Ordinary Lactic 10% too harsh. Is there something more gentle?

[pirouette84]

Ordinary Lactic 10% too harsh. Is there something more gentle? My skin can tolerate retinol but not acids. Should I even use acids? Skin: dry/combo age:35 no skin problems

[EsinaJ]

Hi @pirouette84. If you find lactic too strong, mandelic or a PHA might be worth a try. Mandelic is a larger molecule so won't penetrate as deeply. Lactic's molecule is larger than glycolic's, so glycolic may not be the best direction to steer in. PCA Skin may have some PHA products. And you could also give  The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA 1 oz/ 30 mL  or GLOW RECIPE - Avocado Melt Sleeping Mask(PHA) a go.

[greeneyedgirl107]

@pirouette84 I use acids and retinol, but not at the same time.  Paula's Choice has a 5% AHA you may like.  You can also search beautypedia's "best of" list for AHA and find one with a concentration you'd prefer.  Ease into it.  Good luck 🙂

[trojanchick99]

The Ordinary's Lactic Acid is great, but it doesn't have any soothing ingredients. That's why people love products like Good Genes and TLC Night Serum, since they have ingredients that can soothe skin after an acid. Maybe try a sample of one of those to see if you skin can tolerate. 

[civ2ru]

@makeitup305 @pirouette84 Unless I am mistaken, Glycolic acid is actually more potent than Lactic, no? Perhaps fruit enzymes would be a better option? “Enzymes are fruit-derived and are absent of acids or grains. This means they can offer a gentler, no-sting, no scrub exfoliating action for sensitive skin types. Pineapple, pumpkin, pomegranate, and papaya are the most common fruit enzymes used in skin care products.”

[makeitup305]

@civ2ru yes, glycolic acid is I think stronger but in this case it's 5% instead of the 10% lactic. I've used it before when I first started with acids and it didn't aggravate my skin, it's got some soothing ingredients as well. Fruit acids are nice too and a milder option. 

[athewinn]

Makeitup305 gives good advice; also, you’re right that you may not be able to tolerate acids - my mother can’t. Remember that even your washcloth is an exfoliant, so it’s ok if acids just aren’t for you.

[makeitup305]

I'm no expert but make sure you're not using acids and retinol together. You can alternate days or use the acids once or twice a week. Do you use retinol every night? A more gentle exfoliant could be the Pixi Glow Tonic which is 5% glycolic acid.