Lactic acids (Lactic acid (AHA))
INCI: Lactic Acid
Loosens dead skin cells and makes skin smoother
Good evidence: randomised trials
At a glance
- Suits
- Normal, dry and mature skin – also body and feet
- Helps with
- Pigmentation spots, Fine lines, Dry skin, Glow
- Pairs well with
- Hyaluronic acid, Salicylic acid, Panthenol, Niacinamide
- Found in
- 12 ECOOKING products
What can lactic acids help with?
Pigmentation spots
In a 22-week double-blind study, a cream with 8 % lactic acid resulted in fewer pigmentation changes on the forearms than a cream without it.[1]
Fine lines
In a study over three months, skin became smoother and lines became less visible with the use of products containing 5 % or 12 % lactic acid.[3]
Dry skin
In a study with 60 participants, a lotion with 12 % lactate reduced dry and flaky skin. Lactate is the salt form of lactic acid. Two weeks after stopping use, overall dryness had decreased more than with the two comparison lotions.[2]
How it works
How to use it
- Follow the product’s instructions on frequency and whether to rinse off.
- Start slowly with exfoliating products and only increase use if your skin tolerates it.
- Use moisturiser after an exfoliating mask.
- Use sunscreen during the day.
Products with lactic acids
Overnight Foot Cream
Overnight foot cream that softens hard skin and moisturises dry feet and crac...
Peeling Mask
Fragrance-free peeling mask with AHA acids that exfoliates with lactic acid a...
Moisturizing Mask
Fragrance-free face mask with hyaluronic acid that gives dry skin a moisture ...
AHA+BHA Mask
Fragrance-free chemical peeling mask with AHA and BHA for pigmentation spots ...
Peptide Repair Serum
A peptide serum that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces fine lines and red...
Repair Conditioner
Moisturising conditioner for dry hair that leaves hair silky soft and easy to...
Hair Mask
Hair mask and conditioner in one for dry and damaged hair, reducing split end...
Wake up cream 15 ml
Our wake up cream 15 ml provides sun protection with SPF 50, deeply hydrates ...
Frequently asked questions
It is the same acid, but in the body it is found mainly as lactate. In skincare, lactic acid can be used to loosen dead skin cells, among other things.
The lactic acid in our vegan-certified products is not of animal origin. The name lactic acid therefore does not mean that the ingredient comes from milk.
Both are AHA acids that can loosen dead skin cells. The lactic acid molecule is larger than the glycolic acid molecule. How mild a product feels also depends on the rest of its composition.
Sensitive skin can react to exfoliating acids with stinging or redness. Try the product on a small area first.
Lactic acid is found in several of our products, including Peeling Mask, AHA+BHA Mask and Overnight Foot Cream.
Yes. Lactic acid is used in body lotion and foot cream for dry, rough skin, for example on elbows, knees and heels.
Sources
- Topical 8% glycolic acid and 8% L-lactic acid creams for the treatment of photodamaged skin. A double-blind vehicle-controlled clinical trial (Archives of dermatology, 1996)
- 12% lactate lotion for the treatment of xerosis. A double-blind clinical evaluation (Archives of dermatology, 1983)
- Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid (Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1996)