An Honest Review On The Ordinary Lactic Acid Serum — A 10% Lactic Acid & 2% HA Solution

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If you’re a die-hard BeautySparker, then you would know that we love The Ordinary products. We’ve used lots of them and gave our honest review, and today we shall be sharing a personal experience with The Ordinary’s 10% lactic acid serum.

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Lactic acid is a mild AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), suitable for all skin types, but especially to sensitive skins and new acid-users. It helps to tackle skin-texture-irregularities, smoothen wrinkles, fine lines and helps brightens the skin which in turn addresses minor hyperpigmentation problems suchlike dark spots and acne scars.

After one week of usage, I want to share with you guys my experience with this serum.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA Serum.

The ordinary lactic acid serum

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The Ordinary lactic acid serum pairs 10% lactic acid with 2% hyaluronic acid and tasmanian pepperberry, not only to offer mild exfoliation to the skin with hydration but also soothe irritations associated with acid use, all thanks to tasmanian pepperberry which calms and soothes irritation. The Ordinary also has a 5% lactic acid serum for new beginners. So, if you’re new to lactic acid, you may want to ease your way into it by starting from the lower percentage.

Both lactic acid concentration combines lactic acid, hyaluronic acid (for hydration) and tasmanian pepperberry — (which is a skin soothing ingredient), you can read more about these skincare ingredients below.

What Is Tasmanian Pepperberry?

Tasmanian pepperberry derivative contains anti-inflammatory and skin soothing potentials to help reduce irritation associated with acid use by curtailing redness, tightness and stings.

The Ordinary 10% lactic acid serum contains tasmanian pepperberry (which gives the product a slight pink color) to helps calm and soothe irritations associated with acid-use as a result of using exfoliating-acids thereby preventing irritations, redness and dryness.

Hyaluronic Acid.

Hyaluronic acid is an humectant, It holds up to 1000x its own weight in water. Its main function is to retain water and helps keep skin hydrated, soft and plump. It works by pulling moisture from the atmosphere into the skin to supply intense moisture and hydration thereby plumping the skin which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. The Ordinary lactic acid serum contains 2% sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer — a modified and (non-animal-derived) form of skin-replenishing hyaluronic acid attached to a polymer structure that keeps it within skin’s uppermost layers longer, allowing for enhanced hydration. 

Packaging.

The Ordinary lactic acid serum

The Ordinary lactic acid serum comes well-packaged and sealed, in a frosty-looking transparent bottle.

Texture.

The Ordinary lactic acid serum

The texture is runny, just like water or a toner.
Just put some drops in the palm of your hands and apply, you can as well put some drops of the formulation directly on your cleansed skin, then using your hands gently massage around your skin till fully absorbed.

Color.

The Ordinary lactic acid serum

The Ordinary lactic acid serum has a slight-pinkish color, due to the presence of tasmanian pepperberry derivative which helps calms redness and inflammation associated with acid-use.

Size.

The ordinary lactic acid serum comes in a 30ml bottle size.

Ingredients:

Aqua (Water), Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Isoceteth-20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol

My Honest Review On The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% Serum.

The Ordinary lactic acid serum

I plunged into using The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% serum because I’m an old acid user, considering the fact that I have used lots of acids in the past, (glycolic acid, salicylic acid and retinoids) made me go for the higher percent — which is the 10%. So, like I mentioned previously, if you’re new to acid, start from the 5% concentration, but nevertheless lactic acid is a mild acid (more milder that other AHAs) making it best recommended for sensitive skin and new acid-users.

My experience with this serum has been a wonderful one so far. My expectations was indeed satisfied, and this serum will forever be in my skincare routine as long as it exists.

Effect On Skin Texture.

My skin texture was greatly improved, it all seems as if I got a new skin overnight. I have an oily and sensitive skin, making me have large pores and due to excessive oiliness (which I have been controlling with niacinamide serum) but decided to add lactic acid into my skincare routine to muscle it up, and I must say it has been a great hit for me.

My skin texture looks and feels more smoother, I can’t stop touching my face. My pores are obviously minimized, and tiny bumps which I normally have around my forehead and cheeks area are all gone. My advice is: to get the most out of your niacinamide serum, it’s best you pair it with lactic acid for an optimum result — but individually both ingredients are great to tackle texture irregularities and smoothen the skin. I use The Ordinary niacinamide serum.

Effect On Skin Tone.

While using The Ordinary lactic acid serum I experienced some mild exfoliation on my face, especially around my mouth area, I had some flakes of skin peeling off, I had to increase my hydration to ensure faster departure of those dead skin cells and behold after 1 week of usage, I can honestly say that my skin tone really enhanced for the better. I can see some luminosity on my skin, I can’t stop taking a long gaze at my mirror.

In Conclusion.

If you’re seeking to tackle texture irregularities and uneven complexion then lactic acid can be of good help. The ordinary lactic acid serum not only does the job, but also pocket-friendly, which can suit everyone’s budget.

Smuggle it into your skincare routine and start off slowly till your skin gets used to it. Although lactic acid is recommended for individuals with sensitive skin, however if you have a super-sensitive, start off with lower concentration (5%), then work your way up to 10% (if need be). 

You can start by using 3 days-on and 3 days-off schedule — that is, use 3 days straight and take a break for 3 days while you feed your skin with skin hydrating and nourishing skincare products. 

What I Like About The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA Serum.

  • Easy to use
  • Pocket-friendly.
  • Well packaged.
  • Mildly exfoliates the skin & treats acne. 
  • Target texture irregularities.
  • It’s fragrance-free.

What I Dislike About The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA Serum.

  • I have no dislike about this product. 

Possible Questions & Answers.

Q: While applying The Ordinary lactic acid serum, did you feel any burning or tingling sensation?

A: I didn’t feel any burning or tingling sensation while using this serum — maybe because I’m not new to acids, but all thanks to hyaluronic acid and tasmanian pepperberry for adequate hydration and soothing effect. However if you’re new to acids, you “may” experience some mild tingling — not burning — sensation (which is normal), but the feeling will stop when your skin must have gotten accustomed to lactic acid. That’s why it’s highly recommended to start from the lower concentration which is the 5% and work your way up to the 10% (if necessary) when your skin must have built tolerance to lactic acid.

Q: How did you use The Ordinary lactic acid serum?

A: I wash my face, pat it with a clean towel, use a toner, then apply 2-3 drops of The Ordinary lactic acid serum, before proceeding with my additional skincare products, then finally seal in with a moisturizer. Never apply this serum on a broken or compromised skin.

Q: Should I apply The Ordinary lactic acid at AMs and PMs?

A: Limit lactic acid or any other AHA topicals to night-time use only, as these acids (AHAs) can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, which can potentially cause sunburn if no skin-protection is observed. Therefore, use lactic acid (and other AHAs) at night-time (PMs) only, and don’t forget to use a sunscreen during the day to shield your skin from sun exposure.

Disclaimer: This is a personal experience with The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA Serum, you may have a whole different experience as skin type differs so as result differs too.

UP NEXT: Here’s The Best The Ordinary Skincare Products For Hyperpigmentation.

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