Lactic Acid
Lactic Acid is a humectant and skin conditioning ingredient. It’s in 722 products on Poliage, most often conditioner, exfoliant and lip. Avoid lists on Poliage that include it: none.
Updated October 22, 2026
In plain English
An acid found in fermented milk and made by fermentation. Adjusts pH and, at higher levels, loosens dead surface skin.
What it does
Contains Lactic Acid: buffering
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Lactic Acid: humectant
Function listed in CosIng
Contains Lactic Acid: skin-conditioning
Function listed in CosIng
Source: CosIng, the European Commission cosmetic ingredient database, ref 34809, accessed October 22, 2026. Also listed as acidum lacticum and alpha hydroxy acid lactic.
Products that contain Lactic Acid
PUR Cosmetics
Skin Perfecting Powder Blushing Act Matte Blush
Blush · Lists fragrance, exfoliating acid, retinoid
Versed
Skin Refine Gentle Pore-Clearing Serum
Serum · Lists exfoliating acid, salicylic acid
CeraVe
Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment
Serum · Lists exfoliating acid, silicones
Dermalogica
Skin Resurfacing Cleanser
Cleanser · Lists fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, essential oils, coconut derivatives
Garnier
SkinActive Contorno Occhi Illuminante
Lists exfoliating acid, silicones
Dermalogica
Smart Response Serum
Serum · Lists fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, essential oils, coconut derivatives
Tula
So Polished
Exfoliant · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, coconut derivatives
Carex
Soap
Lists fragrance, exfoliating acid, sulfates, chemical UV filters, coconut derivatives
Gold Bond
Softening Hydrating Foot Cream with Shea Butter
Body lotion · Lists fragrance, exfoliating acid, retinoid, parabens, silicones, formaldehyde releasers
Cosmia
Soin démêlant technique color
Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, silicones, chemical UV filters
Cosmia
Soin des lèvres hydratant
Lists fragrance, exfoliating acid
Harry’s
Spot Correcting Gel
Serum · Lists exfoliating acid, silicones, coconut derivatives
Tula
Spresso Energizing Eye Balm
Eye cream · Lists exfoliating acid
Biossance
Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum
Serum · Lists fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, essential oils
100% Pure
Strawberry Brightening Scrub
Exfoliant · Lists fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid
Henkel
Styliste ultîme
Lists fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid, silicones
Suave
Sun Ripened Strawberry Conditioner
Conditioner · Lists fragrance, fragrance allergens, exfoliating acid
Peach & Lily
Super Fade Discoloration Moisturizer | Dark Spot Treatment
Moisturizer · Lists exfoliating acid
Olay
Super Serum
Serum · Lists fragrance, exfoliating acid, silicones
Olay
Super Serum Mini
Serum · Lists fragrance, exfoliating acid, silicones
Olay
Super Serum Night Repair
Serum · Lists exfoliating acid, silicones, salicylic acid
Olay
Super Serum Night Repair Mini
Serum · Lists exfoliating acid, silicones, salicylic acid
Maelove
Super Smooth AHA + BHA Resurfacing Serum
Serum · Lists exfoliating acid, salicylic acid
innisfree
Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
Mask · Lists exfoliating acid
Related guides
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What DermNet NZ and the FDA say about retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids and salicylic acid: sun sensitivity, irritation, pregnancy and using them together.