Overview

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.



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.

Side Effects

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 and Warnings

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.

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.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Lactic Acid overview.

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.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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