Affiliate Links

Last Updated on August 21, 2026 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

the best lactic acid exfoliants

What are the best lactic acid exfoliants? Lactic acid is sort of the forgotten exfoliating acid. While everyone is obsessed with glycolic or salicylic acid for their abilities to fade away dark spots and treat acne, poor lactic acid is left on the sidelines. Like the player who never gets picked. Unless there’s an emergency.

In this case, sensitive skin. If glycolic or lactic acid irritate your skin too much and you’re wondering if you should bother with exfoliating acids at all, lactic acid comes to the rescue. Recommended by dermatologists, this gentle acid is the safest way to exfoliate sensitive skin and get smoother and brighter skin without the peeling and irritation. The only question is, which product should you use? Here are the best lactic acid exfoliants for sensitive skin:

Lactic Acid Benefits

Lactic acid is the gentlest member of the exfoliating Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) family. It’s the same family Glycolic and Mandelic Acids belong too. Like all AHAs, it works by dissolving the “glue” that holds skin cells together. When the top layer of damaged skin cells sloughs off, skin is softer. Smoother. Brighter.

“Lactic acid is seen by many as the gentler, more tolerated alternative to glycolic acid due to its slightly bigger molecule size,” says Lisa Kordecki, head therapist at beauty skincare provider SkinCity. Lactic acid is a big molecule, which means it doesn’t penetrate skin too well. Instead, it stays on the surface and does its job there. For an exfoliant, that’s enough to remove dead cells from the surface of your skin and brighten the complexion.

Lactic acid goes a step further. “Lactic acid has an extra benefit you won’t get from its AHA cousins,” adds Kordecki. “It’s a powerful humectant, helping improve the skin’s natural moisture barrier and hydration levels. This makes it ideal for dry or sensitive skin, alongside being a safe and effective ingredient for darker skin types, too.” Put even more simply, it exfoliates and hydrates skin at the same time.

The best part? Lactic acid is so gentle, even sensitive skin can use it. While other exfoliants often cause redness, peeling, and irritations in sensitive skin, lactic acid

What To Look For In Lactic Acid Products

Here’s what you need to look for when you’re shopping for a new lactic acid exfoliant:

  • Concentration: If your skin is very sensitive or you’re new to acids, lactic acid may still cause mild irritation. To start with, pick a product with a very small dose, like 5%, and build your way to 10% from there.
  • No other exfoliants: Lactic acid works more slowly alone than when combined with other acids, like Glycolic. If your skin is sensitive, go for it. Products with multiple acids will give you results faster. But, if your skin is sensitive, don’t be tempted with the promise of faster results. More acids means a higher chance of irritation. You won’t get results faster if you need to stop treatment cos your skin is all red and peeling.
  • No fragrance or irritants: It’s incredible how many products that claim to be formulated for sensitive skin contain fragrance, essential oils, or other common irritants. As a rule, if it smells too good, it’s bad news for skin.

What Are The Best Lactic Acid Exfoliants?

Here are the best lactic acid formulas even sensitive skin can tolerate:

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% ($9.20)

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% uses a very mild concentration of lactic acid to slough off dead cells. Plus, Tasmania pepperberry extract to soothe any potential irritation. Add hyaluronic acid, a moisture magnet that attracts water from the air into your skin, and you’ve got a clever little exfoliant that plumps up your skin, boosts its hydration and makes it glow. Seriously, if even this bothers your skin, stick to a washcloth. P.S. The Ordinary Lactic Acid exfoliant is also available in a 10% concentration that gives you results faster. Start with 5% and work your way up slowly.

Available at: Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty, Look Fantastic, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Ordinary and Ulta

Active Ingredients: 5% Lactic Acid, hyaluronic acid, and Tasmania pepperberry.

Benefits: Exfoliates and brightens skin.

Cons: 5% is a very low concentration, so you’ll see results slowly.

Skin type: Very sensitive skin.

Fragrance-free: Yes.

