A Guide to Lactic Acid, the Under-the-Radar Skincare Ingredient Everyone's Talking About
While exfoliants like salicylic and glycolic acid often steal the beauty spotlight, lactic acid is quietly making a name for itself as the unsung hero in skincare routines everywhere. This gentle alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), derived from fermented lactose—a sugar naturally found in milk—has a long history in beauty, dating all the way back to Cleopatra’s iconic milk baths.
At Repêchage, lactic acid isn’t just a passing trend. We’ve been incorporating it into our products since 1980—long before it became a skincare buzzword. “We’ve always believed in the power of gentle, effective ingredients,” says founder and CEO Lydia Sarfati. “Lactic acid is one of those timeless ingredients that delivers real results without compromising skin health.”
Known for exfoliating away dull skin, lactic acid continues to shine, gently exfoliating dead skin cells while revealing a brighter, smoother complexion. It’s a must-have ingredient for anyone looking to upgrade their skincare routine.
A Buzz-Worthy Skincare Favorite
Why is lactic acid gaining popularity? It’s simple: This ingredient is mild yet mighty! Among the different categories of skincare acids—alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), and poly-hydroxy acids (PHAs)—lactic acid stands out as one of the gentlest AHAs, making it perfect for those with sensitive or dry skin. Unlike harsher exfoliants that may cause redness and burning, lactic acid works without irritating your skin, giving you a glow without the sting.
But here’s the real beauty of lactic acid: It’s not just an exfoliator. Lactic acid also acts as a humectant, meaning it draws moisture into the skin, hydrating and plumping it up at the same time. This double-duty ingredient smooths rough texture, minimizes the appearance of fine lines, and improves overall clarity.
Who Should Use Lactic Acid?
Lactic acid is such a standout ingredient because it’s ideal for all skin types and works especially well on dry, dull, or sensitive skin.
Here are some of its benefits:
- Exfoliation: As a gentle exfoliant for the skin's surface, lactic acid helps reveal fresher, brighter skin, temporarily improving the appearance of dark spots.
- Evens Skin Tone: Sarfati notes how lactic acid has been widely studied for its ability to help reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone and dark spots. In addition to promoting a more even complexion, it also minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making it a versatile ingredient for smoother-looking skin.
- Improved Skin Texture: With regular use, lactic acid will reveal silky-smooth skin.
How to Use Lactic Acid in Your Skincare Routine
Incorporating lactic acid into your skincare routine is easy, as it’s found in many serums, toners, exfoliators or creams. Daily use of lactic acids is an ideal way to reap its benefits and achieve a radiant, youthful appearance.
For a supercharged glow, pair with other ingredients like hyaluronic acid and seaweed as they complement one another. This combo will help smooth and brighten without causing dryness or irritation, making your skincare routine more effective and gentle.
Explore a range of Repêchage’s cleansers, serums, and moisturizers designed to gently remove dead skin cells and reveal a brighter, smoother complexion. We’ve picked out a handful of our favorites to try:
Hydro-Complex® PFS Moisturizing Cream for Dry Skin
Get ready to glow with our best-selling daily moisturizer. Packed with pure filtrate of seaweed and enriched with lactic acid, our original formula delivers intensive nutrients and hydration as it gently exfoliates the skin, leaving it soft, radiant, and ultra-supple. Plus, the rich yet lightweight formula glides on like silk, providing deep moisture without any heaviness.
Rapidex® Marine Exfoliator with Phyto-Marine Actives
Achieve radiant skin in just 14 days with this easy, unidose at-home peel. It’s packed with seaweed, phyto-marine extracts, and a blend of multi-fruit, glycolic, and lactic acids to gently exfoliate and reveal a more even-toned, soft, and smooth complexion. It’s one of the easiest ways to give yourself that fresh-from-the-spa glow—all without leaving home.
Use this fine mist twice a day to help balance skin post-cleansing and prepare the skin for moisture and hydration. It soothes, calms and balances sensitive skin.
Transform your skin in one minute with this powerhouse mask. It helps to cleanse deep and absorb excess oil without drying. After use, your skin will look brighter and clearer with no greasy appearance.
Lactic acid is truly a game-changer, offering a multitude of benefits that cater to various skin types. Its gentle yet effective nature allows you to experience the perks of exfoliation without the irritation often associated with harsher acids. Lactic acid offers a balanced approach, making it ideal for those seeking smoother texture, brighter skin, and a more even tone with minimal risk of irritation. Whether you’re seeking to brighten your complexion, improve skin texture, or achieve a more even tone, Repêchage’s lactic acid-infused products are the perfect complement to your daily routine.
This blog is for information purposes only. Our products are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease.
