LACTIC ACID

Lactic acid, also known as lactic acid, acts as a natural moisturizing factor or as alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which gently exfoliates and moisturizes the skin, depending on the concentration used. Lactic acid also stimulates ceramide biosynthesis and improves the skin's barrier function. By stimulating ceramide synthesis, the ceramide content in the skin is increased, which strengthens the skin barrier and improves the structural integrity of the skin.(1-4)

(1) Barel A.O., Paye M., Maibach H.I. (Eds.). (2010). Handbook of Cosmetic Science and Technology (3rd ed.). CRC Press. 

(2) Martinez F., Balciunas E., Salgado J., González J., Converti A., Oliveira R. (2013). Lactic acid properties, applications and production: A review. Trends in Food Science and Technology, 30, 70-83.

(3) Smith W. (1996). Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 35, 3(1), 388-391.

(4) Mijaljica D., Townley JP., Hondros A., Hewson C., Harrison IP., Spada F. (2024). Considering Phytosphingosine-Based Ceramide Formulations for Atopic Skin Care. Dermato, 4(1), 5-22.

(5) Rawlings AV, Davies A, Carlomusto M, Pillai S, Zhang K, Kosturko R, Verdejo P, Feinberg C, Nguyen L, Chandar P. (1996). Effect of lactic acid isomers on keratinocyte ceramide synthesis, stratum corneum lipid levels and stratum corneum barrier function. Arch Dermatol Res, 288(7), 383-390.