These Lactic Acid Serums Prove That Everyone Can Exfoliate

FAQ

How is lactic acid different from other exfoliating acids?

Compared to other chemical exfoliants, lactic acid is “generally considered to be one of the milder exfoliating acids, which is why I often prefer it for people with dry, sensitive, or reactive skin,” says Dr. Turegano. Glycolic acid penetrates deeper and is often effective against stubborn texture and discoloration, but it can also be very irritating. Salicylic acid, a type of BHA, is oil-soluble and can penetrate pores and dissolve excess oil and debris, making it especially helpful for acne-prone or oily skin. Lactic acid provides noticeable whitening and smoothing effects while helping the skin retain moisture. That said, products that combine lactic acid with a strong exfoliant, or a combination of acids in general, may be suitable for people who already have experience using chemical exfoliants and know that their skin tolerates them well.

Is lactic acid good for sensitive skin?

Lactic acid products are often “generally gentler and more moisturizing than strong AHAs like glycolic acid, making them ideal for skin care for sensitive skin,” says Dr. Turegano. Part of the reason is that their larger molecular size means they penetrate the skin more slowly and therefore are less irritating. This gentle profile is one reason lactic acid is often recommended for dry, reactive, or irritable skin types. But Dr. Turegano says “sensitive skin” can mean a lot of things, so she recommends starting slow and avoiding overdoing it, especially if your skin’s barrier is already irritated or compromised.

What percentage of lactic acid is best for beginners?

For beginners, Dr. Turegano says it’s usually a good idea to start with skin care products that have a lactic acid concentration of about 5%. Once your skin gets used to it, you can move on to a stronger formula. “Experienced users who tolerate exfoliating acids well may use a formula around 10 to 12 percent, but higher isn’t necessarily better or faster,” she says. In fact, over-exfoliating (causing redness, irritation, peeling, and damage to the skin barrier) is one of the most common mistakes dermatologists see.

meet an expert

• Sean AlemiMD, dual board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in New York City.
• Annetta LeskoMD, board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Mamina TureganoMD, board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist based in New Orleans.
• Carlos VieiraMD, board-certified dermatologist at Philadelphia-based Dermatology Specialists

How to test and review products

when allure Once we test a product, our editors look at it from all angles to ensure we can best serve you. We check ingredients, scrutinize brand claims and, when appropriate, research peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing every product included in each review, we rely on experts in fields such as dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine to help vet ingredients and formulations.

For our list of the best lactic acid serums, we considered each product’s performance across five main categories: product ingredients and effectiveness, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product experience. All products have been determined to be outstanding in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers, editors, and contributors, with special consideration by board-certified dermatologists. For more information about our reporting and testing process, please visit our complete review process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

Beautiful items are purchased individually. You might be looking for a face cream to combat stubborn dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine. You may simply be looking around for the latest products to hit the hair market. No matter what you are looking for or your personal needs and concerns, allure We want you to love whatever we recommend in our stories. To achieve that goal, we believe it is essential to have a diverse team of writers and editors, as well as a wide range of external testers and industry experts that we engage on a regular basis.

After all, can it be done? Really Can you say that a skin care product is “best” for people over 50 if the testers only asked for opinions from people who haven’t yet reached 30? Can you honestly think that a high-end diffuser that has never been tested on curls is worth your hard-earned money? We are proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin colors, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds. That means you can get a fair review of every beauty product in your beauty closet.