LACTIC ACID

Other Names:

2-Hydroxypropionic acid, Acide 2-hydroxypropionique (Acide Lactique), Acide Hydroxypropionique, Acide Lactique, Hydroxypropionic Acid, Milk Acid.

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LACTIC ACID Overview Information

Lactic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). Alpha hydroxy acids are natural acids found in foods. Lactic acid comes from fermented foods.

Alpha hydroxy acids like lactic acid work by removing the top layers of dead skin cells. Lactic acid seems to increase the thickness of deeper layers of skin, promoting firmness.

People use lactic acid for dry skin. They also use it for acne, aging skin, canker sores, warts, and many other conditions, but there's no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse lactic acid with other alpha hydroxy acids, including citric acid, glycolic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid. These are not the same.

LACTIC ACID Uses & Effectiveness

Likely Effective for:

Dry skin. Applying lactic acid, lactate, or ammonium lactate to the skin in a cream or lotion helps improve dry skin.

There is interest in using lactic acid for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

LACTIC ACID Side Effects & Safety

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if lactic acid is safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Lactic acid in concentrations of 10% or less is likely safe for use on the face. Concentrations of up to 15% are likely safe when used on other parts of the body, but not on the face. It is possibly unsafe when higher concentrations are used. These concentrations can cause serious skin problems and should only be used while under the care of a dermatologist.

When used in a mouthwash: Lactic acid is likely safe when used in concentrations of 5% for up to 14 days.

When applied in the vagina: Lactic acid is likely safe when used appropriately.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Lactic acid is likely safe when applied to the skin appropriately while pregnant or breast-feeding. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if lactic acid is safe to use by mouth. Stay on the safe side and stick to topical products.

Sensitive skin: Lactic acid can cause skin irritation and make certain skin conditions worse. Use cautiously in people with sensitive skin.

LACTIC ACID Interactions

We currently have no information for LACTIC ACID Interactions

LACTIC ACID Dosing

Lactic acid has most often been applied to the skin by adults in lotions, creams, and solutions containing lactic acid 4% to 15% once or twice daily for up to 6 months. Short facial peels have also been used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and concentration might be best for a specific condition.

View clinical references for this vitamin or supplement Sources

References:

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Abels C, Kaszuba A, Michalak I, Werdier D, Knie U, Kaszuba A. A 10% glycolic acid containing oil-in-water emulsion improves mild acne: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2011 Sep;10(3):202-9. View abstract.

Ademola J, Frazier C, Kim SJ, Theaux C, Saudez X. Clinical evaluation of 40% urea and 12% ammonium lactate in the treatment of xerosis. Am J Clin Dermatol 2002;3(3):217-22. View abstract.

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Boeke AJ, Dekker JH, van Eijk JT, Kostense PJ, Bezemer PD. Effect of lactic acid suppositories compared with oral metronidazole and placebo in bacterial vaginosis: a randomised clinical trial. Genitourin Med 1993;69(5):388-92. View abstract.

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Diebold R, Schopf B, Stammer H, Mendling W. Vaginal treatment with lactic acid gel delays relapses in recurrent urinary tract infections: results from an open, multicentre observational study. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2021;304(2):409-417. View abstract.

Ditre CM, Griffin TD, Murphy GF, et al. Effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on photoaged skin: a pilot clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural study [see comments]. J Am Acad Dermatol 1996;34:187-95. View abstract.

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Javaheri SM, Handa S, Kaur I, Kumar B. Safety and efficacy of glycolic acid facial peel in Indian women and melasma. Int J Dermatol 2001;40:354-7. View abstract.

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Rouvrais C, Baspeyras M, Mengeaud V, Rossi AB. Antiaging efficacy of a retinaldehyde-based cream compared with glycolic acid peel sessions: A randomized controlled study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018;17(6):1136-1143. View abstract.

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Sharquie KE, Al-Tammimy SM, Al-Mashhadani S, Hayani RK, Al-Nuaimy AA. Lactic acid 5 percent mouthwash is an effective mode of therapy in treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcerations. Dermatol Online J 2006;12(7):2. View abstract.

Sharquie KE, Al-Tikreety MM, Al-Mashhadani SA. Lactic acid chemical peels as a new therapeutic modality in melasma in comparison to Jessner's solution chemical peels. Dermatol Surg 2006;32(12):1429-36. View abstract.

Siskin SB, Quinlan PJ, Finkelstein MS, Marlucci M, Maglietta TG, Gibson JR. The effects of ammonium lactate 12% lotion versus no therapy in the treatment of dry skin of the heels. Int J Dermatol 1993;32(12):905-7. View abstract.

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Stiller MJ, Bartolone J, Stern R, et al. Topical 8% glycolic acid and 8% L-lactic acid creams for the treatment of photodamaged skin. A double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical trial. Arch Dermatol 1996;132:631-6. View abstract.

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