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Make space in your skincare cabinet for these super gentle exfoliants.

Looking for smoother skin? Give lactic acid- infused products a shot

Make space in your skincare cabinet for these super gentle exfoliants 

The idea of softer, smoother and brighter skin is almost always romanticised but we know it isn’t that is easily attainable, given how much we’re exposed to environmental aggressors. Dirt and grime gets settled in the pores, resulting in congested skin, making it the perfect breeding ground for blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and long-standing acne. The solution? Exfoliation—rather, chemical exfoliation. While it is touted as one of the most efficacious at-home ways to maintain the skin’s health, including that of pores, chemical exfoliation can be a slippery slope. Going overboard or using a chemical exfoliant inappropriately can spawn into serious skin mishaps such as redness, burns, irritation, breakouts and bumps.If you’re a rookie to the chemical exfoliation game, lactic acid is a good place to start with, for the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) helps accelerate skin cell renewal, without the potential risks of potent chemical actives like salicylic acid and glycolic acid. 

“Lactic acid is an organic acid that is formed naturally when certain foods or bacteria go through fermentation. Most commercially used lactic acid is fermented from carbohydrates, such as cornstarch, potatoes or molasses. In skincare, lactic acid is used for its exfoliating and hydrating properties,” shares Dr Manasi Shirolikar, a dermatologist and founder of drmanasiskin.com. “Lactic acid works by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting their shedding. This process reveals smoother, brighter and more youthful-looking skin. Unlike some other AHAs, lactic acid has the unique ability to attract and retain water in the skin, enhancing hydration. This makes it suitable for individuals with dehydrated skin.” Explaining why lactic acid is well-tolerated by all skin types, she says, “Lactic acid is a larger molecule than other AHAs like glycolic acid. This does not penetrate as deep, making it suitable for individuals with sensitive skin. It provides the benefits of exfoliation without excessive irritation.”

If you’re convinced about the ingredient and wish to add a lactic acid infusion to your skincare routine, here’s a list of products that are worth the investment.

Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment, Sunday RileyA staple in the vanities of Drew Barrymore and Oprah Winfrey, this milky-textured serum is a cult-favourite among the beauty community. It comprises purified-grade lactic acid along with licorice, aloe vera, lemongrass, prickly pear extract and agave leaf extract to soothe, nourish and repair the skin.Available at Nnnow.sephora.comPriced at ₹ 8,300

Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment, Sunday Riley

A staple in the vanities of Drew Barrymore and Oprah Winfrey, this milky-textured serum is a cult-favourite among the beauty community. It comprises purified-grade lactic acid along with licorice, aloe vera, lemongrass, prickly pear extract and agave leaf extract to soothe, nourish and repair the skin.

Available at Nnnow.sephora.com

Priced at ₹ 8,300

Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum, Farmacy We’d describe this milky white serum from Farmacy as ‘lactic acid, but make it boujee’, given that it combines the AHA with BHA (beta hydroxy acid), hyaluronic acid, honey, glycolic acid, turmeric root extract, meadowfoam seed oil and much more. The potent blend, however, comes with a higher price tag. Owing to the all-encompassing blend of ingredients, the serum effectively reduces fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, congestion and dead skin.Available at Nykaa.com, Tirabeauty.com & Myntra.comPriced at ₹ 5,950

Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum, Farmacy 

We’d describe this milky white serum from Farmacy as ‘lactic acid, but make it boujee’, given that it combines the AHA with BHA (beta hydroxy acid), hyaluronic acid, honey, glycolic acid, turmeric root extract, meadowfoam seed oil and much more. The potent blend, however, comes with a higher price tag. Owing to the all-encompassing blend of ingredients, the serum effectively reduces fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, congestion and dead skin.

Available at Nykaa.com, Tirabeauty.com & Myntra.com

Priced at ₹ 5,950

Lactic Acid 10% + HA, The Ordinary If you’re looking for a no-frills serum championing lactic acid to familiarise your skin with the ingredient, you can cop this one from The Ordinary. With 10 per cent of the AHA, which, according to Shirolikar, “offers a balance between effectiveness and tolerability,” the lightweight serum makes for the perfect addition to your nighttime skincare routine, so that you can wake up to fresher- and smoother-looking skin.Available at Nykaa.comPriced at ₹ 750

Lactic Acid 10% + HA, The Ordinary 

If you’re looking for a no-frills serum championing lactic acid to familiarise your skin with the ingredient, you can cop this one from The Ordinary. With 10 per cent of the AHA, which, according to Shirolikar, “offers a balance between effectiveness and tolerability,” the lightweight serum makes for the perfect addition to your nighttime skincare routine, so that you can wake up to fresher- and smoother-looking skin.

