Cleansers are a core product everyone needs in their skincare routine. However, with so many of them on the market, how do you know which ones are the best? Well, it all depends on your skin goals, skin types, and the rest of your beauty regimen.
Cleansers can be hydrating, exfoliating, and just about everything in between. Exfoliating cleansers are ideal for aging and acne-prone skin or if you want to create an even complexion. Sometimes they can be used daily or as a treatment.
Exfoliating cleansers can be physical or chemical. For example, physical cleansers have microbeads, and chemical exfoliants mainly use AHAs or BHAs to remove dead skin. AHAs clear the surface, and BHAs go deep into the pores.
One of the mildest chemical exfoliants is lactic acid. Lactic acid is an AHA that is derived from milk or sugary fruit. It gently sloughs off dead skin to increase cell turnover and reduce signs of aging. You can find lactic acid in various cleansers.
What are the best lactic acid cleansers? The best cleansers should contain Lactic Acid as an ingredient. It should complement your skin goals and type. If you are oily, opt for lactic and salicylic acid, or if dry opt for something hydrating.
So if you’ve got your heart set on perfect skin, we’ve got you. Keep reading to see our suggestions for the best lactic acid cleansers available online.
Choosing A Lactic Acid Cleanser
Lactic Acid
First, read the ingredient labels on your products to ensure it contains lactic acid. AHA can also mean it to be glycolic acid or several other AHAs. So, if you want Lactic Acid, double-check this is the AHA your cleanser is formulated with.
Daily Face Wash or Weekly Treatment
Some lactic acid cleansers can be used daily or as a weekly treatment. It’s crucial not to over-exfoliate your skin, so if you plan to use it daily, slowly incorporate it into your routine and monitor how your skin reacts.
Over-exfoliation can lead to a damaged skin barrier, redness, flakiness, dryness, and more. In some cases, it can ignite blemishes or acne. So, if you are new to lactic acid, you can use these cleansers 1-2 times a week in the beginning.
Hydrating
Hydrating lactic acid cleansers are ideal for those with normal, combo, dry, sensitive, and aging skin. These cleansers usually contain nutritional components like Jojoba or Sodium PCA. You don’t want your face wash to over-strip your skin.
Skin-Clearing
If you have oily or acne-prone skin, opt for a cleanser with both AHA and BHA. Lactic acid will clear the skin’s surface to create a canvas for new skin while BHA goes deep into the pores and exfoliates from within.
Both are ideal for blemishes.
Pair With Sunscreen
It doesn’t matter whether you use your lactic acid cleanser in the morning or at night; it’s necessary to wear sunscreen. This will protect the skin so the chemical exfoliants can actually work without causing unnecessary damage to the skin.
Ideally, lactic acid cleansers are best to use at night.
Consult With A Derm
Lastly, always consult with a dermatologist. This is a crucial tip, especially if you are unsure if lactic acid is suitable for your skin’s needs. A dermatologist can analyze your skin and its needs and help customize the ideal routine for you.
Best Lactic Acid Cleansers
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Priori Skincare Gentle Face Cleanser With Lactic Acid | Vitamins A, C, and E, hydrating, cruelty-free |
| 2. | PCA SKIN Gentle Lactic Acid Facial Cleanser | Gentle exfoliation, morning and night |
| 3. | Dermalogica Skin Resurfacing Cleanser | Antioxidants, hydrating, plumping, smoothing |
| 4. | Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser | Promotes smooth and even complexion |
| 5. | CLNS Gentle Clarifying Cleanser | Gentle exfoliant, French grey sea salt |
| 6. | TOULON Gentle Milk Cleanser | Gentle exfoliation, hydrating, vitamins A+D |
| 7. | Glo Skin Beauty Hydra-Bright AHA Cleanser | Sulfate-free, hydrating, brightening |
| 8. | Sanitas Skincare Vitamin C Lactic Cleanser | Prevents signs of aging, vitamin C |
| 9. | Blithe Patting Splash Mask Face Exfoliator | Prevents damage to skin barrier |
1. Priori Skincare Gentle Face Cleanser With Lactic Acid
Priori Skincare describes itself as an adaptive skincare line that puts science-backed information first. These products are usually found in various spas and medical clinics due to their high-grade formulas. But, now, they are more accessible!
