Lactic acid
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used in skin care to exfoliate and hydrate; in foods it is the acidity regulator E270.
- Used in
- Cosmetic ingredient (INCI)
- Role
- Active
- Database entry
- Glycolic acid (AHA)
- E-number
- E270
In the IngrediLens database, lactic acid is one of the names listed under Glycolic acid (AHA), so the app gives it the same allergen and diet flags.
Contains / relevant to
- Acids & retinoids: Relevant to people avoiding acids & retinoids. AHA, BHA and retinoid actives.
- Rosacea: Ingredients frequently reported as triggering flushing or stinging.
- Eczema / atopic dermatitis: Ingredients frequently reported as irritating to a compromised barrier.
- Psoriasis: Ingredients frequently reported as stinging on plaques.
- Sensitive: Ingredients with a higher reported sting rate.
- Dry: Ingredients that can add to a stripped feeling.
What to look for on labels
- In the EU it can also appear as E270.
- Cosmetic ingredient lists use INCI names, in descending order of concentration down to 1 %; ingredients below 1 % can follow in any order.
Related
- Glycolic acid (AHA)Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used for surface exfoliation.
- Mandelic acidMandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used for gentle exfoliation.
- UreaUrea is a humectant used in creams for dry and rough skin; cosmetic urea is made synthetically.
- E270: Lactic acidE-number page: what the additive does and what to watch for.
- How to read cosmetic INCI lists for sensitive skinGuide
- E-numbers explained: what food label codes meanGuide
Sources
pH and concentration limits apply to AHAs in EU cosmetics.
- EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III (restricted substances)
- IngrediLens ingredient database (names, flags and notes shown on this page)
Label information, not medical advice. This page describes how an ingredient is named and labelled and how IngrediLens flags it; it cannot tell you whether a product is safe for you. Always read the label on the product itself and follow the advice of your doctor, allergist or dermatologist. If someone shows signs of anaphylaxis, use their adrenaline auto-injector if they have one and call emergency services.
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