What To Mix The Ordinary Lactic Acid With

When you’re mixing lactic acid with other ingredients, the key is to find a balance between creating enough of an acidic environment to kill the microorganisms in question and not making it so acidic that it degrades the structure of your product. The best way to achieve this balance is by adding lactic acid at the end of your mixing process. This allows you to measure out how much acid you need, and then add it after the rest of your mixing is complete.

If you’re mixing lactic acid with another ingredient, the most important thing is to avoid creating a pH too low for that ingredient’s needs. For example, if you’re mixing lactic acid into a liquid soap (which has a pH around 10), then using too much lactic acid could result in an undesirable texture or even spoilage.

The lactic acid, as you’ve probably heard, is a product that comes in an exclusive package that promotes effectiveness together with ingredients capable of giving you results that you can be proud of. This acid has been effective in burning fat and building leaner muscle mass so far. Read on to learn more about the ordinary lactic acid 10 ha benefits and do you wash off lactic acid the ordinary?

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

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

In this guide, we’re shining the spotlight on The Ordinary. Specifically, we’re here to explore how to use The Ordinary Lactic Acid.

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.

The most popular BHA in skincare is Salicylic Acid, which we offer in The Ordinary in different formats.

How to use The Ordinary Lactic Acid

We know you’re searching for ‘The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10 how to use’ and ‘The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5 how to use,’ so we’re here to educate you.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid is technically a serum that can be added to your skincare regimen. The brand recommends using this product at night, as exfoliating acids may cause sun sensitivity if applied in the morning.

As for how often to use The Ordinary Lactic Acid, you can use it every day. With all chemical exfoliating products, it’s a good idea to introduce them to your skin slowly. Try using Lactic Acid every second day before building up to daily use.

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, which is 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.

But don’t try to ‘dilute’ Lactic Acid with something that contains retinol or another acid. You’ll end up with irritation, not exfoliation.

Can I use The Ordinary Niacinamide and Lactic Acid together?

If you’re looking to pair The Ordinary Lactic Acid and niacinamide, then we have good news for you: you sure can use the two together in a 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?

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.’

Do You Wash Off Lactic Acid The Ordinary

Lactic acid is a good choice if you want an effective chemical exfoliant that isn’t too strong or irritating.

Lactic acid has a larger molecule size than glycolic acid, a more potent alpha hydroxy acid, so lactic acid tends to create less skin irritation, tingling, and redness than a stronger AHA like glycolic acid.

Lactic Acid: Great for Most Skin Types

Lactic acid is a popular skincare exfoliant because it works well for most skin types. It helps to smooth fine lines and wrinkles on aging/mature skin.

Lactic acid can help open clogged pores and help reduce acne lesions, making it a good choice for oily and acne-prone skin types.

Lactic acid also has moisturizing properties, which makes it a good option as a mild exfoliant for those with dry skin.

Depending on the concentration, it can also be gentle enough for those with sensitive skin types.

Lactic Acid Concentrations

Lactic acid can be effective at different concentrations. This study had participants apply either 5% or 12% lactic acid concentrations twice a day for three months.

While both concentrations improved epidermal firmness and thickness and skin smoothness, lines, and wrinkles, the 12% concentration of lactic acid also improved dermal firmness and thickness.

The dermis is located beneath the epidermis, so the study indicated that the higher 12% lactic acid was able to penetrate the skin better than the 5% lactic acid concentration.

How To Use The Ordinary Lactic Acid in Your Skincare Routine

The first thing to note about these lactic acid serums is that you should not use them on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin.

So if your skin is sensitive, easily irritated, or damaged in any way, you should not use these serums.

Alpha hydroxy acids can make your skin sensitive to the sun, so it is important to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher while using lactic acid (and all alpha-hydroxy acids) and for a week after.

These lactic acid serums may be diluted with other skincare treatments to reduce their concentration until your skin can tolerate them undiluted.

An easy way to dilute them is to mix a drop or two into a few drops of The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum.

How Often To Use Lactic Acid in Your Skincare Routine

First, choose a lactic acid concentration: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA or The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA.

If you are new to acids, start out using The Ordinary lactic acid serum once a week. See how your skin responds and slowly increase usage as your skin builds a tolerance.

While you can use the lactic acid serum daily, most can get good results using lactic acid 2 or 3 times a week. Try to use it in the evening if possible.

The Ordinary recommends patch testing before using their lactic acid serums and any new product.

When To Use The Ordinary Lactic Acid Serums in Your Skincare Routine

These water-based lactic acid serums should be applied during the treatment step of your skin routine, which is after cleansing and toning but before other serums and moisturizers.

