A good way to dilute Lactic Acid is to mix it with another serum or moisturizer—one containing hyaluronic acid works well. When you are looking at how to use The Ordinary lactic acid and hyaluronic acid, be sure not to ‘dilute’ Lactic Acid with something that contains retinol or another acid.

Out of all the chemical exfoliating ingredients, we rate Lactic Acid highly in Australia due to its large molecule size and its relative gentleness.

Without a doubt, Lactic Acid is one of our favorite chemical exfoliants to use on all skin types.

This guide focuses on The Ordinary. Specifically, we’re here to explore how to use The Ordinary Lactic Acid in Australia and cover the before and after results.

The Ordinary offers two products of this nature: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% and The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% vs 5%

The difference between The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% and The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% is the concentration of Lactic Acid in the formula.

‘The 5% concentration is suitable for beginners who have little experience with chemical exfoliation and can start by introducing a lower concentration into their routine and moving to a higher concentration if needed,’ explains Prudvi Kaka, Chief Scientific Officer of DECIEM.

‘The 10% concentration is suitable for experienced users of chemical exfoliants who have developed skin tolerance to higher concentrations.’

How does The Ordinary Lactic Acid work?

So, how does The Ordinary Lactic Acid work? Being a chemical exfoliant—more specifically, an alpha-hydroxy acid—Lactic Acid has the ability to loosen the sticky ‘glue’ that holds dead skin cells to the surface of your skin.

That’s why an application of a product with Lactic Acid can reveal a brighter and smoother-looking complexion.

You may wonder, ‘Should I use The Ordinary Lactic Acid for blackheads?’ Kaka explains:

AHAs such as Lactic Acid will help to improve [blackhead] appearance through superficial exfoliation, but beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are a more suitable choice for this concern.

This is because, while AHAs are water-soluble, BHAs are lipid- (oil-) soluble, which means that they will be able to mix with the skin’s lipids and work both on the surface and inside pores to help clear congestion.

How to Use The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5 & 10 HA

To feel the full benefit of The Ordinary Lactic Acid, you need to select either the 5% + HA2% or 10% + HA and properly apply it. Fortunately, knowing how to use The Ordinary Lactic Acid in Australia is pretty straightforward.

Like any new product, we recommend that you patch test first! Start by applying a thin layer to your face after your toner and before your moisturizer in your evening skincare routine. If you have not used lactic acid and niacinamide before, start by incorporating this step into your routine three times a week and go from there.

What are The Ordinary Lactic Acid ingredients?

Both The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% and The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% contain mostly Water, Lactic Acid, Glycerine, and Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer. Tasmania Pepperberry, known to reduce skin irritation, is also featured in both formulas.

How to Dilute Lactic Acid The Ordinary

While we recommend starting with The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% rather than the 10% formula, you can also dilute either product to lower its potency.

A good way to dilute Lactic Acid is to mix it with another serum or moisturizer—one containing hyaluronic acid works well.

When you are looking at how to use The Ordinary lactic acid and hyaluronic acid, be sure not to ‘dilute’ Lactic Acid with something that contains retinol or another acid. You’ll end up with irritation, not exfoliation.

How to Use The Ordinary Lactic Acid and Niacinamide Together?

If you’re looking at how to use The Ordinary Lactic Acid and niacinamide together, then we have good news for you: you sure can use the two together to elevate your skincare routine.

Niacinamide has the fantastic ability to address congestion in the skin, making it a top choice for getting rid of little blemishes that appear from time to time.

There’s only one thing to take note of: ‘We do not recommend combining [Lactic Acid] with our 100% Niacinamide Powder, as we do not recommend mixing the powder with formulations with a pH of 5 or lower,’ says Kaka.

Can I use The Ordinary Lactic Acid and Vitamin C together?

Now, if you’re wondering if you can use The Ordinary Lactic Acid and vitamin C together, we have to caution you here.

‘We do not recommend combining direct acids and vitamin C (direct or ethylated) in the same regimen to avoid the potential of developing skin sensitivities,’ warns Kaka.

‘If you wish to incorporate both into your regimen, we suggest [separating] the two products into AM and PM regimens.’

How to use lactic acid from The Ordinary in a skincare routine?

