Evidence supporting the use of: Lactic acid
For the health condition: Acne
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that has been used in dermatology for decades, particularly as a chemical exfoliant. Scientific evidence supports its use in acne management, primarily due to its keratolytic properties—meaning it helps to break down and shed the outer layer of skin, preventing the clogging of pores that can lead to comedones (blackheads and whiteheads). Several clinical studies have evaluated its efficacy: for example, a 2002 randomized controlled trial in the Journal of Dermatology found that topical lactic acid (as part of a 12% solution) improved both comedonal and inflammatory acne lesions, with a reduction in lesion counts and improvement in skin texture compared to baseline. Lactic acid also has mild antibacterial activity and can help reduce Propionibacterium acnes (now Cutibacterium acnes), the bacterium implicated in acne pathogenesis. Additionally, lactic acid is less irritating than some other AHAs, making it suitable for sensitive skin types commonly affected by acne. While lactic acid is not considered a frontline or standalone acne therapy, it is often included in combination products or professional chemical peels. Overall, the scientific evidence is moderate (not as strong as for ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or retinoids), but lactic acid's role as an adjunctive treatment for mild to moderate acne is reasonably well-established in dermatological literature.
Other ingredients used for Acne
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone IAbrus
Ajoene
Allantoin
Allicin
Aloe vera
Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
andrographolide
Anemarrhena
anemarrhena asphodeloides
apple cider vinegar
argan nut oil
ash
Asteraceae
azelaic acid
babchi
banyan
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bassia scoparia
bee products
bee propolis
berberine
Bidens pilosa
black cumin
black seed
blackboard tree
burdock
bасора
Calendula
cannabichromene
cannabigerol
Cannabis sativa oil
carvacrol
caryophyllene
castile soap
Centipeda
chamomile
chinatree
Chinese raisintree
chlorophyllin
chrysanthemum
Clerodendrum indicum
coconut
copaiba oil
cucumber
Curcuma
curcumen
curcumin
Curcuminoid
Dianthus
DIM (diindolylmethane)
Eclipta
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
essential oil blend
estrogen
ethyl linoleate
eugenol
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fatty acids
fulvic acid
gallic acid
garlic bulb
Glabridin
glyceryl monolaurate
Glycolic acid
green tea
heal-all
hemp
hemp oil
henna
herbal blend (proprietary)
Himalaya berry
honey
honeysuckle
Hydrocolloid
Immortelle
Indian fagonia
indigo leaves
Isatis
jojoba oil
Kigelia africana
Kokilaksha
L-cystine
Labdanum
lactic acid
Lactobacillus
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Lactobacillus casei
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lactobacillus reuteri
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Lactoperoxidase
lauric acid
lavender
licorice root
Litsea
Mahonia
mangostin
Marking Nut Tree
melaleuca alternifolia
Melia
Momordica
Monolaurin
Monoterpenes
Morinda
Neem tree
Niacinamide (vitamin B3)
Nigella seed
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
oregon grape
oriental arborvitae
paederia foetida
Pansit-pansitan
pantothenic acid (vitamin B5)
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Peptides
phenolic compounds
phlorotannins
probiotics
Propolis
scrophularia root
seaweed
Self-Heal
Sesquiterpenes
shen-chu
Shikonin
Smoketree
Soapberry
Sophora
Sphaeranthus indicus
Stellaria dichotoma
Tagetes
Tea Tree Oil
Terpenoids
Terpinen-4-ol
thyme
Thymol
Thymoquinone
Tinospora cordifolia
trace minerals
Triterpenes
turmeric
Viola
Violet
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin E
White Tea
Witch Hazel
Wrightia tinctoria
Xanthorrhizol
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by lactic acid
AcneDiarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Infection (bacterial)
Skin (infections)
Wounds and Sores