Lactic Acid
Active (AHA exfoliant / humectant) · INCI: Lactic Acid
Reviewed by Elysiana Aguilar, master esthetician
How we read it
Not a pore-clogger. Considered safe for acne-prone skin.
Is Lactic Acid comedogenic?
No. Lactic Acid isn't considered pore-clogging, and we read it as safe to use on acne-prone skin. That doesn't make it right for everyone, but congestion isn't the thing to watch for with it.
Why we read it this way
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that also holds water, so it exfoliates and hydrates in the same step. It occurs naturally in skin as part of its own moisturizing system and carries no oil. We read lactic acid as not pore-clogging.
The nuance
Where it sits on the label changes what it is doing. Near the end of a list it is usually adjusting pH or adding a little hydration, while near the top it is working as an exfoliant and can tingle.
Where it shows up
It shows up in gentle exfoliating serums and toners, body lotions for dry or rough skin, moisturizers and cleansers, often in small amounts to balance pH.
Related ingredients
One ingredient rarely tells the whole story. The acne ingredient checker reads everything in a product at once, and there is more on what comedogenic means. Also in the guides: What acne actually is.