Lactic Acid
AKA “2-Hydroxypropanoic Acid
Ingredient Facts
Lactic acid
AKA: 2-Hydroxypropanoic Acid
Varies With Manufacturer · Exfoliant
Varies With Manufacturer
Exfoliant
Skin Conditioner
Chemical Exfoliant
Clean
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used for gentle exfoliation. Helps improve skin texture and promotes cell turnover.
See origin →
Functions
Exfoliant
Removes dead skin cells so fresh ones can come through. Chemical exfoliants (acids) are generally gentler than physical scrubs.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
pH Adjuster
Nano, micro particulate and cosmetic delivery systems of polylactic acid: A mini review.
Abu Hajleh MN, Al-Samydai A, Al-Dujaili EAS
Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2020
LDHA-Associated Lactic Acid Production Blunts Tumor Immunosurveillance by T and NK Cells.
Brand A, Singer K, Koehl GE, Kolitzus M, Schoenhammer G et al.
Cell metabolism, 2016
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Glycolic Acid, Ammonium, Calcium, Potassium, and Sodium Glycolates, Methyl, Ethyl, Propyl, and Butyl Glycolates, and Lactic Acid, Ammonium, Calcium, Potassium,
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report: Safety Assessment of Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Poly(3-Hydroxyoctanoic Acid, and Polylactic Acid as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Lactic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polylactic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Lactic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Polylactic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Effectiveness and Safety of Sculptra Poly-L-Lactic Acid Injectable Implant in the Correction of Cheek Wrinkles.
Fabi S, Hamilton T, LaTowsky B, Kazin R, Marcus K et al.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 2024
Physiochemical Characteristics of Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA).
Fitzgerald R, Bass LM, Goldberg DJ, Graivier MH, Lorenc ZP
Aesthetic surgery journal, 2018
Recommendations on the Use of Injectable Poly-L-Lactic Acid for Skin Laxity in Off-Face Areas.
Haddad A, Menezes A, Guarnieri C, Coimbra D, Ribeiro E et al.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 2019
Lactic acid
Health Canada
Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
Lavandula stoechas extract incorporated polylactic acid nanofibrous mats as an antibacterial and cytocompatible wound dressing.
Mutlu B, Çiftçi F, Üstündağ CB, Çakır-Koç R
International journal of biological macromolecules, 2023
Polylactic acid/tapioca starch/banana peel-based material for colorimetric and electrochemical biosensing applications.
Rai P, Mehrotra S, Gautam K, Kar AK, Saxena A et al.
Carbohydrate polymers, 2023
Efficacy and Safety of Poly-l-Lactic Acid in Facial Aesth...
Roberta Signori, Antony de Paula Barbosa, Fernando Cezar-Dos-Santos, Ana Claudia Carbone, Silvio Ventura, Bryanne Brissian de Souza Nobre + 4 more
Polymers, 2024
Efficacy and Safety of Poly-l-Lactic Acid in Facial Aesth...
Roberta Signori, Antony de Paula Barbosa, Fernando Cezar-Dos-Santos, Ana Claudia Carbone, Silvio Ventura, Bryanne Brissian de Souza Nobre + 4 more
Polymers, 2024
Efficacy and Safety of Poly-l-Lactic Acid in Facial Aesth...
Roberta Signori, Antony de Paula Barbosa, Fernando Cezar-Dos-Santos, Ana Claudia Carbone, Silvio Ventura, Bryanne Brissian de Souza Nobre + 4 more
Polymers, 2024
Advancements in chain elongation technology: Transforming lactic acid into caproic acid for sustainable biochemical production.
Suo M, Liu L, Fan H, Li N, Pan H et al.
Bioresource technology, 2025
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng