The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA review
When I first shared my experience with The Ordinary Skincare, I mentioned that I was still testing the Lactic Acid 5% + HA, and didn't have an actual opinion formed about it just yet.
The truth is that I was a bit nervous about using this product, and I was delaying it because of that. Acids can be intimidating (and damaging) if you don’t have much experience with them or use them improperly, and as I was somewhat of a newbie, I found them a little scary. I still consider myself fairly inexperienced, but I can say that I know more about acids now than a year before.
I’m sure you heard of AHAs and BHAs when talking about skincare acids and might know that AHAs stand for Alpha Hydroxy Acids and BHAs stand for Beta Hydroxy Acids. To understand which ones are more suitable for your skin, you must know that, simply put, AHAs work at the surface of your skin by removing the dead skin cells among providing other benefits, while BHAs work deeper by going into your skin pores removing dirt, etc., and unclogging them.
While there are many acids used in skincare these days, the most common ones that you have most likely heard about are Glycolic Acid - an AHA used for exfoliation and reducing pigmentation, and Salicylic Acid, which is a BHA and commonly used for acne-related skin issues. It’s important to know that acids are all somewhat different and, of course, work differently.
The general rule is that acids should not be used at the same time, exception being Hyaluronic Acid, which, really, is not an acid but a substance present in our skin and bodies that helps moisturize, and diminishes as we age.
So now that hopefully, we have a better understanding of acids, let’s talk about the Lactic Acid 5% + HA. I mentioned that I’ve been avoiding it, as it was my first time trying a “stronger” acid, and apart from irritation, I was nervous that my skin would peel after, and no one really wants that. Oh, how wrong was I!
Patch test
First and foremost, I will say that this product should be used at night and stress that you need to wear sunscreen after using it, as it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, hence possibly causing sunburns. Especially if your skin is sensitive, perform a patch test prior to use to avoid skin reactions. Also, never apply on compromised, peeling, or broken skin! Note that if you are experiencing an excessive feeling of burning, redness, irritation, and itchiness, the product is too strong for you and you shoulnd’t use it.
Description
A mild lactic acid superficial peeling formulation, this product offers mild exfoliation and contains Tasmanian pepperberry that helps alleviate inflammation, sensitivity, and irritation that usually occur with acid exfoliation.
Consistency
The consistency of this product is the one of a serum, a bit sticky but not oily, and absorbs easily into your skin only minutes after applying it.
Applying it
I apply this acid to freshly cleaned skin, tapping gently. After allowing for a minute to absorb, I follow with this moisturizer, lathering it all over my face and let it absorb into the skin.
The result
I have had no bad reactions to this product other than some tingling at the time of application (which is normal with acids), even after consistent use. And I have loved the results I’ve seen so far.
I use this acid several times a week, exactly as mentioned above, and I always wake up with baby-smooth and glowing skin. While I haven’t seen a huge improvement with my hyperpigmentation, it sure helped with my fine lines and skin texture overall. And no, I have not experienced any skin peeling, redness, or irritation (note that my skin is NOT sensitive).
I just finished this product a few days ago (hence the photo above), and I will be ordering it again when I’m done with what I’m currently using. As I mentioned in this post, I avoid opening too many products at once, unless I know I will be using them consistently.
Overall, I definitely recommend this product as an introduction to acid exfoliation, as it’s a milder one compared to others on the market, and at least in my case, caused no skin reactions while delivering results.
Have you ever tried this product?
Until next time.
xoxo,
Em
