Lactic Acid: Uses, Benefits, and Skincare Products in India
- Kavya Goswami
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Lactic Acid one skincare ingredient in India that I would consider underrated for the Indian skin type. Most of the skincare brands in India only design products with glycolic acid as the key ingredient when it comes to exfoliating acids. But did you know Lactic Acid should be the top choice for Indian skin, especially when you keep India's tropical environment in mind?
We need an exfoliating ingredient that doesn't cause hot spots on our skin and is gentle to use. It's time to learn why you should be adding lactic acid to your skincare routine and how this gentle surface exfoliator will improve your skin texture with La Peau's skincare guide.
Let's dive right in!
What is Lactic Acid?
Lactic acid is one of the well-known chemical exfoliators, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), which are exfoliating acids used to remove dead skin cells and dissolve the glue-like bonds that hold them, replenishing the skin's top layer and making it look brighter and healthier.
In the world of dermatology, lactic acid is celebrated as a gentler alternative to glycolic acid and is considered to be a more favorable chemical exfoliating acid for Indian Skin. As its molecular size is slightly larger, it penetrates the skin more slowly, making it less likely to irritate.
Lactic Acid has humectant properties, which also help in skin hydration by improving the skin's natural moisture-binding ability. Its regular use can help fade hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone.
Lactic Acid VS Glycolic Acid
Lactic Acid
Lactic Acid is a gentle surface exfoliator and a skin hydrator. It is gentle on the skin because of its larger molecular structure; it doesn't travel as deeply into the skin. This makes it a much better alternative as it doesn't irritate.
It helps your skin retain moisture, making it preferable for dry and mature skin. This is an excellent exfoliating acid for fading superficial hyperpigmentation and giving a "glow" without a harsh recovery period.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic Acid, the "gold standard" for surface exfoliation, penetrates to deeper layers of skin because of its small molecular size and treats stubborn bumps, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and rough patches making your skin look clean and bright.
But as this is a smaller molecule, it has high potency for skin irritation.
So, if we have to choose one exfoliating acid, from Glycolic and Lactic Acid, for Indian Skin. Lactic Acid will be the one to be preferred for our skin type as it is much more soothing and hydrating.
How To Use Lactic Acid in Your Skincare Routine?
Using Lactic Acid in your skincare routine can be a game-changer for achieving a smoother, more hydrated complexion. Since it's a gentler AHA, it's often the best choice for those with sensitive skin or those new to chemical exfoliation.
Step-By-Step Guide for Using Lactic Acid in Your Skincare Routine
Cleansing: Use a gentle cleanser on your face to remove any dirt and oil from your face.
Toner: Use a hydrating toner, if you want to use not a compulsory step.
Exfoliating Serum: Use exfoliating serum like Lactic Acid on your face. As a beginner, use serum once or twice a week. After 1 month of using the serum as per your skin, increase the usage and shift to alternate days.
Serum Treatment: Use any other serum as per the skin concern, including skincare actives like Niacinamide, Azelaic Acid, Peptides, and even Vitamin C if your skin doesn't get irritated or itchy after using exfoliating serum.
Moisturizer: Apply a good skin hydrating moisturizer to maintain the skin barrier and make it look healthy, and also act as a protector of the skin after applying serums.
Ideal Percentage for Using Lactic Acid
The most preferred percentage for Indian Skin for Using Lactic Acid is 5-7%, but you can use up to 10% if you are a pro in skincare and you don't have sensitive skin, which means your skin tolerates skincare ingredients very well.
Best Skincare Products with Lactic Acid in India
Explore the top Lactic Acid-based skincare products available in India. It was a hard task to find skincare products with Lactic Acid in them, either as a hero skincare ingredient or as a supporting skincare active. There are only a few skincare products with Lactic Acid that are also fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and contain no essential oils.
The Formula RX Air Brush Facial Serum is a new Indian skincare brand with some wonderful skincare products, and this is one of the exfoliating serums that you can use in your skincare routine if what you need is to improve your skin texture and create a healthy skin barrier.
Skincare Actives:
Lactic Acid
Glycerin
Ceramide NP
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Phytosphingosine
Cholesterol
The Ordinary 10% Lactic Acid Serum is the OG lactic acid serum that people around the world are using for skin exfoliation treatment. Although this has a higher percentage of Lactic Acid in it, so if you are a beginner in skincare or you are using exfoliating acid for the first time in your skincare routine, then consider using a lower percentage of lactic acid, i.e., 5%.
Skincare Actives:
Lactic Acid
Glycerin
Sodium Hyaluronate
Tasmanian Leaf Extract (anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agent)
Suganda 5% Lactic Acid Serum is a surprisingly good lactic acid serum by this brand. I didn't expect its skincare ingredient list to be this good. If you are thinking of adding lactic acid to your skincare routine, this is one serum that you can consider adding.
Skincare Actives:
Lactic Acid
Glycerin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Centella Asiatica Extract
Simple 5% Lactic Acid Smoothing Gel Cleanser, this is the only lactic acid-based cleanser I found in the Indian market, which is also fragrance-free.
Skincare Actives:
Glycerin
Lactic Acid
Sodium Hyaluronate
Panthenol
Although this cleanser does contain Lauric Acid and Stearic Acid, which are comedogenic in nature. So, if you have oily, acne-prone, or combination skin, you can avoid using this cleanser.
Benefits of Using Chemical Exfoliator: Lactic Acid
As chemical exfoliation involves using acids or enzymes to remove dead cells, rather than physical exfoliation like scrubs which can disrupt the skin barrier by removing good and new skin cells along with the dead cells from the skin.
It's best to use a chemical exfoliator like Lactic Acid because:
It helps in removing the buildup of dead skin cells
It speeds up the natural process of skin renewal, which slows down as we age.
Regular use helps fade dark spots, sun damage, and post-acne marks by shedding pigmented cells faster.
Are you thinking of adding an exfoliating acid to your skincare routine? And still scared how these Alpha Hydroxy Acids will react to your skin? Say goodbye to fear, because Lactic Acid is the skincare active for you.
Check out the top lactic acid skincare products available in the Indian market with La Peau skincare guide and how you can use them in your daily skincare routine.
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