Related: Why You Should Add Hyaluronic Acid To Your Skincare Routine

the ordinary lactic acid 10 + ha 2 01

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment – US Version ($85.00)

Warning: In Europe, Sunday Riley Good Genes contains Glycolic Acid, Not Latic Acid. If you have sensitive skin and are in Europe, skip this product. Do you need to spend $100+ to get your lactic acid fix? Nope. But if you’re into luxury skincare, Sunday Riley Good Genes is one of the few products that’s worth splurging on. It has enough lactic acid to do the exfoliating job easily, which alone is enough to give your skin a subtle glow. Plus, it has a sprinkle of licorice extract, a natural skin-brightener. If you have mild pigmentation, this is worth checking out. For severe hyperpigmentation, check out these other (more effective) options.

Available at: Sephora and Ulta

Active Ingredients: Lactic acid and licorice extract.

Benefits: Exfoliates, brightens and hydrates skin.

Cons: Expensive, there are cheaper options around that do the same thing.

Skin type: Sensitive skin.

Fragrance-free: Technically yes. But it has lemongrass oil that makes it smell good – and it can irritate sensitive skin.

Related: Lactic Acid Vs Glycolic Acid: Which One Is Right For You?

Peach & Lily Power Cocktail Lactic Acid Repair Serum ($51.00)

If you can afford the splurge, this is my fave lactic acid exfoliant on this list. Why? For starters, it has 10% lactic acid to exfoliate and brighten the complexion for smoother, younger-looking skin. Plus, this lactic acid serum is loaded with antioxidants and soothing ingredients that can help you fight premature aging and reduce redness. Sensitive skin can’t tolerate the most powerful anti-aging ingredients, like retinoids, so this is the next best thing. It keeps your skin young while you exfoliate it.

Available at: Peach & Lily and Ulta

Active Ingredients: 10% Lactic acid and antioxidants.

Benefits: Exfoliates, brightens and prevents wrinkles.

Cons: Packaging isn’t the most practical.

Skin type: Sensitive and mature skin.

Fragrance-free: Yes.

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant ($37.00)

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant has a lightweight, watery texture that sinks in quickly without leaving a greasy film. The 6% mandelic acid and 2% lactic acid combo removes dead cells from the surface of skin, helping smooth rough texture and brighten dullness. Mandelic acid penetrates more slowly than smaller AHAs, making it a good option when stronger acids tend to leave your face red and angry. Used regularly, it can make skin noticeably smoother and brighter and gradually fade post-acne marks and uneven pigmentation. Just don’t expect stubborn dark spots to disappear overnight.

Available at: Cult Beauty, Dermstore, Paula’s Choice, Sephora, and SpaceNK

Key Ingredients: 6% mandelic acid, 2% lactic acid.

Benefits: Smooths rough texture; brightens dull skin and gradually fades superficial pigmentation.

Cons: Results are gradual.

Skin Types: Sensitive skin and anyone who struggles with stronger AHAs.

Fragrance-Free: Yes

Byoma Brightening Toner With Lactic Acid ($15.99)

The texture is very watery and lightweight, so it sinks in almost immediately without leaving a sticky film behind. Lactic acid does most of the heavy lifting here, exfoliating dead skin cells to smooth rough texture and brighten dull skin. Plus urea, which hydrates while gently exfoliating, so skin feels noticeably softer and smoother after use. But here’s the catch: it can sting. And if you push it too far, you can end up with redness, dryness and peeling instead of the glow you signed up for. The brightening effect isn’t particularly impressive either, especially if dark spots are what you’re trying to tackle. I wouldn’t buy it for pigmentation, but as an affordable exfoliating toner for smoothing rough, dull skin? It does the job.

Available at: Cult Beauty, SpaceNK, Target, and Ulta

Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, mandelic acid (the two gentler alpha hydroxy acids), urea.

Benefits: Gently exfoliates; smooths texture; hydrates.

Cons: Not the best at fading discoloration; Can still sting or irritate.

Skin Types: Sensitive skin and AHA beginners.

Fragrance-Free: Yes.

Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum ($68.00)

Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum is proof that a strong exfoliant doesn’t have to feel like you’re stripping paint off your face. The 10% lactic acid is strong enough to make a real difference to rough, dull skin, while squalane and glycerin keep the formula surprisingly moisturising. Forget the usual watery acid serum. This has a thick, creamy texture that’s closer to a lightweight moisturiser and feels lovely on dry skin. It can tingle when you first apply it, but it isn’t particularly drying. And it works. Skin feels softer and smoother pretty quickly and the appearance of fine lines can look softer too. My gripe? Lavender oil and linalool. They add absolutely nothing to the exfoliating benefits and can irritate sensitive skin. Why put potential irritants into an acid serum when they don’t need to be there?

