As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read full disclosure here
Lactic acid is one of those powerhouse ingredients that everyone talks about but not everyone knows how to use effectively particularly if you have dry skin or sensitive skin. Lactic acid works best when paired with the right ingredients. Whether you’re looking to boost its effectiveness or balance its potent exfoliating properties, knowing what to pair with lactic acid is key.
Lactic acid is a water-based serum that serves as a great exfoliant, hydrates and moisturizes your skin, and improves fine lines and wrinkles. Read all about the benefits of lactic acid to get started on the basics. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about pairing lactic acid with other skincare ingredients. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to create a skincare routine using the full potential of lactic acid, while keeping your skin happy and healthy.
What pairs well with lactic acid? Lactic acid can be effectively paired with cleansers, moisturizers, alpha arbutin, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, kojic acid, azelaic acid and vitamin C derivatives. Before going into how to pair lactic acid with other ingredients, let’s recap on what Lactic acid is.
What Is Lactic Acid
Before we go into the pairings, let’s quickly cover what lactic acid is. Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from milk, though the kind used in skincare is typically synthetically produced. It’s known for its gentle exfoliating properties, making it a great choice for those new to acids or those with dry or sensitive skin. Lactic acid works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be easily removed, revealing fresher, more radiant skin underneath.
Why Pair Lactic Acid with Other Ingredients?
Lactic acid is fantastic on its own, but when paired with complementary ingredients, it can enhance its benefits and minimize potential irritation. The right combination can help you achieve targeted results, whether you’re looking to brighten, hydrate, or reduce signs of aging. Let’s explore some of the best ingredients to pair with lactic acid.
What Pairs Well With Lactic Acid?
Lactic Acid And Gentle Cleansers/Toners – Open The Pores
Before applying lactic Acid, it is essential that you wash your face with a gentle cleanser and optionally a toner. Use a cleanser that does not contain any alpha-hydroxy acids to avoid over-exfoliating your face.
If you use a toner, ensure it does not contain any exfoliating acids. This will enhance the effectiveness of lactic acid in your skincare routine.
Your Skincare routine should be as follows:
- Gentle Cleanser (e.g CeraVe Hydrating Lotion)
- Toner (e.g Paula’s Choice Calming Toner)
- Lactic Acid (e.g The Ordinary Lactic Acid)
Following this routine will ensure optimal penetration of lactic acid into your skin
Lactic Acid And Alpha Arbutin – Great For Spot Treatment/Blemishes
The combination of lactic acid and alpha arbutin can help treat dark spots or pigmentation on your skin. Here’s how to incorporate both into your skincare routine:
Sample AM/PM skincare routine with lactic acid and alpha arbutin:
- Start with a gentle cleanser, the type of cleanser mentioned above. Pat your skin dry
- Follow up with 2 to 3 drops of lactic acid for your face and neck area. It is a leave-on exfoliator so there is no need to wash it off.
- Apply alpha arbutin as a spot treatment directly onto blemishes. Leave it on the skin; there is no need to wash it off
- Optionally, you may apply 1 to 3 drops of niacinamide for additional treatment for hyperpigmentation.
- Finish off with a moisturizer to protect your skin barrier
- Complete your morning routine with sunscreen to shield your skin from UV rays
Lactic Acid And Niacinamide – The Soothing Multitasker
Why It Works: Niacinamide is a versatile ingredient that complements lactic acid beautifully. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm any irritation that might arise from using lactic acid. Additionally, niacinamide strengthens the skin barrier and helps to even out skin tone, enhancing the brightening effects of lactic acid.
How to Use: You can use niacinamide before or after lactic acid, depending on your preference. If your skin is on the sensitive side, apply niacinamide first to prep and soothe your skin. Alternatively, use it after lactic acid to reinforce your skin barrier and boost hydration.
Sample AM/PM skincare routine with lactic acid and niacinamide:
- Begin with a gentle cleanser to cleanse your face
- Follow up with 2 to 3 drops of lactic acid for your face and neck area. It is a leave-on exfoliator so there is no need to wash it off.
