Lactic acid is coming up in many beauty and skincare blogs, videos, and accounts lately. Experts are gushing over the benefits of having this ingredient in beauty products. Let's find out why.

Lactic acid is mainly derived from milk. Vegan and synthetic sources are also being used in other beauty products. It is commonly used as an ingredient in nighttime skincare products. It is a potent ingredient that clears out dead skin cells, so pairing it with other potent ingredients in your skincare routine is not recommended.

But don't worry, lactic acid does not sink deeply into the skin, making it the least irritating in the alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) family.

So, why is lactic acid suddenly the star of the show?

Exfoliating Power

This AHA dissolves the bonds holding old and dull cells to the surface of your skin. This results in an even and radiant complexion. Try the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment, which is formulated with a mix of lactic and salicylic acids.

Anti-Aging

Lactic acid reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. It brightens the skin and targets hyperpigmentation while stimulating collagen production for firmer skin. If anti-aging is your main concern, Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment is proven to reduce signs of skin aging with the bonus of visibly clarifying blemishes.

Hydrating

Products formulated with lactic acid are known to be hydrating or moisturizing because they can bind water within the skin, resulting in more plump skin. This hydrating property replenishes the moisture lost during exfoliation. Olga Lorencin Lactic Acid Hydrating Serum targets dull, dry skin and transforms it into youthful and dewy skin.

Antimicrobial

Lactic acid rids the skin of bacteria and other pathogens, keeping the balance of the skin's microbiome. If you have acne, lactic acid could be the answer you are looking for. Cerave's Acne Control Gel is formulated with lactic acid and 2% salicylic acid to remove acne and support the skin's barrier.

Regulating Use

Skincare products have varying concentrations of lactic acid. Experts recommend checking these concentrations before deciding to add a product to your routine. Products with higher lactic acid concentrations, such as exfoliants, should only be used once to thrice a week. On the other hand, products with lower concentrations of lactic acid, such as toners, are safe for daily use.