How To Use The Ordinary Lactic Acid Australia

Without a doubt, Lactic Acid is one of our favourite chemical exfoliants to use on all skin types.

Out of all the chemical exfoliating ingredients, we rate Lactic Acid highly in Australia due to its large molecule size and its relative gentleness.

In this guide, we’re shining the spotlight on The Ordinary. Specifically, we’re here to explore how to use The Ordinary Lactic Acid in Australia, and cover the before and after results.

The Ordinary offers two products of this nature: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% and The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% - 30ml.

The difference between The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% and The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% - 30ml is the concentration of Lactic Acid in the formula.

‘The 5% concentration is suitable for beginners who have little experience with chemical exfoliation, and can start by introducing a lower concentration into their routine, and moving to a higher concentration if needed,’ explains Prudvi Kaka, Chief Scientific Officer of DECIEM.

‘The 10% concentration is suitable for experienced users of chemical exfoliants who have developed skin tolerance to higher concentrations.’

So, how does The Ordinary Lactic Acid work? Being a chemical exfoliant—more specifically, an alpha-hydroxy acid—Lactic Acid has the ability to loosen the sticky ‘glue’ that holds dead skin cells to the surface of your skin.

That’s why an application of a product with Lactic Acid can reveal a brighter and smoother-looking complexion.

You may wonder, ‘Should I use The Ordinary Lactic Acid for blackheads?’ Kaka explains:

AHAs such as Lactic Acid will help to improve [blackhead] appearance through superficial exfoliation, but beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) are a more suitable choice for this concern.

This is because, while AHAs are water-soluble, BHAs are lipid- (oil-) soluble, which means that they will be able to mix with the skin’s lipids and work both on the surface and inside pores, to help clear congestion.

The most popular BHA in skincare is Salicylic Acid, which we offer in The Ordinary in different formats.

To feel the full benefit of The Ordinary Lactic Acid, you need to select either the 5% + HA2% or 10% + HA, and properly apply it. Fortunately,  knowing how to use The Ordinary Lactic Acid in Australia is pretty straightforward.

Like any new product, we recommend that you patch test first! Start by applying a thin layer to your face after your toner and before your moisturiser in your evening skincare routine. If you have not used lactic acid and niacinamide before, start by incorporating this step into your routine three times a week and go from there.

Both The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% and The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% - 30ml contain mostly Water, Lactic Acid, Glycerine, and Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer. Tasmania Pepperberry, known to reduce skin irritation, is also featured in both formulas.

While we recommend starting with The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% rather than the 10% formula, you can also dilute either product to lower its potency.

A good way to dilute Lactic Acid is to mix it with another serum or moisturiser—one containing hyaluronic acid works well.

When you are looking at how to use The Ordinary lactic acid and hyaluronic acid, be sure not to ‘dilute’ Lactic Acid with something that contains retinol or another acid. You’ll end up with irritation, not exfoliation.

If you’re looking at how to use The Ordinary Lactic Acid and niacinamide together, then we have good news for you: you sure can use the two together to elevate your skincare routine.

Niacinamide has the fantastic ability to address congestion in the skin, making it a top choice for getting rid of little blemishes that appear from time to time.

There’s only one thing to take note of: ‘We do not recommend combining [Lactic Acid] with our 100% Niacinamide Powder, as we do not recommend mixing the powder with formulations with a pH of 5 or lower,’ says Kaka.

Now, if you’re wondering if you can use The Ordinary Lactic Acid and vitamin C together, we have to caution you here.

‘We do not recommend combining direct acids and vitamin C (direct or ethylated) in the same regimen to avoid the potential of developing skin sensitivities,’ warns Kaka.

‘If you wish to incorporate both into your regimen, we suggest [separating] the two products into AM and PM regimens.’

And there you have it! We hope you’ve learned a thing or two after reading this comprehensive guide on how to use The Ordinary Lactic Acid.