-Aging Serum

The Nightly Exfoliating Treatment is a gentle yet effective solution to improve visible signs of aging. This consistent exfoliation helps to reduce dullness and discoloration. The chemical exfoliants, Lactic and Glycolic Acids, are less harsh than physical face scrubs. The Anti-Aging Serum for Face contains these acids to minimize the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and pores. It also has Licorice Root Extract to visibly brighten the skin and Hyaluronic Acid to retain its natural moisture.

This hydrating facial serum should be applied in the evening on clean skin for best results. Apply a thin layer and allow it to dry before applying CeraVe Night Cream. To protect the skin from sun exposure, use CeraVe Face Lotion with SPF 30 during the day. All CeraVe products are formulated with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) to help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier. Ceramides are found naturally in the skin and make up 50% of the lipids in the skin barrier. CeraVe Skincare is developed with dermatologists and is noncomedogenic, paraben-free, and fragrance-free. They have products suitable for dry skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, acne-prone, and more.

Pros

  • Gentle yet effective solution to improve visible signs of aging
  • Contains chemical exfoliants Lactic and Glycolic Acid which are less harsh than physical scrubs
  • Contains Licorice Root Extract to visibly brighten skin and Hyaluronic Acid to retain natural moisture
  • Formulated with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) to help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier
  • Developed with dermatologists and is noncomedogenic, paraben-free, and fragrance-free

2. Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment Face Serum

The multi-tasking, targeted lactic acid treatment is a must-have in any beauty routine. This treatment rapidly exfoliates the skin, boosts radiance, and reduces the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. The high potency, purified grade lactic acid works wonders in exfoliating dull, pore-clogging dead skin cells, instantly clarifying and revealing smoother, clearer skin. Meanwhile, the skin brightening licorice helps reduce the look of dark spots and discoloration caused by sun exposure, resulting in naturally brighter, even-toned skin.

This super-concentrated treatment is clinically tested and proven to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles in just 3 minutes, and dark spots in 8 weeks. It is cruelty-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, soy-free, phthalate-free, fragrance-free, and vegan, making it a safe choice for anyone looking for a highly effective and ethical product.

Pros

  • Rapidly exfoliates and boosts radiance
  • Reduces the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and dark spots
  • Visually reduces the look of dark spots and discoloration caused by sun exposure
  • Clinically tested and proven to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles in just 3 minutes, and dark spots in 8 weeks
  • Cruelty-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, gluten-free, soy-free, phthalate-free, fragrance-free, and vegan

3. Pro Peel With Kojic And Licorice Extracts

The Lactic Acid Face Peel is a professional-grade peel that effectively treats various skin issues such as age spots, freckles, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and fine lines. The peel is specially formulated to be used at home, saving you the need for expensive spa treatments. Each bottle of the product contains enough solution for up to 20 facial treatments.

Before using the Lactic Acid Face Peel, it is essential to perform a patch test as sensitivity to Lactic Acid varies from person to person. The manufacturer strongly recommends applying a small quantity of product to a limited area, such as behind the ear or under the chin, and waiting for 2-3 minutes to assess your skin's sensitivity to the peel. This step helps avoid any adverse reactions.

Unlike many other peels in the market, the Lactic Acid Face Peel is a light gel and not a liquid. This unique feature prevents the product from trickling down your face or dripping into your eyes or mouth, ensuring a hassle-free and safe application.

The Lactic Acid Face Peel contains natural ingredients such as Kojic Acid, Bearberry, and Licorice Extracts that act as melanin inhibitors. These ingredients help promote a brighter and more even skin tone, resulting in a uniform complexion.

Overall, the Lactic Acid Face Peel is an effective and safe solution to many skin concerns, and its easy-to-use formula makes it an excellent addition to your skincare routine.

Pros

  • Effectively treats various skin issues such as age spots, freckles, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and fine lines
  • Specially formulated to be used at home, saving you the need for expensive spa treatments
  • Each bottle of the product contains enough solution for up to 20 facial treatments
  • Contains natural ingredients such as Kojic Acid, Bearberry, and Licorice Extracts that act as melanin inhibitors
  • Promotes a brighter and more even skin tone, resulting in a uniform complexion
  • The unique gel formula prevents the product from trickling down your face or dripping into your eyes or mouth

4. Power-Packed Serum For Stronger Resilient Skin

The Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum by Drunk Elephant is a powerful a.m./p.m. serum that combines peptides, plant-derived growth factors, and amino acids with exfoliating lactic acid to give users a dramatic improvement in their skin's texture, tone, radiance, and bounce. The formula is ultra-concentrated and contains a blend of 11 peptides that plump up the skin while targeting dullness and uneven complexion. The serum strengthens the skin, targets multiple signs of damage, and brings the skin back to its healthiest state. Drunk Elephant products are like nutrition for the skin, and the silicone-free, bio-available formulas are highly absorbable and mixable to create a customized regimen based on the user's skin needs.

