Lactic Acid 10% + HA
The Ordinary · 2: treat

Lactic Acid 10% + HA

A water-based exfoliating serum with 10% lactic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid) and hyaluronic acid, aimed at rough texture, dullness and uneven tone.

$11.00 Buy on Amazon →
How to use

Once daily, ideally in the evening, in the treat step. Patch test first and avoid the eye contour. If your skin is not yet tolerant, the brand says you can dilute it with other products. Use sunscreen daily.

Pros
  • Lactic acid is a recognized exfoliant for rough texture and dullness
  • Hyaluronic acid and a soothing plant extract are added to offset dryness
  • Low price for a 10% acid
Cons
  • High strength: the brand says not to use it on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin
  • Acid exfoliants raise sun sensitivity; use sunscreen and limit sun for a week after use
  • The brand lists many conflicts, including retinoids, other acids, vitamin C and peptides
  • Weaker evidence for acne than for texture

Pros, cons and how-to-use notes are Derminology's own opinion and suggestions, based on ingredients we've matched to published clinical evidence and on the brand's directions. They are general information, not medical advice. Always follow the label, patch test new products, and ask a doctor or dermatologist if you have a skin condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or use prescription treatments.

Active Ingredients

The ingredients we've matched to real clinical evidence and used to score this product's efficacy below — not the full ingredient label.

Claims

? Non-comedogenic (unknown)
? Dermatologist tested (unknown)
? Safe for sensitive skin (unknown)
? Hypoallergenic (unknown)
✓ Fragrance free
✓ Paraben free
✓ Oil free

Efficacy readout

Blemishes
2.5/5
Aging
3.8/5
Irritation
2.2/5

Eczema and Rosacea scoring: Coming soon — most clinically-proven treatments for these are prescription-only and fall outside a consumer product database. Not shown on the chart above.

Colored = scored    Grey = not applicable to this product

References

No references added yet.

Related — same routine step