Sali Hughes says lactic acid is her preferred alpha hydroxy acid

Sali Hughes writes that lactic acid is her first choice of alpha hydroxy acid, offering benefits she finds valuable across skin types. She says lactic acid exfoliates without stripping or stinging because its larger molecule size makes it well tolerated by sensitive skin, can stimulate collagen and ceramide production to firm and protect mature skin, has antibacterial properties for problematic skin, binds with water to keep skin hydrated, imparts a glow and deflakes rough areas.

Hughes notes lactic has long been overshadowed by the more hyped glycolic acid. Hughes highlights several products containing lactic acid: Beauty Pie’s Youthbomb Extreme Retinal Triple Renewal Serum (£49 to members), which also contains niacinamide, two retinoids, hyaluronic acid and ceramides and which she says smoothed her skin; Clinique’s Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum (£44), combining glycerin, vitamin C and lactic acid; Byoma’s Brightening Serum (£12.99) for oilier types; and Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic + 2% Lactic Acid (£14) as a gentle liquid exfoliant, which she suggests sprinkling into the palms or sweeping over skin with a cotton disc.

She also flags First Aid Beauty’s KP Smoothing and Brightening Body Lotion (£30), containing a noted 10% lactic acid, and says people should generally aim for 5–10% for body use. Hughes adds that consumer lactic acid products are safe during pregnancy but retinoids are not, so she advises skipping retinoid-containing products if expecting.

Key Topics

Culture, Sali Hughes, Lactic Acid, Beauty Pie, Clinique, Paula's Choice