It’s the brand that took the beauty world by storm and has since brought us some of our favourite formulas, and we’re about to introduce you to your latest.  The Ordinary focuses on bringing no-frills skincare to our regimes at an affordable price, and their Lactic Acid Serums are no exception. A chemical exfoliant, lactic acid helps to brighten and exfoliate the skin while reducing signs of sun damage and pigmentation. Keep reading to find out more about why you need lactic acid in your routine.

IT’S AN ALPHA HYDROXY ACID

Let’s start with the basics—lactic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which in short form is a type of chemical exfoliant. What was once a confusing acronym a few years ago has fast become a staple in so many skincare routines. AHAs work by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells to the surface, resulting in gentle and even exfoliation of dull, dry skin. An AHA that you may already be familiar with is glycolic acid. The key difference to note between lactic and glycolic is that lactic acid has a bigger molecule size, meaning that it’s not as strong on the skin, making it a better option for sensitive and dry skin types.

THERE ARE TWO STRENGTHS

IT HELPS TO REDUCE PIGMENTATION AND ACNE SCARS

Is there anything that The Ordinary hasoverlooked? If you’re a newbie to acids, you may be a little hesitant to throw yourself in at the deep end, so The Ordinary has two variants of this skincare hero—a 5% and a 10% strength. If acids aren’t already part of your usual routine or your skin is particularly sensitive, we recommend starting with the 5% version and building up over time to the 10%. Always make sure to patch test before using a product that you aren’t already familiar with.

AHAs are some of the best types of acid that you can use when it comes to reducing pigmentation and acne scars. By breaking down dead skin cells, lactic acid encourages the regeneration of cells, which in time will help to reduce the appearance of sun damage, pigmentation, and acne scars. Remember that skincare requires routine, so don’t expect to see results overnight and always remain consistent.

IT IMPROVES OVERALL SKIN TEXTURE

As previously mentioned, lactic acid gets rid of dead skin cells on the surface, which means one thing—hello fresh, glowing skin. Not only does lactic acid help to refresh the skin and ease congestion, but due to its bigger molecule size and only targeting the top layer of the skin, it also helps to increase natural moisturizing factors within the skin. This means that not only will your skin be fresh and clear of build-up, it will never feel stripped either.

IT’S BLENDED WITH HYALURONIC ACID

Despite being more hydrating than most acids, lactic acid still requires some assistance to maintain optimal skin appearance after use. As lactic acid exfoliates the skin, it’s important to ensure that the skin remains hydrated so that it doesn’t feel stripped, irritated, or over-dry. The addition of hyaluronic acid allows the skin to retain moisture levels, which in turn reduces any inflammation or irritation.

IT’S FROM PLANT ORIGIN

Traditionally found in milk, there are plenty of plant sources of lactic acid too, meaning that The Ordinary’s formulas are vegan and cruelty-free. This formula also contains Tasmanian pepperberry (that gives the formula its slightly pink color), which helps to support the skin and reduce signs of irritation and sensitivity that can also occur as a result of using exfoliating acids.

HOW DO I USE IT?

When using a new active serum, we always recommend patch testing first. Apply a thin layer once daily in the evening, after toners and before moisturizer. If you’ve not used an acid before, we recommend using this three times a week and gradually building up to daily.

Can I mix lactic acid with retinol?

Properly layering a retinol serum with other skincare can make retinoids more effective. But as important as it is, it can be hard to remember when to apply retinol and which ingredients to avoid when using it.

That’s why we’ve created this complete guide to layering Squalane + Retinol Night Serum. Read on for targeted skincare routines that address common concerns, including sensitivity, wrinkles, skin texture, and pore size.

Shop Squalane + Retinol Night Serum

5 Rules Of Thumb For Layering Squalane + Retinol Night Serum

A few universal rules apply when using retinol regardless of your skin type or concern:

1. Only use retinoids at night, as they can cause sun sensitivity. (And be sure to use SPF the morning after as part of your daily routine.)
2. Beware of using multiple actives together, as this may run the risk of increased sensitivity. Specifically, we recommend against using retinol with products containing pure Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) or alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic or lactic acid.
3. When layering with Biossance products, you only need one serum per routine. It’s not necessary to layer or cocktail your serum.
4. You don’t need to use retinoids every night to see results. This is especially true when using powerful retinoids such as the retinol and retinal in our Squalane + Retinol Night Serum.
5. Introduce retinoids gradually, beginning with a pea-sized amount one or two times a week, then working up to three to four times weekly.