If there is one product you should check out, it’s the LCA fx100 Gentle Cleanser. A good facial cleanser is the foundation of a successful skincare routine, so you don’t want to overlook this step! This one from Priori will cleanse and exfoliate the skin.
Lactic acid is an AHA, which is a chemical exfoliant. This ingredient will gently slough away dead skin cells while nourishing the skin. This cleanser won’t leave you feeling stripped, and it will ensure you get a boost of hydration.
You’ll also find that Priori’s Gentle Face Cleanser contains other skin-loving ingredients like vitamins A, C, and E. Priori also states that this cleanser will shield the skin from daily environmental damage and even remove makeup.
This face wash has a rich, creamy, and balmy texture that will be perfect for your first cleanse. Priori created this cleanser to offer a dewy, calm, and hydrating formula that suits all skin types thanks to their anti-irritant complex.
The Gentle Face Cleanser is also easy to incorporate into your routine. Priori recommends dispensing one or two pumps into your palms, adding water, and massaging onto the face.
Or, you can even use it as a five-minute AHA mask in the shower. This product is free of fragrances, colors, and parabens, and Priori is cruelty-free.
2. PCA SKIN Gentle Lactic Acid Facial Cleanser
PCA SKIN is another brand developed by a dermatologist and initially founded by an esthetician. So, two genius skin professionals are behind the brand that promotes innovative products and education. PCA SKIN is a fantastic brand for luxury skincare.
PCA SKIN’S Gentle Lactic Acid Facial Wash is formulated to cleanse away dirt, debris, makeup, and impurities to reveal healthy skin. Like the Priori cleanser, this one will keep the skin hydrated while still offering a light exfoliation to remove dead skin.
This cleanser is formulated with lactic acid to exfoliate the skin’s surface gently. Lactic acid is one of the gentler exfoliants so that it won’t over-strip the skin. You’ll also find a blend of multiple skincare ingredients your skin will love.
For example, PCA SKIN also formulated this face wash with aloe vera leaf juice, allantoin, and salix negra (willow) bark extract. All three of these components will soothe the skin and add a boost of hydration. It’s even suitable for sensitive skin.
Another advantage of the cleanser is that it can be used both morning and night. PCA SKIN states that this cleanser is also ideal for those who want to combat aging or acne. The best part is that your skin won’t feel dry or like sandpaper.
While it may be pricey, it’s worth the investment. You only need a small amount of this face wash to get the job done. PCA SKIN also ensured that this cleanser is pH-balanced so you can avoid irritation or skin mishaps.
Overall, this gentle exfoliating cleanser will keep the skin soothed and reveal a brighter complexion.
3. Dermalogica Skin Resurfacing Cleanser
Dermalogica is a well-known brand among skin professionals and consumers.
They focus on tackling your biggest skincare concerns like acne and aging. Dermalogica has mastered the art of creating facial cleansers and exfoliants.
The Skin Resurfacing Cleanser is ideal for anyone looking to combat signs of aging.
It’s also a cleanser and exfoliant in one product like most of the cleansers on this list. This cleanser has a beautiful blend of exfoliants and antioxidants.
First, you’ll see that this cleanser contains lactic acid. This AHA will promote cell turnover to reveal an even complexion and effortlessly remove dead skin from the surface. It’s an ideal ingredient to combat aging and promote a youthful glow.
Your skin will also be soothed and protected thanks to various antioxidants and rose flower oil that’s also formulated in this cleanser. Together, these ingredients will increase cell turnover and keep the skin plump, hydrated, and soothed.
Dermalogica states this is the ideal product for those who are in a hurry or like to keep things simple. The Skin Resurfacing Cleanser is a two-in-one product that will wash and exfoliate the face. It’s also easy to incorporate into your beauty regimen.
After your Pre-Cleanse step, you can use this cleanser either in the morning or at night. Dermalogica recommends working the product into the skin for at least 30 seconds and following it up with sunscreen if you are using it in the morning.
Dermalogica is a vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and paraben-free brand.
4. Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Murad is an iconic brand that has been around for years.
