Ingredient Spotlight: Lactic Acid

If you’re looking to smooth out your skin then look no further: Lactic Acid is the secret ingredient you’ve been looking for!

If you’re just starting out in your skin care journey, you may have already heard of - or started using - products like retinol, and even Vitamin C. But while Lactic Acid sounds a bit more daunting, we’re here to break it down for you - because it’s just as necessary as the others for good skin!

In fact, Lactic Acid is an AHA that’s much-loved in the cosmetic industry for being a star exfoliator – a key player for smoothing out rough skin and fine lines but notably doing so while keeping skin hydrated and plumped.

What is Lactic Acid?
Lactic Acid is a type of AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) that’s one of the most effective skin exfoliators, promoting cell turnover and encouraging new cells to transfer to the top. It’s also part of the skin’s own NMF (Natural Moisturising Factor) which is critical for keeping skin supple and hydrated.

So what does Lactic Acid do for your skin?
• Amazing exfoliator
• Firms, plumps and smooths
• Boosts skin moisture
• Pigmentation fader, glow enhancer

How does Lactic Acid work?
Lactic Acid dissolves the ‘glue’ in between skin cells, allowing older cells to be shed from the surface so new cells can transfer to the top. By way of it’s incredible exfoliating capabilities, it makes skin smoother to the touch and more visibly radiant by revealing a brighter, smoother complexion underneath. It works well as a pigmentation fader, reducing dark spots and evening out complexion.

While Lactic Acid works similarly to Glycolic Acid, because the former is a larger molecule, it doesn’t penetrate as far. This means it works a little slower but is also more gentle, so most skin types tolerate it well. Often even those with sensitive skin can usually use it!

And at lower concentrations Lactic Acid is a humectant, so helps hydrate the skin - which might be a better choice than Glycolic Acid for those with dry skin.

What To Look For
The pH and pKa are two factors that influence the effectiveness of Lactic Acid. The pH and concentration of Lactic Acid are important because lower pH and higher concentration mean better, faster results. pKa is a specific measure of the acid’s strength.

Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid both have a pKa of 3.8; to work best, the pH of the formula it’s in should be very close to this. NovAge ProCeuticals 6% AHA Peel Solution has a pH range of 3.8 – 4.2, ideal for effective results.

Like any acid it does have the potential to irritate skin so a patch test is recommended! And always remember to wear sunscreen as it can increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV.

Pro Tip: Our NovAge ProCeuticals 6% AHA Peel Solution with Lactic Acid and Glycolic Acid is designed for optimum efficacy for all skin types.