Drunk Elephant avoids using the "Suspicious 6" ingredients, such as Essential Oils, Drying Alcohols, Silicones, Chemical Screens, Fragrance/Dyes, and SLS, which they suspect disrupt skin health and are the root of almost every skin issue they see. They also formulate their products with biocompatible ingredients that the skin can easily absorb, understand and benefit from, and they don't care about changing the look or feel of the ingredients. They just let them be what they are naturally.

Pros

  • Contains an ultra-concentrated blend of 11 peptides that deliver plump, bouncy skin while targeting a dull, uneven complexion
  • Targets multiple signs of damage while strengthening skin and bringing it back to its healthiest state
  • Silicone-free, bio-available formulas are highly absorbable and mixable to create a customized regimen based on the user's skin needs
  • Formulated with biocompatible ingredients that the skin can easily absorb, understand and benefit from

Cons

  • – No cons have been reported yet.

5. Pro-Aha Peel For Acne Scars & Wrinkles

Achieve professional-grade skin rejuvenation at home with this Glycolic and Lactic Acid Face Peel. This peel contains a blend of two powerful alpha hydroxy acids to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and photodamage. With continued use, it accelerates cell regeneration, revealing a younger-looking skin surface. Each bottle provides up to 20 facial applications, saving you money on expensive spa treatments.

Unlike many other chemical peels on the market, this product is a light gel instead of a liquid. This consistency prevents the product from trickling down your face or dripping into your eyes or mouth. The formula contains calendula, green tea, and chamomile extracts, which are potent antioxidants, antibacterials, and anti-inflammatory ingredients. These extracts promote clear, healthy, and younger-looking skin while controlling the potentially irritating effects of glycolic and lactic acids on your skin.

However, this product contains glycolic and lactic acids, so sensitivity to alpha hydroxy acids may vary from person to person. The manufacturer strongly recommends testing the product on a small area before using it. To test, apply a small amount of product on a dime-sized area behind the ear or under the chin and wait for 2-3 minutes. Always read and follow the instructions available online and on the product label before using the product.

Pros

  • Contains a blend of two powerful alpha hydroxy acids for professional-grade skin rejuvenation
  • Gel consistency prevents the product from trickling down your face or dripping into your eyes or mouth
  • Contains potent antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory ingredients for clear, healthy, and younger-looking skin
  • Provides up to 20 facial applications, saving money on expensive spa treatments

Cons

  • – May cause sensitivity to alpha hydroxy acids in some individuals

6. Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum For Radiant Skin

Achieve soft, luminous skin with Biossance Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum. This retexturizing serum is a powerhouse that gently dissolves dead surface cells, revealing bright new skin below. You can see results as soon as overnight or within just 1-2 weeks. The serum helps minimize signs of aging by delivering a smoother and softer texture, visibly diminishing fine lines and providing an overall brighter complexion. It is a powerful but non-irritating serum that brings out silky skin at any age.

This serum is made with proven and natural ingredients, including 10% vegan lactic acid that gently boosts cell turnover and resurfaces skin. Squalane provides deep and fast-absorbing moisture, while clover revs cell turnover and renews skin. This product is part of your daily nontoxic skincare routine. Massage 2-3 pumps of the lactic acid serum onto your face, neck, and décolleté each night after using an eye cream. Follow with a moisturizer to protect and nourish your skin.

Biossance is committed to clean beauty, and as a part of their high standards for your skin and the environment, all products are vegan, cruelty-free, and made without parabens or synthetic fragrances or PEG. Treat your skin to this gentle, yet powerful serum for a healthier, more radiant complexion.

Pros

  • Dissolves dead surface cells and reveals soft, luminous new skin below
  • Minimizes signs of aging by delivering smoother and softer texture
  • Visibly diminishes fine lines and provides an overall brighter complexion
  • Made with proven and natural ingredients including 10% vegan lactic acid and squalane
  • Powerful but non-irritating serum brings out silky skin at any age
  • Part of your daily nontoxic skincare routine
  • Vegan, cruelty-free, and made without parabens, synthetic fragrances, or PEG

7. Luminous Renew: Brightening Lactic Peeling Serum

The Naturally Exfoliating serum is a powerful skincare product that provides double benefits by exfoliating and hydrating the skin. Its unique formula effectively loosens the bonds between dead skin cells, revealing a more radiant complexion. This serum is perfect for those who want to achieve a brighter, smoother, and more balanced appearance.

