Lactic Acid Exfoliators, Lotions, and Treatments for Your Smoothest Skin Yet

Acids are one of the most sought-after skincare ingredients, and for good reason. They offer gentle exfoliation and help combat pesky woes, so they can maximize results with every squeeze, pump, scoop, or drop of product. While there is an entire army of acids out there, one in particular is in high demand for acne-prone skin.

Lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), can work wonders on those who experience breakouts and excess oil on the regular. It rids the skin of blemish-causing bacteria (including dry skin buildup) and generates a smoother, clearer, healthier-looking complexion. And since it sloughs off surface pollutants, the products that come after have a better shot at penetrating the skin for top-notch results.

Lactic acid boasts major anti-aging benefits. Thanks to its ability to blur the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and banish dull skin, using a product enhanced by its seemingly magical benefits can result in younger, more radiant-looking skin too. (Photo via beyond foto/ Getty)

From face scrubs to toners, we’ve got the best lactic acid skincare products ahead.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment ($24): They don’t call this treatment the “Hollywood two-minute facial” for nothing. Lactic acid coupled with fruit enzymes like papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin breathes youth back into the skin and reveals brighter, more radiant skin upon removal.

Doll Face Reveal Exfoliating Enzyme Peel ($24): Lactic and glycolic acid, along with pumpkin enzymes and vitamin C, combine to create plumper, brighter, smoother skin that looks fresh out of a Korean beauty ad.

Josie Maran Argan Milk Intensive Hydrating Body Renewal Serum ($44): Designed to deeply hydrate skin, this creamy body serum not only adds a layer of moisture to the skin's surface but also helps it sink deep into the dermis thanks to a lactic acid-rich formula enhanced with body-buffing pineapple enzymes.

Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub ($37): Gentle exfoliation every few days can make a world of difference. That’s especially true if you have acne-prone or aging skin. This skin-prepping formula features botanical extracts like arnica, cucumber, and aloe to cool, refresh, and prevent overstimulation, while corn cob meal gently sloughs away dullness, excess oil, and rough texture.

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment ($158): This facial elixir combines lactic acid with potent botanicals like lemongrass, licorice, and aloe to help target pesky hyperpigmentation, dull skin, excess oil, dead skin cells, and other aggressors coming between you and that seemingly perfect, passed-down-through-generations skin.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Intensive Peel ($40): Peels are another excellent way to experience the magic of lactic acid, and this one delivers. Chock- full of powerful exfoliating ingredients, plus clay and active charcoal for deep cleansing, the at-home facial peel helps bring the skin’s natural pH balance back to earth all while lifting away dead skin cells and fortifying the complexion for glowing results.

DERMADoctor Ain’t Misbehavin’ Healthy Toner with Glycolic & Lactic Acid ($39): Is your skin on its worst behavior? Keep it in check with this lactic acid facial toner that cuts through the oil to ensure your skin is impurity-free before moving onto the next step in your routine.

Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser ($39): When it comes to anti-aging, consider AHAs your BFFs. Add BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) into the mix and you have yourself a full-blown facial party. In this dual-action cleanser, both acids work in tandem with jojoba skin-polishing beads to target the visible signs of aging while helping to prevent breakouts.

Ole Henriksen Glow Cycle Retin-ALT Power Serum ($58): This serum combines the ingredient’s potent anti-aging properties with retinol for a youth-enhancing elixir the complexion will love. It also promotes healthier elasticity, skin tone, and texture.

Omorovicza Acid Fix AHA BHA Treatment ($115): Need a quick fix (pun intended!)? Reach for this multipurpose facial treatment. Inside the small but mighty bottle you'll find a powerful blend of lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and Australian caviar lime extract for a potent acne-fighting and anti-aging formula.

REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask ($56): In desperate need of a facial but don’t have the time? This acid-enhanced face mask contains a mix of fruit acids, which means the skin treatment can help get rid of oil slicks and dead skin buildup, as well as promote collagen production, a smoother texture, and a more youthful-looking glow.