LACTIC ACID

LACTIC ACID

HYDRATES ⎪ PROTECTS ⎪ EXFOLIATES

What is Lactic Acid ?

Lactic acid is a mild alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates the skin. It promotes hydration, evacuation of dead cells and cell renewal. It helps soften and retain moisture in the skin, giving it a radiant glow. It also helps maintain the pH of skin flora. The lactic acid we use has numerous benefits for the skin. In particular, it stimulates collagen synthesis, moisturizes the skin and gently exfoliates it, without aggressing sensitive skin.

On the intimate side, lactic acid is also important for the vaginal mucosa. The lactobacilli present in the intimate flora break down the glycogen contained in the vaginal mucosa. Lactic acid is then produced, and an acidic environment is formed (pH 3.8-4.5). This acidic environment favors the growth of lactobacilli, inhibiting the presence of harmful bacteria and preventing infections.

Lactic acid is therefore essential for protecting the intimate area. By maintaining a low pH in the vagina, the protective acid film is preserved.

Lactic acid is a substance that is produced by red blood cells, but also by muscle cells, skin cells and the kidneys. It is produced when cells lack oxygen, particularly during intense physical activity. It is an organic acid of the AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) family, naturally found in milk, certain fruits and vegetables (such as tomatoes and guavas) and wine. It plays a role in various biochemical processes in the human body.

Lactic acid is a mild alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates the skin. It promotes hydration, evacuation of dead cells and cell renewal. It helps soften and retain moisture in the skin, giving it a radiant glow. It also helps maintain the pH of skin flora.

The lactic acid we use has numerous benefits for the skin. In particular, it stimulates collagen synthesis, moisturizes the skin and gently exfoliates it, without aggressing sensitive skin.

Where does Lactic Acid come from ?

Lactic acid can be of natural or synthetic origin. Of natural origin, it is produced by the fermentation of certain sugars, in particular by lactic acid bacteria present in foods such as yoghurt, kimchi, miso and sauerkraut. In the cosmetics and food industries, it is often synthesized to guarantee consistent quality and concentration. Thanks to its ability to regulate pH and its beneficial effects on the skin, it is commonly used in skin care, hair care, oral care and food formulations.

Properties and active ingredients :

Lactic acid has many properties that make it a choice ingredient for cosmetics and food products. Here are the main characteristics and actions of lactic acid:

• Gentle exfoliant (AHA): As an alpha-hydroxy acid, lactic acid helps exfoliate dead skin cells by dissolving the bonds that hold them together. This exfoliating action is gentler than that of other AHAs, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
• Natural moisturizer: Lactic acid is a humectant, which means it helps attract and retain moisture in the skin, promoting long-lasting hydration and preventing dehydration.
• pH regulator: In cosmetics and food products, lactic acid acts as a pH regulator, helping to maintain the product at a pH level that is well tolerated by the skin or suitable for optimal preservation.
• Antimicrobial properties: Lactic acid has antimicrobial properties that help prevent the proliferation of bacteria and yeast in cosmetic products, extending their shelf life.
• Soothing and repairing effect: In cosmetics, lactic acid promotes cell renewal and helps improve skin texture, reducing redness and providing a smoothing effect.

What are the benefits of lactic acid ?

Lactic acid offers numerous benefits for skin, digestive health and consumer products. Here are the main benefits of this versatile acid:

• Exfoliation and cell renewal: By helping to remove dead cells from the skin’s surface, lactic acid promotes healthy cell renewal. This gentle exfoliation reveals brighter skin and improves texture, reducing fine lines, pigmentation spots and the appearance of enlarged pores.
• Lasting hydration: Thanks to its humectant properties, lactic acid helps draw moisture into the skin and retain it, which is particularly beneficial for dry, dehydrated skin. In cosmetics, it is often used in creams and serums to maintain long-lasting hydration.
• Improved skin health: Lactic acid helps strengthen the skin barrier and promotes skin cell renewal, helping to reduce redness, irritation and blemishes. Its gentleness makes it suitable for sensitive skin that cannot tolerate more aggressive acids.
• pH regulation in products: Lactic acid is used to adjust and stabilize the pH of cosmetic and food products, making it a safe choice for skin and consumption. In facial care products, it helps maintain a suitable acidic pH to protect the skin’s natural barrier.
• Natural antimicrobial effect: Its antimicrobial properties make lactic acid an effective preservative in cosmetics and food products, limiting the use of chemical preservatives.
• Digestive support: In nutrition, lactic acid plays a role in maintaining the balance of the intestinal microbiota, especially when consumed in fermented foods. It promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and can improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

BENEFITS :

• Regulates pH of skin and intimate area
• Gently exfoliates skin
• Helps protect the intimate area
• Provides hydration and firmness

How to use Lactic Acid ?

Lactic acid is versatile and can be used in skin care, food and even oral care:

• Cosmetics and skin care: Lactic acid is a common ingredient in exfoliants, serums, moisturizers and gentle skin peels. Used regularly, it helps improve skin texture, giving it a brighter, smoother appearance. To avoid irritation, moderate concentrations are recommended, especially for sensitive skin.
• Hair products: In hair products, lactic acid is used to balance pH and bring softness and moisture to hair. It also helps smooth the hair cuticle, making hair shinier and more manageable.
• Fermented foods: Lactic acid is naturally found in many fermented foods such as yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut and fermented vegetables. These probiotic- and lactic-acid-rich foods contribute to healthy digestion and strengthen the intestinal microbiota.
• Oral care: In toothpastes and mouthwashes, lactic acid is used to help maintain a low pH, which prevents the bacterial proliferation responsible for bad breath and cavities.

Note: In cosmetics, lactic acid should be used in the evening to avoid photosensitization. Excessive use may cause slight irritation or dryness, so it’s advisable to keep to the correct dosage and not to combine it immediately with other acids or retinoids.

Any side effects ?

Lactic acid is generally well tolerated, but certain side effects may occur in the event of inappropriate use or individual sensitivity:

• Skin irritation: Using lactic acid in high concentrations or too frequently can cause irritation, redness or tingling, particularly in people with sensitive skin. It is advisable to start with a low concentration and gradually increase according to tolerance.
• Photosensitivity: Lactic acid can increase skin sensitivity to the sun. It is therefore recommended to use it in the evening and apply sun protection during the day to avoid the risk of pigmentation spots.
• Drying effect: In some people, excessive use can lead to skin dehydration, due to its exfoliating properties. We recommend moisturizing the skin after each use.
• Allergic reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions can occur. Symptoms may include itching, redness and rash. In case of doubt, a test on a small area of skin is recommended before application to the face.
• Tooth sensitivity: In oral care, excessive use of lactic acid can, in some people, contribute to mild tooth sensitivity due to its slightly acidic effect. It is advisable to use these products in moderation.

Sources

The benefits of lactic acid are well documented in cosmetics, nutrition and digestive health research. Numerous studies confirm its effectiveness as a gentle exfoliant and skin humectant, as well as its role in fermentation and intestinal health. Health authorities such as the FDA and EFSA approve its use as a safe ingredient in cosmetics and food products.