The Ordinary
Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%
face exfoliator
The Ordinary
face exfoliator
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Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
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Take the skin testA high-strength lactic acid peeling formula for smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% is a watery-light exfoliator from The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 15 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as very light — essentially a water-and-humectant base with little emollient weight. With almost no emollient load it should absorb quickly and finish close to matte. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Propanediol and Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer and Ethylhexylglycerin.
Brightening: Moderate. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Lactic Acid.
Cell renewal: Moderate. Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover, and here that comes from Lactic Acid.
On richness alone it suits Combination (oily) and Oily skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, antioxidant protection, oil control and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
Use it in the evening. In a routine it goes after cleansing, before serums. Start at once or twice a week and build up only if skin stays comfortable. Wear sunscreen the next morning — fresh exfoliation raises UV sensitivity.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium salt, polymer with 1,1'-sulfonylbis[ethene]
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract is the extract of the fruit and leaves of Tasmannia lanceolata, Winteraceae.
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Acacia Senegal Gum is the dried, gummy exudate of the acacia, Acacia senegal, Leguminosae
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
This product is the "Exfoliate" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 15 ingredients on the label.
Dissolves and carries everything else
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Forms a film that slows water loss
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Propanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
6th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium hydroxide
7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hyaluronic acid, sodium salt, polymer with 1,1'-sulfonylbis[ethene]
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract is the extract of the fruit and leaves of Tasmannia lanceolata, Winteraceae.
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Acacia Senegal Gum is the dried, gummy exudate of the acacia, Acacia senegal, Leguminosae
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Xanthan gum
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Alcohols, C16-branched, ethoxylated (20 mol EO average molar ratio)
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
L-Aspartic acid, N,N'-1,2-ethanediylbis-, trisodium salt
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Octane-1,2-diol
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
The Ordinary
Shares 7 key ingredients with Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%: Propanediol, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/leaf Extract, Glycerin
The Ordinary
Shares 6 key ingredients with Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%: Propanediol, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/leaf Extract, Pentylene Glycol
JUMISO
Shares 4 key ingredients with Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%: Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol
COSRX
Shares 4 key ingredients with Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%: Glycerin, Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentylene Glycol
SKIN1004
Shares 4 key ingredients with Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%: Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin
Heimish
Shares 4 key ingredients with Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%: Lactic Acid, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
AQUA, 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.
LACTIC ACID, SODIUM HYALURONATE CROSSPOLYMER.
-Apply once per day, ideally in the PM. -Can be diluted with other treatments to reduce strength until skin develops tolerance. Precautions: -Avoid contact with eyes. -If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a physician. -Lactic acid should not be used on sensitive, peeling, or compromised skin. -This product contains an AHA that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Combination (oily), Oily skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
No ingredient in this formula is a recognised food source for malassezia, the yeast behind fungal acne.
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.
Use it in the evening, after cleansing, before serums.
It lists 15 ingredients, of which 2 are recorded as actives.
The Ordinary, a brand based in Canada.
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