- Apply 1 to 3 drops of niacinamide all over your face and neck. No need to wash off.
- Finish off with a moisturizer
- Complete your morning routine with sunscreen to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
Lactic Acid And Hyaluronic Acid – The Hydration Booster
Why It Works: Lactic acid can be a bit drying as it exfoliates the skin. Pairing it with hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant, helps to counteract any dryness by drawing moisture into the skin. This duo is perfect for maintaining hydration while reaping the benefits of exfoliation.
How to Use: Apply your lactic acid serum first, allowing it to penetrate and exfoliate. Follow up with a hyaluronic acid serum to lock in moisture. This combination keeps your skin plump and hydrated, reducing the risk of dryness or irritation.
Sample AM/PM skincare routine with lactic acid and hyaluronic acid:
- Begin with a gentle cleanser
- Apply 2 to 3 drops of lactic all over your face and neck. Pat it into your skin and leave it on. No need to wash off.
- Follow up with 1 to 3 drops of hyaluronic acid for the face and neck area. Pat into your skin and blend.
- Finish off with a moisturizer
- Complete your morning routine with sunscreen.
Lactic Acid And Kojic Acid – Great For Hyperpigmentation
The combination of Lactic acid and kojic acid is complementary because as lactic acid exfoliates, kojic acid penetrates your skin to target deeper pigmentation issues.
Sample AM/PM skincare routine with lactic acid and Kojic Acid:
- Begin with a gentle cleanser
- Apply 2 to 3 drops of lactic acid, allowing it to prep your skin. No need to wash off
- Follow up with kojic acid to target dark spots and uneven skin tones
- Seal up with a gentle moisturizer
- Complete the routine with sunscreen
Lactic Acid And Vitamin C – The Brightening Powerhouse
Why It Works: Vitamin C is known for its brightening and antioxidant properties, which pair well with the exfoliating action of lactic acid. Together, they can significantly enhance skin radiance and reduce hyperpigmentation. However, it’s important to be cautious with this pairing as both ingredients are active and can potentially irritate sensitive skin. To avoid stinging and burning, I have separated the sample skincare routines into Morning and Evening Skincare routines. When using this sample skincare routine, ensure that the pH of both lactic acid and vitamin C serum are relatively the same.
If the pH levels are different, do not use vitamin C and lactic acid in the same routine to avoid stinging or burning.
How to Use: If you’re using both in your routine, consider using lactic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning. This way, you avoid overwhelming your skin with too many active ingredients at once. If you prefer to use them together, introduce them slowly and monitor your skin’s reaction.
Sample AM skincare routine with Vitamin C Serum – Daily
- Begin with a gentle cleanser
- Apply 2-5 drops or 1-2 pumps of vitamin C serum all over your face and neck. Leave it on the skin, there is no need to wash it off.
- Follow up with a moisturizer (optional)
- Complete the step with sunscreen
Sample PM skincare routine with Lactic Acid And Vitamin C Serum – 3 times weekly
- Begin with a gentle cleanser and pat your skin dry
- Apply 2-4 drops of lactic acid all over your face and neck. No need to wash off
- Follow up with 2-5 drops or 1-2 pumps of vitamin C serum. Let it absorb and leave it on the skin.
- Complete the step with a moisturizer (Optional step)
To know what not to pair with lactic acid, kindly read up on the beginner’s guide to lactic acid.
Conclusion
Lactic acid is a fantastic ingredient for those looking to exfoliate and brighten their skin. But to get the most out of it, pairing it with the right ingredients is essential. Whether you’re aiming to boost hydration, calm irritation, or enhance anti-aging benefits, there’s a perfect companion for lactic acid in your skincare routine. Remember to introduce new combinations slowly, monitor your skin’s reaction, and adjust as needed to maintain a healthy, glowing complexion.
Happy skincare experimenting!
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.