The Brightening Formula of this serum contains hydrating Lactic Acid that helps to brighten, smooth, and even out the skin tone. With regular use, this formula can help reduce the appearance of dark spots and other skin discolorations, resulting in a more youthful and radiant complexion.

The Smooth Fine Lines and Wrinkles formula contains Lactic Acid (AHA) that helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. This powerful ingredient also makes the skin appear firmer and more elastic, giving you a more youthful and radiant complexion.

This serum is Perfect for Dry Skin Types. While it is great for all skin types, it is especially beneficial to those with dry skin. The hydrating properties of Lactic Acid help to moisturize and nourish the skin, making it look and feel softer, smoother, and more supple.

The Vegan Formula of this serum is 100% vegan, containing no animal products or animal testing of any kind. This makes it a cruelty-free and environmentally-friendly option for those who want to take care of their skin without harming animals or the planet.

Pros

  • Exfoliates and hydrates the skin
  • Brightens, smooths, and evens skin tone
  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots
  • Makes the skin appear firmer and more elastic
  • Suitable for all skin types, especially dry skin
  • 100% vegan formula, no animal products or testing

8. Lactic Resurfacing Serum: Smooth & Brighten Skin

The Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum is a powerful combination of 10% Lactic Acid and Squalane that exfoliates the skin by sweeping away dead skin cells and unclogging pores. This potent resurfacing serum also keeps the skin hydrated throughout, making it an ideal choice for those with combination and oily skin types who are concerned about pores, dullness and uneven texture, acne, and blemishes.

The serum's natural formulation seeps down the skin and draws out excess oil, leaving your skin oil-free and fresh. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines and black spots, giving you naturally glowing skin. With regular use, the Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum retains softer, brighter skin that looks and feels healthier.

To use, apply a small amount of the serum to clean, dry skin before bed. Gently massage the serum into the skin, avoiding the eye area. For best results, use two to three times per week and follow with your favorite moisturizer.

Pros

  • Powerful combination of 10% Lactic Acid and Squalane exfoliates the skin and keeps it hydrated
  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines and black spots, giving you naturally glowing skin
  • Ideal for those with combination and oily skin types who are concerned about pores, dullness and uneven texture, acne, and blemishes
  • Retains softer, brighter skin with regular use
  • Natural formulation seeps down the skin and draws out excess oil, leaving your skin oil-free and fresh

9. Brighten Dark Spots – Pigment Correcting Serum

This dark spot treatment serum is designed to help repair and even out skin tone. It is a hydroquinone-free formula, making it ideal for those who are unable to tolerate hydroquinone. The serum is infused with antioxidants that offer protection against skin damage, while azelaic and kojic acid are the key ingredients that help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration.

The serum is easy to apply and is quickly absorbed into the skin. It is gentle enough to be used daily and can be incorporated into any skincare routine.

If you're looking for an effective dark spot treatment that is gentle and safe for all skin types, this serum is definitely worth trying. With regular use, you should notice a significant improvement in the overall appearance of your skin.

Pros

  • Hydroquinone-free formula is suitable for those who cannot tolerate hydroquinone
  • Infused with antioxidants for skin damage protection
  • Azelaic and kojic acid help to reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration
  • Easy to apply and quickly absorbed into the skin
  • Gentle enough to be used daily and can be incorporated into any skincare routine

10. Bright & Smooth Lactic Acid Pm Serum

The Shani Darden Lactic Acid Serum is a highly effective yet gentle overnight serum that gently exfoliates the skin to improve clarity and texture. It is specially formulated for blemish-prone skin.

This serum contains dual exfoliating acids, Lactic Acid (AHA) and Gluconolactone (PHA), that work together to refine and re-texturize the skin. The Soothing Complex present in the serum helps to relieve the skin and minimize any irritation.

The Lactic Acid (AHA) in the serum helps to polish away dead skin cells, revealing smoother and more glowing skin. The Gluconolactone (PHA) helps to exfoliate and even out skin tone. The Soothing Complex, consisting of Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe, and Green Tea, helps to soothe and hydrate the skin.

To use the serum, apply 1-2 pumps all over the face and neck in the PM, avoiding the eye area. Wait for 5 minutes for the product to absorb and follow up with a moisturizer. It is recommended to apply SPF in the AM as exfoliated skin is more susceptible to sun damage.