What Not to Mix with The Ordinary Lactic Acid Serums

Since lactic acid is potentially sensitizing, you should not use it at the same time as other direct acids like salicylic acid or azelaic acid, other AHAs like glycolic acid or mandelic acid, or other actives like benzoyl peroxide acne treatments.

You should also avoid using lactic acid with strong actives like pure vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Ascorbic acid works best at a pH of 3.5 or under.

The Ordinary lactic acid serums are formulated at a pH of 3.6–3.8.

While the lactic acid pH should be close enough not to compromise the effectiveness of ascorbic acid, you may experience redness, stinging, peeling, or irritation if you use both ascorbic acid and lactic acid at the same time.

Your best bet is to use ascorbic acid in the morning and lactic acid in the evening or use them on different days.

Retinol and retinoids increase cellular turnover and remove dead skin cells.

Since lactic acid also works to sweep away dead skin cells, you may overdo it, causing irritation and redness if you use both simultaneously.

Additionally, the pH of retinol is higher than that of lactic acid, so using them together may render both much less effective.

These lactic acid serums conflict with peptides like The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum (formerly known as The Ordinary “Buffet”) or The Ordinary “Buffet” with Copper Peptides since the low pH of lactic acid may compromise the effectiveness of the peptide products.

The Ordinary also notes that their lactic acid serums are not compatible with their EUK 134 0.1% antioxidant serum, 100% Niacinamide Powder, other direct acids, pure/ethylated vitamin C, and retinol/retinoids.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA is an alpha hydroxy acid serum and mild superficial peeling formula that exfoliates the skin. This is the milder of the two The Ordinary lactic acid serums, as it contains 5% lactic acid.

The serum contains a purified Tasmanian pepperberry derivative to help offset the irritation that often comes along with chemical exfoliation.

This lactic acid serum also contains sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, a cross-linked type of hyaluronic acid with even better moisture-retention abilities than traditional hyaluronic acid.

It forms a film on the skin’s surface that delivers moisture over an extended period of time compared to regular hyaluronic acid. Glycerin, a humectant, is included for additional moisture.

Both The Ordinary lactic acid serums are formulated at a pH between 3.60 and 3.80. This is important because lactic acid has a pKa of 3.8. PKa denotes acid availability.

So when pH and pKa are close, salt and acidity are in balance, and the formula will reach prime effectiveness with minimum irritation.

This low 5% concentration lactic acid product is a great option for those new to acids and for those with sensitive skin.

It gently exfoliates while hydrating and moisturizing the skin with glycerin and hyaluronic acid.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Isoceteth-20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol.

Do I wash Lactic Acid off? No, you apply it to dry skin directly after cleansing and follow with your other products.

• What is Lactic Acid 5%?
• What does Lactic Acid 5% do?
• Which products does Lactic Acid 5% conflict with?
• How and when do I use Lactic Acid 5%?
• Reviews of The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5%
• Similar products to Lactic Acid 5%
• 30 ml Check price in your currency here. Change country at the bottom of the page.

A quick look at Lactic Acid 5%

What Is The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% & What Does It Do?

This 5% Lactic Acid is a mild superficial peeling formulation. Lactic Acid is an AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) that exfoliates the top surface of the skin. Like the red peel, the AHA 30% + BHA 2% and Glycolic Acid, this also has the Tasmanian pepper-berry, which is known to reduce signs of inflammation and sensitivity that can occur with exfoliation/use of acids. Once you have used the 5% Lactic Acid, you could look at the 10%, which is stronger.

Lactic Acid 5% is great for even tone, textural irregularities, and fine lines. I personally love these Lactic Acids as they leave your skin feeling so smooth and soft.

How & When Do I Use Lactic Acid 5%?

Lactic Acid is a water-based product so if you have looked at the how-to layer on The Ordinary page, you will know that water-based products are applied first and acids should be applied to cleansed, dry skin.

Add a couple of drops into the palm of your hands and apply to your face, avoiding the eye area. Acids should really only be used in the evening because AHAs can make your skin sensitive to the sun. For more in-depth information about Lactic Acid, including ingredients and precautions,

Lactic acid is an anti-wrinkle and pigmentation-fighting ingredient found in over-the-counter (OTC) and professional-grade skin care products.

Derived from milk, lactic acid belongs to a class of anti-aging ingredients called alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). Other examples of AHAs include glycolic acid and citric acid.

Keep reading to learn how a lactic acid peel can improve your skin, OTC products to try, what to expect from a professional peel, and more.

How can a lactic acid peel benefit your skin?

A chemical peel works by using a chemical — in this case, lactic acid — on bare skin. It removes the top layer of skin (epidermis). Some stronger formulas may also target the middle layers of skin (dermis).

Despite the name, your skin doesn’t noticeably “peel” off. What is noticeable, though, are the effects underneath the removed epidermis: smoother and brighter skin.

Lactic acid is specifically used to treat hyperpigmentation, age spots, and other factors that contribute to a dull and uneven complexion. Other benefits of AHAs like lactic acid include improved skin tone and reduced pore appearance.

However, unlike AHAs such as glycolic acid, lactic acid is a bit milder. This makes a lactic acid peel a better choice for sensitive skin. Lactic acid may also be an option if you’ve tried another AHA in the past and found the product too strong.

Are side effects possible?

Despite the milder nature of lactic acid, it’s still considered a powerful AHA.

Its “peeling” effects will make your skin more vulnerable to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, so sunscreen is key. Make sure you apply sunscreen every morning and reapply as needed throughout the day.

Over time, unprotected sun exposure can lead to more age spots and scarring. It may even increase your risk for skin cancer.

Lactic acid peels can also cause irritation, rash, and itchiness. These effects are usually mild and improve as your skin gets used to the product. If your side effects persist after the first few applications, discontinue use and see your doctor.

You shouldn’t use a lactic acid peel if you have:

• eczema
• psoriasis
• rosacea

If you have naturally darker skin, talk to your doctor or dermatologist before use. Chemical peels may increase your risk of hyperpigmentation.

How to use a lactic acid peel

Instructions for use vary based on a product’s makeup and concentration. Always read the product label and follow the manufacturer’s directions.

Purchase

For a lighter peel, look for a product with a 5 percent acid content. Medium peels can range from 10 to 15 percent lactic acid, and deeper (professional) peels have even higher concentrations.

Generally, the stronger the results, the higher the concentration. You may not have to use stronger peels as often, but any subsequent irritation may last longer.

Preparation and use

It’s important to do a skin patch test before your first full application. This can help reduce your risk of side effects.

To do this:

• Apply a dime-sized amount of product to the inside of your forearm.
• Cover the area with a bandage and leave it alone.
• If you don’t experience any irritation or inflammation within 24 hours, the product should be safe to apply elsewhere.
• If you do experience side effects, discontinue use. See your dermatologist if your side effects worsen or last more than a day or two.

Lactic acid peels are designed for evening application. Like other AHAs, lactic acid increases sun sensitivity, so you should never use them in the morning.

Protection

You should wear sunscreen every day when using lactic acid. For best results, apply sunscreen every morning and reapply as needed throughout the day. You can use a sunscreen-containing daytime moisturizer as well as a foundation with an SPF.

Lactic acid products to try at home

Lactic acid peels are widely available in drugstores, beauty supply stores, and online retailers.

Popular options include:

• Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant. Suited for more sensitive skin, this cream-based lactic acid exfoliant also contains salicylic acid. These two ingredients remove dead skin cells that can lead to a pigmented, dull complexion.
• Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength. This all-encompassing peel targets wrinkles and hyperpigmentation with the help of lactic acid and other AHAs. It also contains willow bark, a natural type of salicylic acid, and vitamins A and C. This peel is not recommended for sensitive skin.
• Patchology Exfoliate FlashMasque Facial Sheets. These lactic acid-based disposable face sheets work by sloughing off dead skin to improve overall appearance and texture. As a bonus, the facial sheets are easy to use, with no extra steps or rinsing required.
• Perfect Image Lactic Acid 50% Gel Peel. If you’re looking for a deeper lactic acid peel, this product might be a home-based option for you. It contains 50 percent lactic acid to improve your complexion, and the gel is easy to manage without the product running off your face. It’s a professional-grade peel, so consult your dermatologist before use.
• QRx Labs Lactic Acid 50% Gel Peel. Considered a professional-grade product, this gel-based peel also contains a higher concentration of lactic acid at 50 percent. Although the company promises professional results, it’s a good idea to run this by your dermatologist first to prevent side effects.

Consider getting a professional lactic acid peel

Despite the availability of at-home lactic acid peels, the Mayo Clinic says that deeper chemical peels offer the best results. The effects also last longer than OTC peels, so you don’t have to use them as often.

You might consider getting a lactic acid peel from your dermatologist or skin care specialist if you aren’t seeing results from OTC versions but don’t want to use a stronger AHA.

Before getting a professional lactic acid peel, talk to your dermatologist about all the medications you take as well as your level of sensitivity. These can all factor into the strength of the peel your dermatologist or skin care specialist chooses. This can help prevent side effects and complications, such as irritation and scarring.