If you’ve ever gone to a spa or to get a facial, chances are your esthetician is using Murad. Murad is pricey, but you can see its products gracing the shelves of many beauty retailers.
One exciting product from Murad is the AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. This cleanser is also dubbed the Triple Exfoliating Cleanser because it contains salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid that promote smooth skin.
Because this cleanser contains multiple chemical exfoliants, Murad recommends using this cleanser as a treatment two or three times a week rather than a daily cleanser. These active ingredients are potent, so always conduct a patch test.
This blend of BHAs and AHAs will increase cell turnover and promote a smoother and more even skin complexion. They will also combat skin concerns like blemishes, aging, and dull skin. You’ll also find this face wash has jojoba beads.
Jojoba Beads add a manual exfoliating factor to this cleanser, and the beads are biodegradable. Jojoba is a hydrating component that will keep the skin nourished. Together, these ingredients will help reveal a youthful and healthy glow.
Because this cleanser is potent, it’s best to use it at night. All three of these chemical exfoliants will increase your sensitivity to the sun, so always apply sunscreen in the morning so your chemical exfoliants can do their thing! Use it 2-3 times a week.
This cleanser will pair well with other Murad products from their hydration line.
5. CLNS Gentle Clarifying Cleanser
CLNS will help you reduce the appearance of blemishes, whether it’s on your face or body. CLNS understands the frustration of healing acne and has formulated this cleanser with skin-soothing ingredients to repair the skin’s barrier.
What makes this cleanser so unique? It contains decyl glucoside, a surfactant derived from coconut, for starters. This component ensures your skin stays hydrated and nourished while the chemical exfoliants work their magic.
Acne can be challenging to tackle, especially if you have it on your body too. Thankfully, this cleanser is formulated for the face and body. It will offer gentle exfoliation to reduce the appearance of impurities and promote clear skin.
You’ll find that this cleanser has 2% lactic acid and 2% French grey sea salt. Together they will slough away dead skin cells, leaving the skin hydrated, and even make way for an even complexion.
This is a lower pH cleanser to reduce pathogenic bacteria from forming. CLNS also infused this cleanser with ceramides that will help strengthen your skin barrier and block out irritants that can potentially worsen your blemishes.
CLNS states to always perform a patch test before using this product because it contains a high percentage of active ingredients. Other than that, this product is easy to use. All you need to do is apply the product to wet skin and cleanse away!
You can do it twice daily or at night to remove all the impurities from your day.
6. TOULON Gentle Milk Cleanser
Who says chemical exfoliants are only for acne-prone or aging skin?
However, even dry and sensitive skin types can benefit from lactic acid, and TOULON is here to show you how. They’ve created a gentle, milky cleanser to exfoliate and hydrate the skin.
TOULON’S Gentle Milk Cleanser will reduce the appearance of pores, fight free radicals, and leave the skin feeling supple. It’s packed with various skin-loving ingredients to ensure your skin is protected, healthy, and hydrated.
You will find that this cleanser is formulated with vitamins A & D and aloe vera. Together, these ingredients will reduce texture appearance, including fine lines, wrinkles, and pores. Instead, you’ll reveal dewy, plump, and moisturized skin.
TOULON also took it one step further and even created goof-proof packaging. This is ideal if you wash your face in the shower and want a simple way to dispense your products. The squeeze tube will ensure you get every drop out.
While it’s formulated for all skin types, this cleanser works exceptionally well for dry and sensitive skin. Lactic Acid provides gentle exfoliation while aloe and vitamins A and D offer protection and moisture. So it’s time to say goodbye to dull and dry skin!
This cleanser is best used at night and should always be followed up with sunscreen in the morning. AHAs can increase your sensitivity to the sun, and it can cause even more irritation if your face isn’t shielded from UV Rays.
TOULON’s Gentle Milk Cleanser is ideal for dry and sensitive skin types looking to achieve a brighter and hydrated complexion. It will even help combat various signs of aging. This product is cruelty-free and fragrance-free.
7. Glo Skin Beauty Hydra-Bright AHA Cleanser
Glo Skin Beauty understands that skincare and makeup go hand in hand, which is why they formulated professional-grade skincare products and mineral makeup. Finally, there are beauty products available that won’t irritate your skin.