Shani Darden is an expert esthetician who shares her proven formulas for all skin types. The serum is cruelty-free, vegan, and free from parabens, silicone, and fragrance. With regular use, you can expect to achieve smoother, clearer, and healthier-looking skin.

Pros

  • Dual exfoliating acids refine and re-texturize the skin
  • Soothing Complex helps to relieve the skin and minimize irritation
  • Lactic Acid (AHA) polishes away dead skin cells to reveal smoother and more glowing skin
  • Gluconolactone (PHA) helps to exfoliate and even out skin tone
  • Soothing Complex consisting of Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe, and Green Tea helps to soothe and hydrate the skin
  • Cruelty-free, vegan, and free from parabens, silicone, and fragrance

Best Lactic Acid For Face FAQs

Are there any potential side effects or precautions to consider when using lactic acid on the face?

Yes, there are potential side effects and precautions to consider when using lactic acid on the face. Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid that is commonly used in skincare products for its exfoliating and hydrating properties. However, it can also cause skin irritation, redness, and dryness if used in excessive amounts or on sensitive skin. It is important to start with a low concentration of lactic acid and gradually increase it over time to avoid irritation. Additionally, it is recommended to use sunscreen when using lactic acid products as they can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun. People with eczema, rosacea, or other skin conditions should consult with a dermatologist before using lactic acid on their face. Overall, lactic acid can be a beneficial addition to a skincare routine, but it is important to use it with caution and follow the recommended usage guidelines.

Can lactic acid help with acne or other skin concerns?

Lactic acid is a popular ingredient in skincare products due to its ability to exfoliate and improve skin texture. It is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is derived from milk and is known for its gentle yet effective exfoliating properties. When applied topically, lactic acid works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, thus helping to remove them from the surface of the skin. This can lead to a brighter, smoother, and more even complexion.

In addition to its exfoliating properties, lactic acid also has antibacterial properties that can help to combat acne-causing bacteria. It can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improve skin hydration levels. However, it is important to note that lactic acid can be irritating to some skin types, so it is best to start with a low concentration and patch test before incorporating it into your skincare routine. Overall, lactic acid can be a useful ingredient in treating acne and other skin concerns, but it should be used with caution and under the guidance of a skincare professional.

How often should I use lactic acid on my face and in what concentration?

Lactic acid is a popular alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is commonly used in skincare products for its exfoliating and brightening properties. When it comes to using lactic acid on your face, the frequency and concentration depend on your skin type and sensitivity.

For starters, it is recommended to use lactic acid once or twice a week, depending on your skin's tolerance. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to start with a lower concentration of 5-10% and gradually work your way up to higher concentrations of 10-15%.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you can use lactic acid up to three times a week, but it's important to monitor your skin's reaction and adjust the frequency accordingly.

It's also important to note that lactic acid can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun, so make sure to use sunscreen with a high SPF during the day when using lactic acid at night.

In summary, the frequency and concentration of lactic acid use on your face should be adjusted according to your skin's sensitivity and needs. It's always best to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase the frequency and concentration as your skin tolerates it.

Is lactic acid safe for all skin types?

Lactic acid is generally safe for all skin types. It is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is derived from milk and is used in various skincare products due to its ability to exfoliate and improve skin texture. It is particularly beneficial for those with dry or sensitive skin as it is a gentle exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells without causing irritation.

However, it is important to note that those with extremely sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea may want to avoid using products containing lactic acid as it may cause further irritation. It is also recommended to patch test any new skincare product containing lactic acid before applying it to the entire face.

Overall, lactic acid is a safe and effective ingredient that can be incorporated into a skincare routine for most skin types. As with any skincare product, it is important to read the label and follow instructions carefully to ensure the best results and minimize the risk of any adverse reactions.

What are the benefits of using lactic acid for the face?

Lactic acid is a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is commonly used in skincare products. When applied to the face, it can provide a number of benefits for the skin.

One of the main benefits of using lactic acid for the face is that it can help to exfoliate the skin. As an AHA, it works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be sloughed away more easily. This can help to reveal smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking skin.

In addition to its exfoliating properties, lactic acid can also help to improve the skin's texture and tone. It can stimulate collagen production, which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also help to fade hyperpigmentation and acne scars.

Lactic acid is also gentle enough for most skin types, including sensitive skin. It can help to hydrate and soothe the skin, while also reducing inflammation and redness.

Overall, using lactic acid for the face can provide a range of benefits for the skin, including exfoliation, improved texture and tone, and hydration. If you're interested in incorporating lactic acid into your skincare routine, it's important to start slowly and patch test first to ensure that your skin can tolerate it.

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