8 Best Lactic Acid Skin Care Products 2026, According to Dermatologists
Lactic acid is a great ingredient to use at night, and this serum is designed to smooth while your skin is in repair mode. With lactic acid plus clover and squalane, it aims to refine texture and support hydration at the same time—helpful if you’re targeting post-acne discoloration and unevenness without the sting.
- Key ingredients: Lactic acid, clover, squalane
- Best for: Someone looking for a gentle resurfacing night serum
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
Testing notes from Glamour’s Kilkeary
“It’s ultralightweight and has done wonders in improving my acne scars and discoloration on my chin. I’ve also noticed an improvement in my forehead and eye fine lines after using this for over a year. I can’t go a night without it,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best Toner Pads: First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads With Glycolic + Lactic Acid
Original video from Jenifer Calle testing First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads with Glycolic + Lactic Acid
- Pros: Great for travel; removes lingering makeup and oil
- Cons: May be too strong for very sensitive skin
If you’re already a lactic acid fan and want to incorporate something a little stronger into your routine, we love these facial pads that combine lactic acid with glycolic acid. They do a great job brightening skin and help clean out excess dirt, oil, and gunk from pores, leaving you with a silky-smooth, radiant finish. They’re also convenient for travel or for anyone who wants the ease of a swipe-and-go step.
- Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid
- Best for: Someone looking to brighten and smooth skin quickly; experienced exfoliant users
- Size: 28 pads
“Toner pads are an essential in my oily skin care routine and these exfoliating ones are great for a thorough cleanse. It removes any residue from the day, and helps clear my clogged pores. Just keep in mind that might be too strong for sensitive skin,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.
Best Cleanser: Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
Original video from Sarah Y. Wu testing Anua Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder
- Pros: Instantly plumps and brightens skin; exfoliates dead skin cells
- Cons: Can get messy (you have to mix with water)
This powder cleanser is fragrance-free, making it ideal for those sensitive to scent, and won’t leave your complexion feeling stripped or dry. It’s great for those who are looking for a deeper clean than your typical face wash.
- Key ingredients: Rice powder, rice bran water, ceramides, lactic acid
- Best for: Sensitive skin
- Size: 1.4 fl. oz.
“I first tried this cleanser when I visited the Anua offices in Seoul last year. I couldn’t get enough of the marshmallow texture and have been using it ever since,” says Wu. “I add more water when I use it as a daily cleanser and a little less to turn it into a weekly face mask. Whichever way I use it, it leaves my skin soft, smooth, and radiant,” says Glamour contributor Sarah Y. Wu.
Best Budget: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + Hyaluronic Acid
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + Hyaluronic Acid
- Pros: Softens skin; beginner-friendly; glowing-boosting
- Cons: Dropper can dispense too much at once
Recommended by Dr. Nazarian, this affordable lactic acid serum stands out for how hydrating it feels for an exfoliant. “The combination of low-dose lactic acid and hyaluronic acid is fabulous for improving hydration to the skin in a gentle way. This one is typically even tolerated by sensitive-skinned people,” she says. It is water-based, absorbs quickly, and layers well with other skin care products.
- Key ingredients: Lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, Tasmanian pepperberry
- Best for: AHA newbies; anyone on a budget
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
Testing notes from Glamour’s Kilkeary
“It’s super lightweight and absorbed like lightning, and did a great job of making my skin feel nourished and plump almost instantly. It was very gentle and nonstinging, and left my acne-prone areas with a dewy, moisturized layer that I could lock in with my moisturizer. After testing this out for a few weeks, I noticed that my skin looked more even-toned and bright, and it felt soft and hydrated too,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best Body Lotion: AmLactin KP Bumps Be Gone Cream
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Original photo from Charlotte Twine testing AmLactin KP Bumps Be Gone Cream
- Pros: Exfoliates and hydrates; effective for KP texture
- Cons: Goopy; takes time to rub in
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