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%
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | The Ordinary Lactic Acid |
| Type | Chemical Exfoliant |
| Function | Loosens dead skin cells, revealing a brighter and smoother complexion. |
| Not Suitable For | Blackheads (use BHAs like Salicylic Acid instead). |
| Recommended Use | At night to avoid sun sensitivity. |
| Frequency of Use | Start with once a week, gradually increase to daily use. |
| Key Ingredients |
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| Concentration Options |
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| Mixing Recommendations |
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| Compatibility with Other Products |
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| Skin Types | Suitable for most skin types, including oily, acne-prone, and dry skin. |
| Patch Testing | Recommended before use. |
| Application Steps |
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| pH Level | Formulated at a pH between 3.60 and 3.80. |
| Benefits |
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A quick look at Lactic Acid 5%
| What is Lactic Acid 5%? | A milder exfoliator that works to reveal smoother skin. |
| Lactic Acid Targets | Dullness, Uneven Skin Tone, Textural Irregularities |
| When & How To Use | Use in the evening. Apply to dry skin after cleansing. |
| Conflicts | Peptides Incl. Copper Peptides, Direct Acids, EUK 134, Retinol/Retinoids, Direct Vitamin C & Niacinamide Powder. Always check The Ordinary website as conflicts are updated. |
| Size & Price | 30ml. Check the price in your currency here. |
| Period After Opening | 12 months once opened |
| Warnings | Patch test before using. Always read the label. |
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?
Chemical peels use lactic acid on exposed skin. It eliminates the epidermal layer of skin. Stronger formulations may target the dermis.
The name implies that your skin peels off, but it doesn’t. Smoother, brighter skin is visible beneath the epidermis.
Lactic acid targets hyperpigmentation, age spots, and other causes of dull, uneven skin. Lactic acid and other AHAs improve skin tone and minimise pores.
Lactic acid is gentler than glycollic acid. This makes lactic acid peels ideal for delicate skin. If you’ve tried other AHAs and found them too strong, consider lactic acid.
Are side effects possible?
Despite being gentler, lactic acid is a potent AHA.
As the skin peels, it becomes more susceptible to UV rays, making sunscreen essential. Always apply sunscreen in the morning and reapply as needed throughout the day.
Sun exposure without protection can cause ageing spots and scarring. It may raise skin cancer risk.
Rash and itching can result from lactic acid peels. These effects are typically minimal and improve as your skin adjusts to the product. If side effects persist after a few applications, stop using and visit a doctor.
Do not use a lactic acid peel if:
eczema
psoriasis
rosacea
Consult your doctor or dermatologist before using if you have darker skin. Use of chemical peels may lead to hyperpigmentation.
Use of lactic acid peel
Use instructions vary by product type and concentration. Check the product label and manufacturer instructions.
Purchase
For a lighter peel, use 5% acid. Medium peels contain 10-15% lactic acid, whereas professional peels contain significantly more.
Stronger findings mean higher concentration. You may use harsher peels less regularly, but irritation may linger longer.
Prepare and use
A skin patch test is essential before your first full application. Side effects can be reduced.
Do this:
Apply dime-sized product on your inside forearm.
Bandage it and leave it.
Product should be okay to use elsewhere if no irritation or inflammation occurs within 24 hours.
Stop using if side effects occur. See a dermatologist if side effects intensify or last more than two days.
Latic acid peels are for evening use. Like other AHAs, lactic acid increases sun sensitivity, therefore never use it in the morning.
Protection
Apply sunblock daily when using lactic acid. Apply sunscreen daily in the morning and reapply as needed for optimal effects. A sunscreen-containing daytime moisturiser and SPF foundation can be used.
Homemade lactic acid products
Drugstores, beauty supply stores, and online vendors sell lactic acid peels.
Some popular choices are:
The Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant. Designed for sensitive skin, this cream-based lactic acid exfoliator includes salicylic acid. Dead skin cells can cause pigmentation and dullness, but these two substances eliminate them.
Juice Beauty Strong Green Apple Peel. This comprehensive peel uses lactic acid and other AHAs to treat wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Willow bark, a natural salicylic acid, and vitamins A and C are also present. This peel is not suitable for delicate skin.
Patchology FlashMasque Facial Sheets Exfoliate. Lactic acid-based disposable face sheets remove dead skin to improve appearance and texture. Plus, the facial sheets are simple to use and require no rinsing.
Perfect Image 50% Lactic Acid Gel Peel. A deeper lactic acid peel may be possible with this home-based product. Its 50% lactic acid improves your complexion, and the gel is easy to apply without running off. Be sure to visit your physician before using this professional peel.
QRx Labs 50% Lactic Acid Gel Peel. Professional-grade gel-based peel with 50% lactic acid. To avoid unwanted effects, consult your dermatologist before using this product, which guarantees expert results.
Consider a professional lactic acid peel.
Although at-home lactic acid peels are available, the Mayo Clinic recommends deeper chemical peels for optimal outcomes. The effects persist longer than OTC peels, so you use them less.
If OTC versions aren’t working but you don’t want a stronger AHA, a dermatologist or skin care specialist may recommend a lactic acid peel.
Discuss your medications and sensitivity with your dermatologist before receiving a professional lactic acid peel. All of these can affect the peel strength your dermatologist or skin care practitioner picks. This can reduce inflammation and scarring.
It may take up to two weeks to recuperate from a professional lactic acid peel. Side effects of mild peels may last a day, while severe peels may require bandaging for several weeks.
Lactic acid peels aren’t covered by insurance and vary in cost. As cosmetic treatments, they are not medically required. However, your dermatologist’s billing department may provide a payment plan.
Best post-chemical peel moisturiser
To repair skin evenly and rapidly after a chemical peel, a solid aftercare regimen is essential. The aqueous Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA serum exfoliates and hydrates and plumps the skin with lactic acid and hyaluronic acid. Milk contains lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that boosts collagen formation, minimises fine lines and wrinkles, brightens skin, and lowers UV hyperpigmentation.
The water-free Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% gently removes dead skin cells from the skin’s outermost layer. Also contains 2% Hyaluronic Acid for intensive hydration and antioxidant vitamin E to protect skin from environmental damages. This serum exfoliates skin, improves texture and tone, hydrates deeply, and gives a smooth, radiant shine.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA works for most skin types, including sensitive and rosacea. For acne-prone skin, its anti-inflammatory qualities are effective. It also contains natural hyaluronic acid (HA), which hydrates the skin. This strong exfoliator with lactic acid reduces acne scars and hyperpigmentation.
Use cool water to cleanse your face, apply a good moisturiser, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, use an SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect your more delicate skin from the sun’s ageing effects, avoid strenuous workouts or saunas and steam rooms, which can irritate your sensitive post-peel skin, and avoid exfoliating for a few days.
Choosing the right post-peel moisturiser will expedite healing and reduce scars. Avoid irritation with a neutral, gentle medium or thick moisturiser without harsh chemicals or smells. Zinc oxide creams can gently moisturise post-peel skin.
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.