Available at Nykaa.com

Priced at ₹ 750

Air Brush Facial, FormulaRxThis creamy leave-on treatment is easy on the skin and on the pocket as well. With 10 per cent lactic acid, the product, as the name suggests, replicates the effects of a facial by smoothing out texture, refining your pores and alleviating signs of dullness, roughness and dryness over regular use. It’s recommended to use this 2-3 times a week, at intervals, for best results sans any irritation or sensitivity. Available at formularx.comPriced at ₹849

Air Brush Facial, FormulaRx

This creamy leave-on treatment is easy on the skin and on the pocket as well. With 10 per cent lactic acid, the product, as the name suggests, replicates the effects of a facial by smoothing out texture, refining your pores and alleviating signs of dullness, roughness and dryness over regular use. It’s recommended to use this 2-3 times a week, at intervals, for best results sans any irritation or sensitivity. 

Available at formularx.com

Priced at ₹849

25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliating Peel, Paula’s ChoiceThis lilac-tinged treatment is perfect if you’re expecting your lactic acid buy to do some serious exfoliation. It’s pumped with a higher concentration of lactic acid, along with BHA. The award-winning rinse-off formula features a potent blend of AHAs—8.4 per cent glycolic acid, 7.1 per cent lactic acid, 5 per cent mandelic acid, 2.5 per cent malic acid and 2 per cent tartaric acid, making it potent enough to offer multi-layer exfoliation.Available at Paulaschoice.inPriced at ₹3,950

25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliating Peel, Paula’s Choice

This lilac-tinged treatment is perfect if you’re expecting your lactic acid buy to do some serious exfoliation. It’s pumped with a higher concentration of lactic acid, along with BHA. The award-winning rinse-off formula features a potent blend of AHAs—8.4 per cent glycolic acid, 7.1 per cent lactic acid, 5 per cent mandelic acid, 2.5 per cent malic acid and 2 per cent tartaric acid, making it potent enough to offer multi-layer exfoliation.

Available at Paulaschoice.in

Priced at ₹3,950

T.L.C Sukari BabyFacial, Drunk ElephantThis product claims to deliver a post-facial-like glow in the nick of time in the comfort of your home. Loved by beauty editors across the world and Kim Kardashian too, its formulation is similar to Paula’s Choice, albeit, it has a salve-like texture and can be left on the skin overnight for extensive exfoliation. Available at Styledotty.comPrices start at ₹3,420

T.L.C Sukari BabyFacial, Drunk Elephant

This product claims to deliver a post-facial-like glow in the nick of time in the comfort of your home. Loved by beauty editors across the world and Kim Kardashian too, its formulation is similar to Paula’s Choice, albeit, it has a salve-like texture and can be left on the skin overnight for extensive exfoliation. 

Available at Styledotty.com

Prices start at ₹3,420

Vitamin C Lactic Oil-Free Radiant Moisturizer, Dr Dennis GrossNot many think about combining lactic acid and vitamin C together, but the duo works extraordinarily to resurface and simultaneously brighten the skin. This one is an apt option if you want a product that works on improving the appearance of your skin. Comprising a complex of ascorbic acid, lactic acid and squalane, the cream helps reverse the texture and pigmentation of your complexion without compromising on hydration. Bonus: it is also enriched with a mix of botanical and fruit oils/extracts.Available at Nnnow.sephora.comPrices start at ₹7,400

Vitamin C Lactic Oil-Free Radiant Moisturizer, Dr Dennis Gross

Not many think about combining lactic acid and vitamin C together, but the duo works extraordinarily to resurface and simultaneously brighten the skin. This one is an apt option if you want a product that works on improving the appearance of your skin. Comprising a complex of ascorbic acid, lactic acid and squalane, the cream helps reverse the texture and pigmentation of your complexion without compromising on hydration. Bonus: it is also enriched with a mix of botanical and fruit oils/extracts.

Available at Nnnow.sephora.com

Prices start at ₹7,400

Also Read: Glycolic acid is the AHA that benefits more than just facial skin

Also Read: The best salicylic acid products to unclog your pores

Also Read: 7 spot treatments that effectively dismiss acne

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