Frequently Asked Questions
How does lactic acid compare to other exfoliating acids?
Compared with other chemical exfoliants, lactic acid “is generally considered one of the gentler exfoliating acids, which is why I often like it for people with dry, sensitive, or more reactive skin,” says Dr. Turegano. While glycolic acid penetrates deeper and is often more effective for tackling stubborn texture and discoloration, it can also be more irritating. Salicylic acid, a BHA, is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate pores to dissolve excess oil and debris, making it especially useful for acne-prone or oily skin. Lactic acid strikes a happy medium, offering noticeable brightening and smoothing benefits while also helping skin retain moisture. That said, if a product combines lactic acid with stronger exfoliants—or multiple acids in general—it may be better suited for those who already have experience using chemical exfoliants and know their skin tolerates them well.
Is lactic acid good for sensitive skin?
Lactic acid products are often “ideal for a sensitive skin-care routine because they’re generally gentler and more hydrating than stronger AHAs like glycolic acid,” says Dr. Turegano. Part of that comes down to its larger molecular size, which means it penetrates the skin more slowly and is therefore less likely to irritate. That gentler profile is one reason lactic acid is often recommended for dry, reactive, or easily irritated skin types. However, Dr. Turegano notes that “sensitive skin” can mean many things, so she still recommends starting slowly and avoiding overdoing it, especially if your skin barrier is already irritated or compromised.
What percentage of lactic acid is best for beginners?
For beginners, skin-care products with a lactic acid concentration of around 5% is typically a good place to start, says Dr. Turegano. Once your skin has adjusted, you can work your way up to stronger formulas. “More experienced users who tolerate exfoliating acids well may use formulations around 10 to 12%, but higher isn’t always better or faster,” she says. In fact, over-exfoliation—think redness, irritation, flaking, and a compromised skin barrier—is one of the most common mistakes dermatologists see.
Meet the experts
- Sean Alemi, MD, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in New York City
- Anetta Reszko, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist based in New Orleans
- Carlos Vieira, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at The Dermatology Specialists based in Philadelphia
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best lactic acid serums, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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