Never would I have imagined that the thought of acid would excite me, however, here I am shining a spotlight on my favourite kind of acid, Lactic Acid.

As a newcomer to the world of anti-ageing products, I’ve tried the majority ranging from Peptides to Vitamin C and the latter just doesn’t agree with my skin. So when I hit the sweet spot around what my skin accepted, my journey through the never-ever-land of ageing got just that much better with the introduction of Lactic Acid. 

Without further ado, let me show you exactly why you need this in your beauty cupboard, stat!

What Is Lactic Acid?

Lactic Acid is a water-soluble acid which is part of the Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) group whose main role is to work as an exfoliant.

It is “A naturally occurring carboxylic acid that is commonly derived from milk, as well as alternative vegan sources like fermented corn starch, beets, and other sugar-rich foods,” tells Sunday Riley, Founder of Sunday Riley. 

How Does It Work?

In general AHA’s exfoliate, hydrate and brighten the skin.

As a non-friction type of exfoliant, Lactic Acid “Works by breaking down and dissolving the structure of dead skin cells without causing sensitivity,” adds Sunday Riley.

It does this by stimulating the exfoliation of surface skin cells by “Interfering with the bonding of the cells… sloughing off of dull, rough skin while increasing new cell turnover in the upper layers of your skin.”

But, that’s not all … Lactic Acid also helps to:

• Increase the ceramides (lipids that help form the skin barrier and help the skin to retain moisture) in the skin’s protective barrier
• Improve dark spots and pigmentation 
• Diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles
• Increases water retention 
• Works to prevent congestion 

What Skin Type Is It Best Suited To?

Lactic Acid is hydrating, meaning it is good for all skin types. 

“If you suffer from issues with congestion and/or acne, it is the perfect tool to help exfoliate the upper layers of your skin to prevent pore-clogging debris from settling into your pores, helping to minimize the formation of blackheads and breakouts,” mentions Sunday Riley.

Take it from me, I have slightly dryer skin that’s on the mildly sensitive side, so there’s no need to be afraid of Lactic Acid if you have dry skin, as it won’t dry it out more!

When Do We Use It?

Lactic Acid is great as a preventative product as well as a treatment to target specific skin concerns.

When used regularly “It can help to improve the signs of ageing by stimulating collagen renewal which can overtime firm your skin and lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” tells Sunday Riley

Lactic acid comes in numerous forms from cleansers to serums, so we always recommend using your products from lightest to heaviest in texture. 

My most recommended products that are gentle enough for sensitive skin and that actually work have to be the Squalane + Lactic Acid Night Serum by Biossance and Sunday Riley’s Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment.  They’re gentle enough that you can use it every night.

I started out using Biossance twice a week at night and then gradually increasing to every second day. I love the lactic acid from Biossance as it also helps reduce the effects from blue light, not to mention waking up with brighter skin is always a bonus!

As with all acids, Sunday Riley also suggests, when starting out to use it 2 days on and 2 days off and gauge if your skin can handle it. You can gradually increase the number of times a week you use it depending on how your skin can handle it.

The great thing about the Good Gene Treatment is that you can use it day or night or both. After the first time I applied Sunday Riley, my skin was extremely bright and soft the next morning, after two weeks I started to notice a smoother complexion and a reduction of tiny little bumps.

You should always use sunscreen daily, but make sure you use sunscreen if you apply Sunday Riley’s Good Gene in the morning. 

Shop all of our favourite Lactic Acids products below