Exfoliation is a must to maintain skin health and promote collagen and elastin synthesis. Hence, dermatologists recommend including one of the best lactic acid serums in your skincare regime to treat early signs of dullness and pigmentation. 

Our in-house skincare experts devoted their time and came up with a few products that might work wonders for our beautiful readers! These lactic acid serums are currently raging in the industry because of their ability to brighten up the skin while promoting a youthful appearance with time. As earlier mentioned, lactic acid is a great component that buffs away the dead cells and reveals firmer and more radiant skin.

On the other hand, although lactic acid serums and exfoliators may be viewed as synonymous terms, there is a slight difference between the two! While lactic acid exfoliators focus on eradicating layers of dead cells from the skin, lactic acid serums cater to a broader range of skin concerns like dullness, hyperpigmentation, etc.

We understand it might seem like a daunting task for people to identify and understand what works best for their skin type, but fret not, our in-house skincare experts are here to help you with it! Scroll away to explore our top recommendations for the best lactic acid serums.

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  Editor’s Pick

  artnaturals Lactic Acid Serum for Face

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Reveal a more radiant version of yourself with the artnaturals lactic acid serum. Our in-house skincare experts believe it is one of the best lactic acid serums available in the market because after trying this product they realized that it efficiently loosens the bonds of dead skin cells and helps to eradicate visible signs of dullness and pigmentation. Moreover, this lactic acid product helps to enhance the skin’s natural elasticity and provides the skin with a hydrated appearance. Lastly, it evens out skin texture and doesn’t cause any stinging or itching sensation. 

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Best Overall

The Ordinary Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum

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The brand Ordinary has within a very limited period made a place for itself among skincare enthusiasts! And our in-house experts believe one of the reasons for the brand's “claim to fame” is this lactic acid serum. To note, the product has a unique skin-benefitting amalgamation of 10% lactic acid and pepper berry that helps to reduce signs of visible redness. Furthermore, it helps to get rid of skin texture irregularities like bumps, scars, and blind zits. Lastly, it has a gentle water-based formulation that gets easily absorbed into your skin, much faster than average serums.

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Best for Enhancing Complexion

BIOSSANCE Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum

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After using this product, you will wish to look and admire yourself in the mirror repeatedly. This lactic acid serum not only helps to treat visible signs of pigmentation and fade away stubborn freckles but also brings out the natural radiance of the skin without making it look too oily or shiny. Furthermore, it helps to increase skin cell turnover resulting in a youthful appearance. Lastly, the product comes without paraben, fragrances, or PEG to offer only the best to your skin. You will be glad to know that the product is cruelty-free and vegan-friendly as well!

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Best to Prevent Premature Aging

Paula's Choice AHA Serum, Lactic, Glycolic & Malic Acids

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The serum from Paula's Choice has been a favorite among people with mature skin! Not only that, but it also works like magic on younger people dealing with early signs of aging, sun spots, etc. It has a unique, non-abrasive formulation that seamlessly decongests clogged pores and helps minimize the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles, and crow’s feet. Moreover, it has a potently hydrating peptide ceramide blend that helps to restore the skin’s moisture levels for a brighter look. Lastly, it helps to reduce sun damage and also fade visible discoloration, making it suitable for people with melasma.

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Best for Enhancing Luminosity

StriVectin Lactic Acid Nightly Retexturizing Serum

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The StriVectin lactic acid serum is a great product for regular exfoliation which takes the upper hand at ensuring better absorption of the potent ingredients in your favorite skincare products. The product is formulated with active ingredients like blue cypress oil and nano peptide that help to improve skin texture and boost luminosity. Furthermore, it promotes even-toned skin that looks youthful and visibly brighter. Lastly, it prevents further deterioration of the skin cells by strengthening its natural defense barrier and amplifying hydration levels.

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Best Non-inflammatory Option

LightenUp Intense Lightening Lactic Acid Serum

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Another lactic acid serum that is suitable to use all over the body and is gentle on sensitive skin is the LightenUp lactic acid serum. The product helps to tighten saggy skin by improving water concentration in the skin cells and provides a brighter radiant complexion. Furthermore, it helps to treat photo-induced discoloration and improves the skin’s defense barrier thereby making the skin immune to further degradation. Lastly, it is a great pick for hyperpigmented skin as it helps to treat signs of redness, reduce zit size, minimize breakouts, and address early signs of aging without causing any allergic reactions. 

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Best for Redness-prone Skin

Cos De BAHA Lactic Acid 12.5% Face Peel Serum

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For people who are lactose intolerant, the Cos De BAHA Lactic Acid Serum is a blessing in disguise. That is because the product is derived from alternative sources like fermented corn starch and beetroot. Addedly, the product contains aloe vera extracts that help to treat inflammation and prevent water loss from the skin cells. The product also helps to boost collagen and elastin synthesis and overall skin laxity. Lastly, it helps to diminish the appearance of wrinkles, smoothen visible scars, and soften the skin, allowing you to flaunt your bare face without hesitating.

