Lactic acid is often called the gentle AHA. It exfoliates like its better-known cousin glycolic acid, but it also has a reputation for being kinder to skin and for helping with hydration.
What Is Lactic Acid?
Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). It is found naturally in fermented foods, and the cosmetic version is typically made by fermentation. Lactic acid is also part of the skin's own natural moisturizing factor.
Its molecule is larger than glycolic acid's, so it tends to move into skin more slowly, which is one reason it is considered milder.
What It Does for Skin
Smooths texture. At exfoliating strengths, lactic acid loosens the bonds between dead cells on the surface so they shed more evenly, revealing smoother, brighter-looking skin.
Supports hydration. A 1996 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that topical lactic acid increased skin firmness and thickness and improved the look of skin smoothness. Other research summarized in a 2018 review in Molecules notes that AHAs including lactic acid can help skin hold onto moisture.
Balances pH. In small amounts, many formulas use lactic acid simply to adjust pH so the product sits close to skin's natural slightly acidic range. In those products it is not there to exfoliate.
Where You'll Find It at True Colour Beauty
For exfoliation, the AHA Exfoliating Concentrate is the product built around acids. For the scalp, the Scalp Care Exfoliating Serum uses lactic acid with organic nettle.
Lactic acid also appears in smaller amounts in many formulas, including the Exosome & Niacinamide Serum, the Pigment Balancing Serum, the Nourishing Rich Cream and the Purifying Mousse Cleanser, where it helps keep the formula's pH skin-friendly.
How to Use It
Use an exfoliating AHA product a few evenings a week to start, then adjust based on how your skin responds. Follow with moisturizer, and wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning, since AHAs can make skin more sensitive to the sun.
Avoid using several strong exfoliants on the same night. Products that use lactic acid only for pH balance can be used as directed.
What the Research Doesn't Say
Strength and pH matter. The effects seen in studies come from specific concentrations, and a cream that uses lactic acid for pH balance will not exfoliate the way a dedicated AHA product does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lactic acid good for sensitive skin?
It is generally considered one of the gentler AHAs. Start slowly and patch test.
Can I use lactic acid with vitamin C or retinol alternatives?
Many people do, but introduce one new product at a time and watch for dryness.
Is lactic acid vegan?
Cosmetic lactic acid is usually made by fermenting plant sugars. Check each product page for its vegan status.
Are True Colour Beauty products cruelty-free?
Yes. True Colour Beauty is Leaping Bunny certified.
Gentle Exfoliation, Smoother Skin
Lactic acid helps skin look smoother and brighter while staying comfortable. Explore the True Colour Beauty skincare collection.
Sources
Smith WP. Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1996;35(3 Pt 1):388-391.
Tang SC, Yang JH. Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin. Molecules. 2018;23(4):863.
