Ingredient decoder

Lactic acid: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Lactic Acid

Acne verdict Acne helper

Helps acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Gentle AHA that exfoliates and hydrates.

  • Exfoliant
  • Buffering
  • Humectant
  • Skin conditioning

Lactic acid in plain English

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the surface of the skin and also helps hold in moisture. It is generally gentler than glycolic acid, which makes it a good starting exfoliant for sensitive or dry acne-prone skin. Regular exfoliation can help reduce clogged pores. AHAs increase sun sensitivity, so wear sunscreen.

Is lactic acid bad for acne?

No. Lactic acid is on the helpful side for acne-prone skin and is not known to clog pores. Our checker groups it with the exfoliant ingredients. Like most acne actives, it can cause dryness or irritation at first, so start slowly.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Lactic Acid
  • 2-hydroxypropanoic acid
  • Milk acid
  • L-lactic acid

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Frequently asked questions

Is lactic acid comedogenic?

There is no published comedogenic rating for lactic acid, and it is not known to clog pores. It is used in products made for acne-prone skin.

What does lactic acid do in skincare?

In short: gentle AHA that exfoliates and hydrates. In formulas it is used for buffering, humectant and skin conditioning.

What else is lactic acid called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, lactic acid can also appear as 2-hydroxypropanoic acid, Milk acid or L-lactic acid.

Sources