Lactic acid has been used in beauty for centuries. Cleopatra reportedly bathed in sour milk, which is naturally rich in it, for its skin-smoothing effects. It’s an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from milk and fermented fruits that loosens the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, making them easier to remove, revealing the brighter, smoother skin beneath.
Lactic acid also helps attract and hold moisture, which is part of why it tends to feel gentler and less drying than other acids. This is especially relevant for mature skin, which naturally produces less oil and loses moisture more quickly than younger skin. For women over 50, that dual action—exfoliating and hydrating at the same time—is particularly useful.
Aging skin benefits from exfoliation but doesn’t always tolerate aggressive formulas well. Lactic acid’s larger molecular size means it works more gradually than glycolic acid, making it a strong starting point for anyone who’s found chemical exfoliation irritating in the past.
To find out which products are worth trying—and how to use them correctly—we spoke with Melanie Palm, MD, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD in San Diego, for the best lactic acid serums for mature skin (including one cult-favorite).
Related: 25 Best Facial Exfoliators for Mature Skin, According to Celebrity Estheticians
What Is Lactic Acid and How Does It Work on the Skin?
“Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, or AHA, that helps loosen the bonds between old, dull skin cells on the surface so they can shed more easily,” Palm tells Parade. “This process encourages brighter, smoother and more even-toned skin.”
What sets lactic acid apart from other AHAs is its humectant properties. “In addition to exfoliation, you’re also potentially getting a less stripped, tight feeling people sometimes associate with actives,” she explains.
It doesn’t just remove dead skin, it also helps the skin hold onto moisture, which is particularly valuable for mature skin that tends toward dryness.
Why lactic acid is different from other exfoliating acids
For women who have tried glycolic acid and found it too harsh, lactic acid is often the better fit.
Lactic acid doesn’t penetrate the skin as quickly or as aggressively as glycolic acid, Palm says, explaining, “This is why I consider lactic acid to be the gentler of the two. It’s a great option for those who are new to chemical exfoliation or have a mild sensitivity to more potent actives.”
However, Palm adds that other factors matter just as much as the acid type, sharing, “The overall formula, concentration, pH, etc.” all play a role in how a product performs on the skin.
How to add a lactic acid serum to your skincare routine
Palm recommends introducing any new acid gradually—once or twice a week to begin—and increasing frequency only if the skin remains calm and comfortable. Apply it to clean skin before moisturizer, and always follow with SPF in the morning.
Benefits of Lactic Acid for Mature Skin
“The most immediate benefits are smoother texture and brighter skin,” Palm tells Parade. “With consistent use, lactic acid can also help improve the appearance of dullness, mild discoloration, fine lines and rough patches. Regular use may also help keep pores from becoming congested by reducing the buildup of dead surface cells.”But it’s not the first choice for acne. “I wouldn’t consider lactic acid as a primary acne treatment, especially for cystic or inflammatory acne, but it can be helpful with superficial congestion and uneven texture,” she explains.
Related: 16 Best Retinols for Mature Skin, According to Dermatologists
3 Best Lactic Acid Serums for Mature Skin
Starting with the cult-favorite, here are three lactic acid serums the dermatologist recommends.
1. The Cult-Favorite: Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment, $122
Sephora
Shop It at SephoraFor Palm, Good Genes is a go-to recommendation for anyone over 50 dealing with dullness, uneven texture and discoloration.
And the product has earned its reputation. It carries a 4.6-star rating from thousands of verified reviewers, is a consistent Sephora best seller and has attracted a devoted following that includes Drew Barrymore, who has said she uses it up to twice a week at night.
To try it, “I would introduce it gradually, perhaps one to two times a week,” Palm says, the same careful approach she gives for any new active.
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If Good Genes’ price point feels like a stretch, or if you’re new to chemical exfoliation and want to ease in more gently, Palm has two additional recommendations.
2. Shani Darden Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum, $75
Sephora
Shop It at Sephora“This may be a good introductory option for someone who wants a gentler, more controlled approach to exfoliation,” Palm says. “Begin slowly and increase use only if the skin remains calm and comfortable.”
3. Revision Skincare Radiance+ Resurfacing Serum, $98
Dermstore
Shop It at DermstoreFor anyone dealing with multiple concerns at once, Palm describes this as “a sophisticated overnight resurfacing serum that combines AHAs, BHA and PHA. It can be a good option for someone looking to address dullness, uneven texture and congestion with a more comprehensive acid blend.” She advises avoiding it on the same night as a retinoid or another exfoliant.
Who Should Use Lactic Acid, and Who Should Avoid It?
“Those with dry, dull or mildly uneven skin can benefit from incorporating lactic acid into their skincare routine,” Palm tells Parade. “It can also be a reasonable entry point for someone who has never used an exfoliating acid before.”People with a compromised skin barrier should avoid it, though. “A compromised skin barrier can look like skin that is actively peeling, sunburned, or irritated/inflamed,” Palm explains. “If you’re experiencing an eczema or rosacea flare, I would also stay away from lactic acid and other exfoliating acids, which can further compromise your skin barrier.” She also advises avoiding lactic acid immediately after in-office procedures like peels, laser treatments or microneedling.Related: 11 Best Hyaluronic Acid Serums To Plump and Hydrate Your Skin, Tested by Dermatologists
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about lactic acid.
What percentage of lactic acid is actually effective?
“For an at-home product, concentrations around 5% can provide gentle exfoliation, while products in the 8-10% range may produce a more noticeable effect,” Palm says. “Higher concentrations don’t always mean a better product.”The formula matters just as much as the percentage. “A lower concentration that you can use consistently without inflammation is often much more beneficial than a very strong product that leaves your skin irritated, dry and flaky,” she adds.Related: The One Body Shimmer Makeup Artists Swear by for Mature Skin
What ingredients pair well with lactic acid?
“Hydrating and barrier-supportive ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and squalane pair well with lactic acid,” Palm tells Parade. “Niacinamide can also be a helpful companion, especially for patients focused on hydration and uneven tone.”But use caution when “using lactic acid in the same routine as retinoids, other AHAs, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or exfoliating scrubs. Layering several potentially irritating actives at once can overwhelm the skin, so I often recommend alternative nights as a more tolerable approach.”
Does lactic acid make skin more sensitive to the sun?
Yes—so SPF is even more important than usual. “Like other AHAs and chemical exfoliants, lactic acid can temporarily increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV exposure and make it easier to burn,” Palm explains.
“This is why I typically recommend it as part of a nighttime skincare routine,” she adds. “Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is essential, along with hats, shade and other sun-protective measures.”
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Source:
Melanie Palm, MD, MBA, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, Art of Skin MD (artofskinmd.com)Hence then, the article about this cult favorite lactic acid serum gets a dermatologist s seal of approval for dull uneven skin after 50 was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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