exfoliant aha
AHA that loosens corneocyte adhesion and humectant at lower concentrations via NMF interactions. Larger molecular weight than glycolic acid = gentler at equivalent concentrations.
| Concern | Strength | Studies | What the research says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dryness | Excellent | 4 | Ammonium lactate 12% (prescription products Lac-Hydrin and AmLactin, now available OTC in US at lower concentrations) has decades of dermatology use for xerosis, ichthyosis vulgaris, and keratosis pilaris. The evidence… |
| Uneven texture | Strong | 1 | Ammonium lactate 12% is a standard-of-care topical for keratosis pilaris alongside urea-based keratolytics. Clinical evidence is consistent though individual RCTs are small. Lactic acid's humectant effect on the rough,… |
| Fine lines & wrinkles | Strong | 1 | Smith 1996 (PMID 8784274) directly compared 5% vs 12% lactic acid applied twice daily for 3 months: 12% increased epidermal AND dermal firmness and thickness with clinical improvement in lines and wrinkles; 5% modulated… |
| Dark spots & hyperpigmentation | Strong | — | AHA — genuine pigment-dispersal/exfoliation; lactic peels have real hyperpigmentation/melasma evidence. |
| Blackheads | Relevant | — | Lactic peels (88-92%) have small clinical trial support for acne. Daily-use low-concentration evidence limited. Salicylic acid and adapalene are preferred for acne; lactic is a reasonable option in combination with… |
| Enlarged pores | Relevant | — | AHA — exfoliation gives modest pore-appearance benefit (clears follicular debris). Real but modest. |
Not recommended for: Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema, Rosacea, Psoriasis. Lactic Acid may aggravate these concerns/conditions.
Strength reflects the ingredient’s effect on each concern; study counts match research whose findings relate to that concern.
Lactic Acid is a exfoliant aha backed by a large, consistent body of clinical evidence (evidence tier 1 of 4). We track 9 studies for it, 7 reporting a positive effect. It is typically effective at 5–12% in a formulation.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology · 1996 · rct
Controlled study of topical lactic acid on human skin: lactic acid increased stratum corneum ceramide content and improved epidermal firmness, thickness, and smoothness; effects were concentration- and pH-dependent (higher free-acid/low-pH produced greater epidermal response). Supports lactic acid as a barrier-supporting humectant AHA.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology · 1996 · rct
Randomized controlled trial (26 weeks): Lactic arm of three AHA comparison demonstrating dermal remodeling.
Dermatologic Surgery · 2006 · rct · n=20
Randomized controlled trial (n=20): Pivotal lactic peel evidence for melasma in fitzpatrick IV dominant population.
Dermatologic Surgery · 2006 · rct · n=30
Randomized controlled trial (n=30): Lactic vs Jessner head to head equally effective.
Archives of Dermatology · 1996 · rct
Randomized controlled trial: Head to head glycolic vs lactic at equivalent concentration.
Archives of Dermatology · 1974 · observational
Clinical study: Establishes lactic acid for ichthyosis and keratosis pilaris treatment.
+ 3 more studies in our evidence base.
In 968 products — most often serums (374), moisturizers (205), cleansers (130), from $4.00 to $1786.24. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.
Nip + Fab
NIP+FAB Glycolic Daily Pads XXL
Serum
$24.07
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Nip + Fab
NIP+FAB Glycolic Daily Pads XXL
Serum
$24.07
Ideal for
Not recommended for
NIP+FAB Glycolic Daily Pads XXL is a exfoliant by Nip + Fab. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid.
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ELEMIS
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads (14 Pads)
Serum – for Dryness, Dark spots & hyperpigmentation
$25.00
Ideal for
Not recommended for
ELEMIS
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads (14 Pads)
Serum – for Dryness, Dark spots & hyperpigmentation
$25.00
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads (14 Pads) is a exfoliant by ELEMIS. Key ingredients include Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Lactic Acid.
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ELEMIS
Elemis Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser (150ml)
Cleanser
$70.00150ml · $0.47/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
ELEMIS
Elemis Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser (150ml)
Cleanser
$70.00150ml · $0.47/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Elemis Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser (150ml) is a water cleanser by ELEMIS. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Lauryl Glucoside.
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Lancôme
Lancôme Génifique Ultimate - Dual Repair Augmented Serum 115ml
Serum
$167.64115ml · $1.46/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Lancôme
Lancôme Génifique Ultimate - Dual Repair Augmented Serum 115ml
Serum
$167.64115ml · $1.46/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Lancôme Génifique Ultimate - Dual Repair Augmented Serum 115ml is a exfoliant by Lancôme. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Dimethicone.
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Caudalie
Caudalie Pore Minimizing Instant Detox Mask 75ml
Serum
$33.0275ml · $0.44/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caudalie
Caudalie Pore Minimizing Instant Detox Mask 75ml
Serum
$33.0275ml · $0.44/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caudalie Pore Minimizing Instant Detox Mask 75ml is a exfoliant by Caudalie. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Benzyl Alcohol.
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Pai
Pai Skincare Middlemist Seven™ Gentle Cream Cleanser 150ml
Cleanser
$43.18150ml · $0.29/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Pai
Pai Skincare Middlemist Seven™ Gentle Cream Cleanser 150ml
Cleanser
$43.18150ml · $0.29/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Pai Skincare Middlemist Seven™ Gentle Cream Cleanser 150ml is a water cleanser by Pai. Key ingredients include Water, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin.
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Set up your skin profileKate Somerville
ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash - 4.0 oz
Cleanser
$46.00118.3ml · $0.39/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Kate Somerville
ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash - 4.0 oz
Cleanser
$46.00118.3ml · $0.39/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash - 4.0 oz is a water cleanser by Kate Somerville. Key ingredients include Stearic Acid, Glycerin, Lactic Acid.
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Lancôme
Lancôme Génifique Ultimate - Dual Repair Augmented Serum 30ml
Serum
$67.0630ml · $2.23/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Lancôme
Lancôme Génifique Ultimate - Dual Repair Augmented Serum 30ml
Serum
$67.0630ml · $2.23/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Lancôme Génifique Ultimate - Dual Repair Augmented Serum 30ml is a exfoliant by Lancôme. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Dimethicone.
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OUAI
Moisturizer
$58.42142ml · $0.41/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
OUAI
Moisturizer
$58.42142ml · $0.41/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
OUAI Bond Repair Balm 142ml is a exfoliant by OUAI. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone.
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Lancaster
Lancaster Sun Perfect Sun Illuminating Cream SPF 50 50ml
Sunscreen
$40.6450ml · $0.81/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Lancaster
Lancaster Sun Perfect Sun Illuminating Cream SPF 50 50ml
Sunscreen
$40.6450ml · $0.81/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Lancaster Sun Perfect Sun Illuminating Cream SPF 50 50ml is a sunscreen by Lancaster. Key ingredients include Avobenzone, Alcohol Denat, Bemotrizinol.
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Set up your skin profileEducational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.