Contents
CosmeticFountain approved dossier · United Kingdom · Lactic-acid leave-on exfoliant
Lactic Acid 10% + HA
The Ordinary · open formula and AHA ingredient/category evidence · Methodology v3.1
Published on: 2026-07-15
Approved product10% lactic-acid leave-on exfoliant: introduce gradually, use only on intact skin, stop if irritation occurs, and reinforce sun protection during use and for the following week
Skin already accustomed to acids and seeking gradual exfoliation for the appearance of texture and tone
Consider if your skin already tolerates acids, you want a gradual cosmetic effect on the appearance of texture, and you can maintain a simple routine with regular sun protection.
Score by pillar
Claims: what the evidence supports
| Brand promise | Verdict | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Contains 10% lactic acid in a water-based formula stated at an approximate pH of 3.8 | Supported, within a narrow frame | The official Swiss page identifies the SKU, concentration, pH, INCI list and sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer. The brand source confirms the declared identity but does not replace physical checking of a local batch. |
| May modestly smooth the appearance of roughness and make tone look more even in acid-tolerant skin | Supported, within a narrow frame | A 22-week randomised trial of an 8% L-lactic-acid cream reports modest improvement in visible signs versus vehicle. A pilot study and an AHA review add category support without proving a result from this 10% serum. |
| Requires gradual introduction, use on intact skin and sun protection during use and for the following week | Supported, within a narrow frame | The official page excludes sensitive, peeling or compromised skin, advises reducing strength until tolerance develops and requires sun protection. The FDA documents irritation reactions and increased sun sensitivity with AHAs. |
| Provides lasting hydration for every skin type without causing dryness | Not demonstrated | The formula contains humectants, but no opened independent study measures hydration or tolerance of this finished product. A 10% lactic-acid concentration may instead irritate or dry some skin. |
| Addresses acne, melasma or another skin condition | Out of scope | The opened sources do not show that this finished product addresses a condition. The dossier remains limited to cautious cosmetic effects on the appearance of texture and tone. |
What the evidence does not show. The evidence does not allow the promise to be extended beyond the measured criteria.
Formulation
An INCI reading and the coherence of the formula with the headline promise. Ingredients can support the plausibility of a formula; they are no substitute for evidence on the finished product.
INCI — key actives and filters
- Lactic Acid
- Glycerin
- Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
- Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
Safety and precautions
The Swiss page states 10% lactic acid at an approximate pH of 3.8, matching the concentration ceiling and exceeding the minimum pH cited by the FDA for consumer AHAs. Irritation, peeling and sun sensitivity remain possible. The most directly relevant trial studied an 8% L-lactic-acid cream, not this finished serum.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding: seek professional or pharmacy advice before use, particularly with a device or a potentially irritating active.
Take care if: damaged skin, persistent irritation, photosensitivity, ongoing dermatological care.
Usage advice
Follow the product label. Pair when relevant with simple barrier care and suitable sun protection.
Sources
- https://theordinary.com/en-ch/lactic-acid-10-ha-exfoliator-100426.html · Opened Swiss brand source — The Ordinary Switzerland page opened on 2026-07-15, HTTP 200; confirms SKU, 10% lactic acid, approximate pH 3.8, INCI, gradual use, exclusion of sensitive or compromised skin and UV warning. Not independent.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8651713/ · Randomised 8% L-lactic-acid trial — PubMed and eFetch opened, HTTP 200, PMID 8651713; 22-week randomised, double-blind, vehicle-controlled trial in 74 women. At least one grade of facial improvement occurred in 71% of the lactic-acid group versus 40% of the vehicle group; 8% cream, not the assessed SKU.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8642081/ · AHA pilot study on photodamaged skin — PubMed and eFetch opened, HTTP 200, DOI 10.1016/S0190-9622(96)80110-1 / PMID 8642081; 25% glycolic, lactic or citric-acid lotion on one forearm for about six months. Category evidence at a different concentration and protocol.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39050562/ · Clinical and regulatory AHA review — PubMed and eFetch opened, HTTP 200, DOI 10.2147/CCID.S453243 / PMID 39050562; review of texture, luminosity, concentration, pH, irritation and safety limits, without a finished-product trial or a definitively established optimal concentration.
- https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/alpha-hydroxy-acids · FDA safety information — FDA page opened on 2026-07-15, HTTP 200; documents possible burns, irritation, peeling and sun sensitivity and cites 10% AHA, pH ≥3.5 and sun protection as consumer benchmarks.
Comparison
If the product does not match your profile, compare only with other CosmeticFountain approved dossiers.
Anthelios UVMune 400 SPF50+ (Fluide Invisible) · 92/100
Anti-Pigment Dual Serum · 86/100
Affiliation and editorial independence
Retailer links may be affiliate links. They change neither inclusion, nor score, nor order. Display order takes account of price, UK availability and the confidence level of the data.
Analysis trace
AI-audited under CosmeticFountain methodology v3.1.
Expert profiles drawn on for this product: 43.
Analysis reference: run-20260715