Available at: Biossance, Cult Beauty, and SpaceNK

Key Ingredients: 10% lactic acid, squalane, glycerin.

Benefits: Thick lotion texture; Exfoliates for smooth skin; brightens dull skin; moisturises.

Cons: Contains lavender oil and linalool; Can tingle and irritate sensitive skin.

Skin Types: Normal and sensitive skin that doesn’t react bad to fragrance.

Fragrance-Free: Technically yes, but contains essential oils.

FAQ ABOUT LACTIC ACID EXFOLIANTS

What can lactic acid exfoliants do?

Lactic acid exfoliants remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. They can brighten the skin tone, soften a rough complexion, make wrinkles look smaller, and even hydrate skin.

What can’t lactic acid exfoliants do?

They can’t treat acne. You need to get inside the pores for that and lactic acid can’t do it. Removing dead cells from the surface of your skin before they fall down into your pores and clog them can help prevent acne, but it won’t treat the acne you already have.

How often should I exfoliate with lactic acid exfoliant?

If you have sensitive skin, I recommend no more than twice a week. Too much exfoliation can can cause redness, dryness, and irritation. Before diving in, always patch test your new lactic acid exfoliant on a small area behind your ear or jawline for 24-48 hours. This simple step can save you from unexpected irritation.

When should you use a lactic acid exfoliant?

At night, right after cleansing. The closer to clean skin you apply it, the better it works. Plus, removing dead cells helps whatever you apply next better penetrate skin, so it can work faster.

Who should use a lactic acid exfoliant?

Anyone can use a lactic acid exfoliant. It’s suitable for dry skin, oily skin, combination skin… but the skin types won’t necessarily get the best results. Other chemical exfoliators work faster for them. I only recommend lactic acid for sensitive skin that can’t tolerate more powerful acids.

What should I layer with lactic acid?

Here’s where it gets complicated. Lactic acid is the gentlest of the AHAs exfoliants, so technically it plays nicer with other actives than glycolic acid. And yet, lactic acid is usually reserved for sensitive skin, and sensitive skin doesn’t play well with most actives. With this in mind:

  • Can lactic acid be used with BHA? BHA is salicylic acid, an exfoliant that gets deep inside your pores and helps clear acne. If you have oily, combination, acne-prone skin that’s also resistant and can tolerate both, you can use an exfoliant that has them both. But if your skin is sensitive, stick to lactic acid.
  • Is it ok to mix lactic acid with Vitamin C? I recommend you use vitamin C in the morning and lactic acid at night.
  • What not to layer with lactic acid? Harsh actives like retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and high concentrations of Vitamin C.
  • Can I pair lactic acid with hyaluronic acid? Yes, hyaluronic acid is a gentle hydrator that plays well with every ingredient, including lactic acid.
  • Can I put moisturiser on top of hyaluronic acid? As long as your moisturizer doesn’t contain retinol or other harsh actives, yes absolutely. You should always moisturise skin well after exfoliation. 
  • Can I use lactic acid and glycolic acid together? A lot of exfoliants on the market use both glycolic acid and lactic acid. If you have dry, sun-damaged, resistant skin, go for them. If you sensitive skin, stick to lactic acid only.

How do I incorporate lactic acid into my skincare routine?

Here’s a simple yet effective nighttime routine for sensitive skin:

Is 15% lactic acid too much for the face?

For most people at-home, without proper supervision from a board-certified dermatologist or aesthetician, then yes, 15% lactic acid is too much. There’s a reason why the formulations above stop at 10%. They’re enough for radiance and slowly reduce an uneven skin tone with less risk of irritation. Higher concentrations are more useful for rough areas like elbows and knees.

The Verdict

If you have sensitive skin and are struggling to find an acid exfoliant that doesn’t irritate your skin, you’re in luck. Here are the best lactic acid serums for sensitive skin to brighten, smoothen, and hydrate your complexion without the irritation. Finally!