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Best for Acne-prone Skin

DRMTLGY Lactic Acid Refining Serum

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Be it blackheads, blind pimples, or emerging zits, the DRMTLGY Lactic Acid Refining Serum is a one-stop solution for all textured skin-related problems. The product helps to inhibit open pores and thus indirectly regulate the production of excess sebum. Moreover, it helps to seamlessly exfoliate the dead cells, resulting in a brighter complexion after each use. Lastly, for people with sensitive skin, our in-house skincare experts recommend using it for merely 15 minutes rather than a leave-on application.

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Best for Sensitive Skin

MELAO Face Lactic Acid Serum

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Striking the perfect balance between the water and oil content of the skin cells becomes easier with the Melao Lactic Acid Face Serum. Our in-house skincare experts believe it is an ideal choice for sensitive skin because it helps to treat redness and prevent skin agitation. It is also devoid of artificial colors and fragrances. Moreover, it is a great choice for flaky skin as it helps to prevent water and moisture loss due to excessive exposure to environmental stressors. Lastly, it has a gentle, non-oily texture which makes it compatible for layering and makeup applications.

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Most Cost-effective

ROLANYIN Lactic Acid 5% + HA Exfoliator Serum

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The need for a face spa will feel unnecessary after including the Rolanyin lactic acid serum into your skincare regime. It’s because the product not only hydrates the skin but also provides a youthful appearance. Moreover, it helps to unleash a brighter complexion by buffing away the extrinsic layer of dead cells. Lastly, it helps to promote cell turnover and boost your skin’s natural elasticity thereby preventing all signs of aging — wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet, etc.

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hyalogic Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum

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The Hyalogic Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum is an avid choice for people who do not wish to overwhelm their skin with multiple products. The product is a single pick for exfoliation and hydration and helps combat signs of aging like photo pigmentation, rough texture, and clogged pores. Moreover, it helps to keep the moisture within the epidermal layers of the skin cells intact and prevents flaking and cracking. Furthermore, it is one of the best chemical exfoliants to witness overnight results as it buffs away dead cells and boosts the skin’s natural luminosity.

Now that you have seen our product recommendations for the best lactic acid serums, glance through our buying guide to make an informed purchasing decision.

Here are a few factors to consider when buying the best lactic acid serum - 

Percentage of Lactic Acid: The ideal percentage of lactic acid in a serum, moisturizer, or face cream should be ideally 5 to 10 percent. A higher percentage would lead to skin irritation, bumps, and even scaling. It can also make the skin susceptible to photodamage and stress caused due to external aggressors. 

Formula: The formula of the lactic acid serum should be lightweight which allows your skin to soak the product better. A lightweight formula not only ensures better breathability for the skin but also makes the product layer-able. Furthermore, it is a safe choice during complex makeup routines.

Skin Type: The skin type of an individual needs to be taken into consideration while getting your hands on a lactic acid serum. While dry-skin people will need a higher percentage of lactic acid — around 7 to 10%, oily-skin people might consider buying a serum with 5% lactic acid to keep bacteria and fungal infections at bay!

Packaging: As lactic acid contains bacteria that break down sugar and release the necessary nutrients, the product must be packaged using photo-resistant materials to ensure its longevity. Moreover, it has to be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent further oxidation. 

The benefits of including a lactic acid serum in your regime are many, however, let us discuss the common reasons why it is a dermatologist’s favorite for treating multiple skincare concerns.

Here are the benefits of using lactic acid serums - 

Mild Exfoliator: Lactic acid offers non-stingy mild exfoliating properties that help to decongest clogged pores and also seamlessly break the bonds of dead cells thereby reviving and revitalizing the skin texture of an individual. 

Hydration Boosting Super Power: Lactic acid is one such hydroxy acid that helps to keep the moisture content within the skin cells intact and prevents skin sagging and wrinkling thereby providing a youthful appearance. 

Anti-aging Properties: Because of their potent moisture-retaining properties, lactic acid serums are recommended by doctors for minimizing dark circles, crow’s feet, and age spots. Moreover, they work great for thickened skin as they cut through the layer of dead cells and unleash a brighter complexion. 

For those who are mesmerized by our recommendations of the best lactic serums, here are a few steps on how to apply it the right way to derive maximum results.

Here is how you can effectively apply lactic acid serum - 

1. Cleanse your face with a face wash that suits your skin type. 

2. Take a few drops of the serum and massage it in circular motions all over the face and neck. 

3. Wait for a few minutes for the serum to be absorbed into your skin.

4. Top it up with a moisturizer of your choice. If you are using it during the day, it’s recommended to also apply sunscreen.