Lactic Acid
Commonly known as: Lactic acid, 2-hydroxypropanoic acid.
I.N.C.I. list name: Lactic acid.
Extraction process: Fermentation of the sugar present in corn seeds using specific bacteria such as Lactobacillus.
Source: Vegetable.
Botanical name: Zea mays (corn).
Family: Poaceae.
Extracted part of the plant: Seeds.
Origin, provenance: France.
Chemical properties: Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA); soluble in water, glycerin and alcohol ; insoluble in oil ; density = 1,1 - 1,25 g/cm³; molar mass = 90,08 g/mol; pH higher than 3,5.
Properties: Emulsion, colloidal solution, true aqueous solution.
Required dosage in cosmetic products: minimum 0.3%; as an exfoliant, lactic acid is allowed at a maximum concentration of 10% in a cosmetic product.
Function: PH adjuster (acidifier), humectant, skin care agent.
Specificities: Keratolytic, astringent, moisturizing, sebum-regulating, acidifying.
Benefits: All skin types especially mature skin, dry skin, mixed to oily skin, irregular skin texture (blackheads, dilated pores, brown spots, etc.) and dull skin; all hair types especially scalps with dandruff, oily scalps and dull hair.
Details
Use
Facial care (exfoliating products, peelings, purifying creams and lotions, cleansing gels, masks, eye contour creams, scrubs);
Body care (body milks, foot and hand masks);
Hair care (anti-dandruff shampoos, purifying hair masks, detanglers);
Hygiene (shower gels)
Preservation
Store at room temperature away from light, moisture and heat.
Contra-Indications and Precautions
With a use once or twice a week, it generally presents no danger. However, it may cause allergic reactions or irritation. Avoid contact with eyes, in case of contact rinse thoroughly with water.
Lactic acid is photosensitizing, which means that it increases the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. After using lactic acid and for a week afterwards, you should not go out in the sun unless you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, wear protective clothing and limit your exposure to the sun as much as possible. Preferably, apply a lactic acid treatment in the evening before bedtime.
Do not combine this active ingredient with a product containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid.