One product everyone should try is the Hydra-Bright AHA Cleanser.
This is a gel cleanser that foams up when it comes into contact with water, and it’s sulfate-free. It will effortlessly remove makeup, dead skin, and debris from your face.
Glo Skin Beauty formulated this cleanser with vegan lactic acid to improve your skin’s texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines. It also contains botanical extracts and antioxidants to keep your skin calm and moisturized.
The Hydra-Bright AHA Cleanser will offer three benefits to your skin. The first is smoothing, the next is hydrating, and lastly, we have brightening. Glo Skin Beauty also formulated this cleanser with blue lotus and carnosine to achieve a youthful glow.
According to Glow Skin Beauty, this face wash is ideal for those with combination or dry skin. This product will be a great addition to any beauty regimen. While it can be used day or night, it’s better to use it at night to avoid the sun’s rays.
Like most cleansers on this list, the Hydra-Bright AHA Cleanser is a 2-in-1 product that cleanses and exfoliates. It will also ensure your skin is adequately nourished and hydrated so you won’t feel dry or tight after using it.
Glo Skin Beauty recommends massaging this product on a dampened face for at least 60 seconds to get the best results. Also, while Glo Skin states you can use it twice daily, always apply sunscreen in the morning to protect your skin from irritation.
8. Sanitas Skincare Vitamin C Lactic Cleanser
Sanitas Skincare’s mission is to promote exceptional well-being and health. They are constantly working to formulate new non-toxic, and life-changing products. Sanitas is all about balance, especially when it comes to skincare.
The Vitamin C Lactic Cleanser will renew and revitalize your skin. Finally, you can gently rejuvenate your skin without having to sacrifice moisture. This cleanser contains a blend of skin-loving ingredients that promotes a healthy, even, and bright complexion.
Lactic Acid will effortlessly sweep dead skin from the face’s surface and increase cell turnover. It will also reduce the appearance of various signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. Overall, lactic acid is a gentle AHA chemical exfoliant.
Next, you’ll see that this cleanser is formulated with Sodium PCA. What is this ingredient? Sodium PCA ensures that your skin will retain moisture so you can prevent signs of aging, keep your skin barrier intact, and have a dewy glow.
Lastly, this cleanser also has vitamin C. Vitamin C will help create an even and bright skin tone. For example, it will reduce discoloration and increase elasticity and collagen to achieve a youthful complexion. Together, you get the perfect cleanser.
Use this product daily or every other day, depending on your skin type. If you are extra sensitive, it’s best to use this product at night because AHAs make you vulnerable to the sun. So, always follow up with sunscreen in the morning.
Sanitas is a cruelty-free brand that formulates its products with effective ingredients. So you won’t find any parabens, dyes, phthalates, or other sensitizing ingredients.
9. Blithe Patting Splash Mask Face Exfoliator
Blithe is offering a unique cleanser on this list, and it’s inspired by Korean skincare practices. This cleansing water cleanses and exfoliates in the most innovative way. It’s packed with 5 AHA Fruit Acids and Green Tea, to reveal bright skin.
This product is highly potent, and it even needs to be diluted with water. But, first, you’ll see this product contains lactic acid, which will gently remove dead skin cells and impurities from the face to reduce texture.
Next, you’ll find that this cleanser contains 20% concentrated 5-AHA fruit acid. These AHAs are derived from bilberry, sugar cane, orange, lemon, and saccharum. Lastly, this product has green tea and tea tree to control oil and soothe the skin.
Blithe calls this product the “15-second-face-wash.” Because this wash is so potent, it’s necessary to perform a patch test to avoid irritation or an allergic reaction. This is a crucial step to prevent damaging your skin barrier, especially if you are sensitive.
Blithe recommends pouring and diluting one cupful of the product into a bowl with water. Then, Blithe says to splash the face with the mixture for 15 seconds. This product can also be used as an in-shower mask treatment or for scalp care.
This versatile and interesting product is not for the faint of heart. It’s powerful, strong, and it will tackle all of your skincare woes. Because it’s so potent, it’s best to use this splash mask at night. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen in the morning.
Up Next: Best Lactic Acid Body Washes