Should I Use Retinol Before Or After Moisturizer?

When it comes to layering retinol serums, one of the most common questions is whether you should use retinol before or after moisturizer. The answer: it depends on your skin type.

If you have sensitive skin, you may also want to “buffer” sensitive or thin-skinned areas with a moisturizer or eye cream before applying the retinol. Targeting areas around the eyes, nostrils and mouth with a thin layer of moisturizer before using retinol can help prevent irritation.

Regardless of your skin type – and even if you buffered beforehand – you should always follow our Squalane + Retinol Night Serum with a moisturizer and use sunscreen the following morning.

Our Recommended Retinol Layering Guide

If you’re new to retinol and don’t have sensitive skin, we recommend following this layering guide to start. Begin by using our retinol serum once or twice a week, gradually working up to three or four nights weekly. 

Once your skin has fully acclimated, you can move on to the targeted guides below.

Step One: At night, cleanse with our Squalane + Antioxidant Cleansing Oil.  Pat Dry.

Step Two: Using your ring finger, tap a small amount of Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream onto the ocular bone beneath your eye.

Step Three: Apply a pea-sized amount of Squalane + Retinol Night Serum. 

Step Four: Moisturize with Squalane + Omega Barrier Repair Cream.

Optional: Cocktail a drop or two of Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil into your cream for additional moisture and glow.

The next morning: Repeat steps one, two, and four. Then protect your skin with our reef-safe Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen.

Layering Retinol For Sensitive Skin

We’ve reimagined retinol to minimize irritation, making it safe for sensitive skin when used properly. 

If you’re using retinol on sensitive skin, we recommend using our Squalane + Retinol Night Serum every other weeknight. On weekends and off nights, incorporate Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum as step three in your routine. 

Our copper peptide serum draws in moisture to flood skin with continuous hydration, instantly plumping your skin and helping it recover from the previous night’s retinol use.

How To Use Retinol To Target Dark Spots, Aging, And Dehydration

Retinol works by changing skin on a cellular level, improving the look of hyperpigmentation from the inside out by increasing the rate of cell turnover. Not only does this help improve the look of dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines, but it also uncovers a fresh layer of skin cells. 

Drench these baby cells in moisture for smoother, more deeply hydrated skin by alternating evening retinol use with Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum as step three in your routine. 

In the mornings, you can further improve the look of dark spots, pigmentation, and wrinkles with our Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum as step three in your routine and by using our Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil both day and night. 

Shop Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum

Shop Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

LAYERING RETINOL AND VITAMIN C

Earlier, we mentioned that using actives – including Vitamin C -with retinol can cause irritation. Our Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil is safe to use together with retinol because it contains Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, a uniquely gentle oil form of Vitamin C that works to powerfully improve the look of discoloration and improve skin elasticity and firmness. 

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate is the only form of Vitamin C we recommend using at the same time as retinoids.

Shop Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

Using Retinol To Improve Skin Texture, Wrinkles, And Congested Pores

If you have oily or combination skin, retinol can help you achieve the look of clear, even-textured skin while also improving the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It’s truly a game-changer if you suffer from congested pores or adult acne, especially when you alternate evening use with our Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum.

In the mornings, you can further improve the look of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (aka those dark spots blemishes leave behind) by incorporating our vitamin c products into your layered skincare routine as described above.

Shop Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum

Shop Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

LAYERING RETINOL AND LACTIC ACID

As we mentioned earlier, we strongly recommend against using retinol at the same time as lactic acid or any other alpha hydroxy acid, such as glycolic.

AHAs work by chemically exfoliating skin, dissolving the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin below. And as we mentioned earlier, retinol works by speeding up cell turnover. When you ask your skin to do both of those things at once, you risk exposing sensitive, immature skin cells and causing redness and irritation. 

That’s why we recommend using our Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum only on the evenings you don’t use retinol. Our serum includes 10% lactic acid to deeply – but gently – resurface the skin, providing additional improvement in the look of skin texture, wrinkles, pore size, and congested pores.

Better yet, add Squalane + Retinol Night Serum to your shopping cart and experience the difference for yourself.

Conclusion

Mixing lactic acid with another serum or moisturizer—one that contains hyaluronic acid is a wonderful method to dilute it. Be careful not to “dilute” conventional lactic acid with retinol or another acid while examining how to utilize it in conjunction with hyaluronic acid.