Also know that it can take up to two weeks to recover from a professional lactic acid peel. Mild peels may cause side effects that last a day or so, but after a deeper peel, your skin may need to be bandaged for a couple of weeks.

Lactic acid peels can vary in cost, and they aren’t covered by insurance. That’s because they’re considered cosmetic treatments and not medically necessary therapies. However, you may be able to work out a payment plan with your dermatologist’s billing department.

Best moisturizer after chemical peel

After receiving an intensive treatment, it is important to take good care of your skin. This is why it is essential to have a good aftercare plan following your chemical peel.

Your treatment provider will discuss how to take good care of your skin post-peel. This will help your skin to peel more evenly and to heal quickly. Our highly qualified and experienced doctors at Evolution MedSpa Boston can provide a wealth of information about chemical peels. Here they share some of their knowledge with you.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10 Ha Benefits

It helps to treat skin that has been photo-damaged, stimulating collagen production and helping to lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It brightens skin and helps to reduce hyperpigmentation from UV exposure, including dark spots, melasma and even freckles.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA is a watery serum that contains lactic acid and hyaluronic acid.

It’s supposed to exfoliate the skin and improve its texture, hydration and plumpness.

Lactic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) found in milk. It has been used in skincare products for many years due to its ability to exfoliate the skin and make it look smoother, brighter and more even-toned.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an ingredient that has become very popular in recent years. It can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, keeping the skin moisturized and plump.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% is a water-free exfoliating acid that resurfaces the skin’s outermost layer. Lactic Acid helps improve the appearance of skin texture and tone by gently lifting dead skin cells. This 29% lactic acid formula also contains 2% Hyaluronic Acid for intense hydration, as well as antioxidant vitamin E to protect the skin from environmental aggressors.

Benefits:

• Exfoliates the surface layers of the skin
• Helps improve the appearance of skin texture and tone
• Provides intense hydration and a smooth, radiant glow
• Anti-aging benefits from hydrating ingredients

The ordinary lactic acid 10% + HA is an exfoliating, hydrating and brightening serum with a 10% lactic acid concentration. It’s made with a blend of hyaluronic acid and lactic acid, which help prep the skin for better absorption of other products.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA has been formulated to be gentle enough for everyday use. It’s suitable for most skin types, including those with sensitive skin or rosacea.

What does it do?

Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that contains anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it particularly beneficial for acne-prone skin.* The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA also contains hyaluronic acid (HA), which is a natural substance that occurs in the body and binds moisture to keep the skin hydrated.* Combined with lactic acid, this results in a powerful exfoliant that can help improve acne scarring and reduce hyperpigmentation.*

Applications: Apply using your fingertips or a cotton pad after cleansing and toning. Use once per day in the morning or evening; follow with appropriate products from The Ordinary range, such as Ascorbyl Gluc

A chemical peel will remove the top layers of your skin, including the dead and unhealthy skin cells. This can help to improve the appearance of acne, discolouration and aging skin. Peels provide the opportunity for your healthy, glowing skin underneath to shine through. Allowing your skin to recover after a chemical peel is essential.

After a peel, your skin is much more sensitive so specialist care is needed. This is why it is important to follow your doctor’s guidelines carefully. Here are some expert tips for post-peel skin care:

• Use cool water to cleanse your face. This will help to soothe any redness or swelling of the skin after your treatment.
• Apply a good moisturizer
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Use an SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect your more delicate skin from the aging effects of the sun
• Don’t perform strenuous workouts or visit saunas and steam rooms. These things can irritate your sensitive post-peel skin.
• Avoid exfoliating for a few days after your peel. Exfoliating could increase the redness and sensitivity you experience after your treatment

Which moisturizer should you choose?

Keeping your skin well moisturized can speed up healing and help to prevent scarring. But, with so many moisturizers available on the market, how do you choose the best one?

As a chemical peel disrupts your skin’s natural protective barrier, it is beneficial to reinforce this barrier using a medium or thick moisturizer. This moisturizer should also be neutral and gentle, containing no harsh chemicals or fragrances to avoid irritation. Zinc oxide creams, in particular, can provide gentle moisturization to the skin post-peel.

Conclusion

Lactic acid is used to create a mild chemical peel that can help even out your skin tone. It can help address age spots, melasma, and rough texture, along with fine lines.

Although OTC options are available, it’s important to discuss your skin care needs with a dermatologist before trying a lactic acid peel at home. Certain skin conditions may increase your risk of side effects.

If you do try an OTC peel, make sure you do a skin patch test before your first full application. You should also apply sunscreen every morning and reapply as needed throughout the day.