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Lactic acid why is it so popular? For two main reasons: First, it can create real change in the skin if used regularly. Second, it’s one of the more gentle hydroxy acids used in skin care. As long as you’re listening to your skin, following the directions on the products you’re using, and not pushing too strong of a product too fast, you’ll likely get good results with minimal irritation. The key is to remember, no matter which lactic acid product or treatment you’re using, to protect your skin from the sun. So slather on the sunscreen daily (yes, even during the winter when it’s freezing and cloudy). This is one of the best ways to protect your skin from premature aging, sun spots, and skin cancer anyway, and one of the best ways to keep your skin healthy any age.

Rosacea problems

I can only use these products twice a week, as I have sensitive skin and rosacea. I found six lactic acid products in my beauty stash I have an Elemis, Revolution, the Inkey List, First Aid Beauty, Ren, Sunday Riley and the Ordinary. This post and challenge was started in March 2020. And found myself buying other products with Latic Acid in them, these were from Elemis, Pestle and Mortar, Dr Dennis Gross,

The Ordinary

A mildly-exfoliating serum to target uneven tone, textural irregularities and fine lines. Offering a very gentle exfoliation at a 5% concentration, this lightweight serum works to improve skin texture, reducing pigmentation caused by acne scars and age spots by stimulating cell regeneration. The addition of hyaluronic acid strengthens the lipid barrier to improve the skin’s ability to attract and retain moisture, leading to healthier, stronger skin. Dropper bottle, no scent, no reaction, very mild, and good price. Not repurchasing in the future.

Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid

The original is still on sale in the USA, but no longer fits under regulations set for the EU. The Glycolic version is currently only available in the EU but this could change with Brexit, who knows. This deeply exfoliates the dull surface of the skin for clarity, radiance, and younger-looking skin. Visibly brightens the appearance of age spots and discolorations. Instantly plumps the look of fine lines and wrinkles in 3 minutes. This worked very well immediately but it is so pricey. I am not going to repurchase this.

Facial Radiance Pads which I am not a fan of, as they are so wasteful. These alcohol-free, daily treatment pads exfoliate, tone and brighten without irritation. These contain just the right amount of lactic and glycolic acids to make them safe and effective for daily use, even for sensitive skin. But they worked so well on my face. It is hard to like something when it is so wasteful. I am on the fence about these.

The Inkey List

This natural AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) is derived from milk and fruit sugars, to exfoliate the skin’s surface and lift away dead cells. The mild exfoliator leaves your skin feeling renewed, with a more even tone and brighter appearance. The bonds between dead cells are dissolved, revealing the smoother, clearer skin surface beneath. The serum also features 1% hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin while exfoliating to increase the tolerance of the product. Reduce dullness and congestion while helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles with this multi-benefit exfoliating serum. Not a fan, product has a distinct smell that I found off putting. Not repurchasing.

Elemis

This milky, multi-tasking AHA nighttime peel gently exfoliates while replenishing the skin with moisture for a brighter, flawless-looking complexion. Hibiscus Acids and Oligopeptides helps support skin’s natural renewal process for smoother and more radiant-looking skin. Helps to refine skin texture and reduce the look of pores. Improves the look of skin clarity over time. This was nice, apart from the price and fragrance. It was too over perfumed for me. So again not a repurchase.

Revolution Skincare

Free from gritty bits, Revolution Skincare Revolution Skin Mild Skin Exfoliator – 5% Lactic Acid + Hyaluronic Acid is a gentle liquid exfoliant that uses Lactic Acid (an alpha hydroxy acid or AHA) to help even out texture and tone, without roughing up your complexion. This serum also contains Hyaluronic Acid to help hydrate the skin and leave it looking plumped up and healthy. A direct dupe of The Ordinary. Good value for money. But not repurchasing, as not a fan of the packaging.

Ren Skincare

A gentle AHA, Lactic Acid  to encourage cell turnover by dissolving the bonds that hold dull, dead skin on the surface. Teamed with a BHA, Salicin, to exfoliate both the skin surface and inside the pore. Reducing oiliness and minimising the appearance of pores. All while brightening, hydrating with Azelaic Acid Precursors. It’s a triple-threat on lacklustre skin, giving glow and energy back to polluted, city-living or tired skin. I have already tried this, and it is very gentle.

Deciem Non-Acid Acid Precursor

I brought this to try. And I used this after all the other lactic acids were finished. This is a non-acidic alternative to acid-based epidermal resurfacing. Instead of using direct acids like AHA/BHA or retinoids that are common in skincare, this uses fermentation bio-derivatives and amino isolates that act as precursors to skin-compatible acids, encouraging visible radiance and visible surface regularity without the redness and inflammation associated with acids. This I really liked and will be buying this again in the future.

Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

These gentle yet effective resurfacing pads deliver a measured dose of patented^ Tri-Enzyme Technology for smoother-looking skin. Formulated with Lactic Acid and Probiotic Ferment Complex, they are clinically proven* to accelerate skin’s natural cell turnover in 28 days. Used twice daily, these textured pads help reduce the look of dark spots, pores and uneven skin texture. Convenient and easy to use, they physically lift away dead cells and gently exfoliate, leaving the skin looking significantly smoother and brighter. I again liked these, but on the fence as they are wasteful.

Pestle and Mortar NMF

With an optimal free acid value of 5.34% and complimentary pH of 3.8, NMF will restore radiance to all skin types without causing irritation. Enriched with Indian gooseberry extract and black tea, NMF delivers outstanding skin hydrating and brightening benefits. The free acid value is the percentage of the acid which is actually absorbed into the skin, and it is agreed that a minimum of 4% (free acid value) is required for noticeable cell turnover. Furthermore, low pH formulations preserve the strength of lactic acid for optimal efficacy on the skin.

Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Peel

Dr. Dennis Gross’s Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Peel is a two-step revitalising and skin-conditioning treatment that gently eliminates dulling dead skin cells (without running the risk of a tantrum). ‘Step 1’ is infused with a trio of powerful (but gentle!) exfoliating acids – including lactic, mandelic and willow bark extract – while ‘Step 2’ helps to limit the alpha hydroxyl activity, while infusing skin with balancing, soothing and anti-ageing actives. A perfect introduction for those new to AHAs, this is also the perfect brightening, wrinkle-reducing and strengthening treatment for all those who crave the effects of a ‘peel’ – minus the side-effects.

Deviant Skincare Gentle Resurfacing Liquid

An exfoliating formula combining a unique cocktail of AHA’s (Mandelic, Lactic, Glycolic, Malic and Citric), BHA (Salicylic Acid) and PHA (Gluconolactone) to gently dissolve the bonds binding dull, dead cells to skin’s surface. The toner-like fluid stimulates cellular renewal to improve the appearance of imperfections, fine lines, discolouration and the appearance of enlarged pores. Green Tea and Licorice Root help brighten, whilst White Tea, Mushroom and Gotu Kola soothe and calm the skin, revealing a luminous, refined complexion.

Would I repurchase any of them ?

I like Deciem Non-Acid Acid Precursor the most. I will alternate with the Papaya Enzyme Peel from Elemis which is a long term favourite. That is a manual exfoliation. So once each product is finished, I will use the other one. I am still on the fence with the First Aid Beauty and Elemis pads. But that is not to say, that is a new product comes out in the future, who knows ?