Holistic esthetician Tammy Fender shares exactly what lactic acid is and where it comes from. “Lactic acid is typically derived from milk or fermented vegetables and is known for its ability to exfoliate the skin, bringing out its tone and brightness,” she explains.
According to board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, lactic acid is one of the gentlest chemical exfoliants you can use, making it suitable for dry or sensitive skin types. “Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that acts as a gentle exfoliant,” he says.
“As an exfoliant, it helps remove dry, dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, revealing smoother, softer, healthier skin.” Joie Tavernise, NYC medical esthetician and founder of JTAV Clinical Skincare, also shares an interesting tidbit of info about lactic acid. “It will not disrupt the pH balance of the skin or cause redness and irritation,” she says.
Lactic acid is also unique in the way that it has both exfoliating and hydrating properties, so it’s a great option if you’re dealing with acne and moisture-barrier damage or just have dry, sensitive skin. I can personally attest to this, as I struggled to find an exfoliating product I could use daily that didn’t irritate my sensitive skin or cause my barrier damage to get worse. Camp says, “Lactic acid is often suitable for dry or sensitive skin types. It does not penetrate the skin deeply, and as a result, there may be fewer side effects than other acid products. If you do have a history of sensitive skin, it is a good idea to do a test spot on the inside of your arm prior to applying it more liberally.”
