Lactic acid is one of the most popular alpha hydroxy acids available. It is a common ingredient in OTC skin care products. It is also used in stronger professional peels and treatments.

Skin Benefits
Lactic acid helps remove old, dull cells on the skin’s surface by dissolving the bonds that hold them together (exfoliation).

Lactic acid also makes cell turnover happen faster and stimulates the processes by which your skin sheds old cells and replaces them with new ones (cell renewal).1

As a result, lactic acid gives you a brighter complexion as well as smoother and softer skin.

Lactic acid is popular for two main reasons:

It can create real change in the skin if used regularly.
It’s one of the gentler hydroxy acids used in skin care.
There are also some other possible benefits of lactic acid for your skin, including:

Thickens and tightens your skin
Helps clear pores
Brightens and smooths your complexion
An effective antimicrobial
Balances the microbiome of the skin for people with sensitive skin and acne