What is Lactic Acid?
Buffering
Lactic Acid is a buffer that holds the pH steady.
This ingredient is listed in CosIng, the EU's cosmetic ingredient database. CosIng lists what it's used for as: Buffering, Humectant, Skin conditioning.
CosIng function classes are the EU's standard list of the jobs an ingredient does inside a product, such as moisturizing, emulsifying, or preserving.
Which products feature it?
14 of the 2320 products we've checked feature this as a key ingredient. Products that disclose a concentration or list it near the top of the ingredient list come first.
Showing 1 to 12.
It's made for better hydration and calmer skin.
Key: Lactic Acid (#2 on the ingredient list · 15%), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil
20 claims, summarized
- You can expect:
- better hydration
- Only partly backed:
- calmer skin · a smoother skin texture (amount unknown) · less visible pores (amount unknown) · less shine
- Tests passed:
- non-comedogenic
See each claim
claims, checked
Immediately after 1 use, deep moisturization improvement 5.29%
backed by evidenceSoothing duo green tea and tea tree ingredients help with triple skin concern care of skin soothing, sebum control, and pore care
plausible, not testedCares for excessively secreted sebum and helps soothe angry skin
plausible, not tested15-second face wash dead skin & soothing care solution face wash pack Green
partly backedDead skin care, soothing, suitable for acne-prone skin use
partly backedContains 1,000ppm of green tea extract and panthenol ingredients to help with soothing.
partly backedAfter 7 days of use, trouble area soothing 8.02%
partly backedThe face wash pack is a non-comedogenic product that does not clog pores, so even acne-prone skin can use it without burden.
partly backedTriple pore improvement effect proven through human application testing, from blackheads to whiteheads and sebum amount
partly backedImmediately after 1 use, skin texture (unevenness) improvement 6.17%
partly backedImmediately after 1 use, skin dead skin cell improvement 19.62%
partly backedImprovement of shiny skin sebum amount 44.16%
partly backedNaturally derived AHA ingredient lactic acid helps with skin waste and dead skin cell removal, pore care, and skin PH balance care
partly backed24-hour skin reaction result 0.00 low-irritation product verification completed!
partly backedThe face wash pack uses only plant-based ingredients and has completed vegan certification, proving its stability.
partly backedGrab moisturization · pores · soothing · texture all at once!
partly backedLactic acid ingredient removes only skin waste and old dead skin cells without irritation for soft, smooth skin
overstatedPanthenol, a moisturizing ingredient derived from water-soluble vitamins, catches even dryness inside the skin, helping cultivate moist skin with just face washing
overstatedThe world's first liquid-type wash-off pack exclusively for trouble, mixed with water to use
no supporting source foundFruit extract ACB Fruit Mix Complex helps cultivate clear and smooth skin through natural dead skin cell removal and vitamin nutrient charging
no supporting source found
Key: Lactic Acid (#3 on the ingredient list), Gluconolactone, Salicylic Acid
8 claims, summarized
- Only partly backed:
- less visible pores
- Don't count on:
- clearer-looking skin
- Tests passed:
- hypoallergenic · skin irritation
See each claim
claims, checked
High-content acid ingredients may cause a temporary tingling sensation while acting on the skin.
plausible, not testedGood to use on areas where hardened sebum, sebum inside pores, and rough skin texture are a concern
plausible, not testedCompleted low-irritation test for sensitive skin
partly backedHuman skin low-irritation test completed
partly backedFrom sebum deeply embedded in pores to skin texture, just! 30-second tingling peeling completes makeup-ready glowing skin
overstatedLow-irritation testing on sensitive skin has been completed for worry-free use.
overstatedAfter use, it helps reduce the visible area of blackheads and pores.
no supporting source foundA functional product to alleviate acne skin types that has been reported to the Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
no supporting source found
MEDICUBE
Zero Pore Pad 2.0
It's made for less visible pores.
Key: Lactic Acid (#4 on the ingredient list), Salicylic Acid, Betaine Salicylate
6 claims, summarized
- Only partly backed:
- less visible pores
See each claim
claims, checked
Embossing + soft double-sided structure for skin texture refinement & residual impurity care.
plausible, not testedA daily toner pad that refines sebum and dead skin cells inside pores in one go.
partly backedIt's a pad that removes impurities inside pores and helps with pore tightening. You can refine skin texture to be smooth and moist.
partly backedA low-irritation pore care routine that conveniently wipes away in the first step after cleansing.
no supporting source foundModel: AHA·BHA·PHA, Panthenol, Centella extract.
contradicted by sourcesOverwhelming pore tightening effect, No. 1 national pad.
nothing specific to check
BY PROJECT
BY Blackhead Melting Remover
Key: Lactic Acid (#6 on the ingredient list), Glycolic Acid, Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder
ZEROID
Pimprove Toner
Key: Lactic Acid (#7 on the ingredient list), Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid
2 claims checked
claims, checked
2. Refrain from use on areas with wounds or with abnormalities such as eczema and dermatitis.
backed by evidenceA low-irritation exfoliating care toner for oily, blemish-prone skin
partly backed
Key: Lactic Acid (#10 on the ingredient list), Gluconolactone, Glycolic Acid
1 claim checked
claims, checked
Derma Healer
nothing specific to check
Key: Lactic Acid (#16 on the ingredient list), Gluconolactone, Centella Asiatica Extract
2 claims, summarized
- Don't count on:
- less visible dark spots
See each claim
claims, checked
Balanceful Cica Exfoliation
backed by evidenceMinistry of Food and Drug Safety notified functional ingredient: helps with whitening (Danawa listing)
overstated
Dr.Althea
345 Relief Spot Powder
Key: Lactic Acid (#20 on the ingredient list), Calamine, Titanium Dioxide
1 claim checked
claims, checked
345
nothing specific to check
It's made for better hydration and clearer-looking skin.
Key: Lactic Acid (#21 on the ingredient list), Zinc Oxide 10%, Jojoba Seed Oil
40 claims, summarized
- You can expect:
- better hydration
- Only partly backed:
- calmer skin (amount unknown) · clearer-looking skin (amount unknown) · a smoother skin texture (amount unknown)
- Don't count on:
- better barrier support · a brighter skin tone · less visible pores
- Tests passed:
- non-comedogenic · skin irritation
See each claim
claims, checked
Cream formulation without silicone oil.
backed by evidenceUses no synthetic fragrance or synthetic tar colorants, and contains the original scent and color of raw ingredients.
backed by evidenceThis product contains a high content of zinc oxide, a mineral powder. Due to the nature of the formulation, the formulation gradually thickens during use. Because of this, you may feel that a new product is thin.
backed by evidenceThis product contains 10% zinc oxide, a mineral ingredient. When stored in low temperatures for a long time or in cold weather, moisture may seep out when opening the cap.
backed by evidenceCan be used as a base skincare product, and is also great as a spot product.
plausible, not testedDue to the nature of the zinc oxide raw material, small specks may be visible in the formulation. This is a phenomenon with no issue in quality or function, so please use with confidence.
plausible, not testedIt has properties similar to human sebum, so it has good skin affinity and helps maintain the oil-moisture balance.
plausible, not testedThe various vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids, and nutrients in sunflower seed oil help maintain skin health.
plausible, not testedHelps maintain moisture balance and provides comfort to the skin.
plausible, not testedZinc Cream contains a small amount of lactic acid, which has no exfoliating function, so it can be used together with exfoliating products such as AHA or BHA.
plausible, not testedThe fill level is at the middle of the tube, but the capacity is exactly filled to 60g.
plausible, not testedHelps soothe and manage sensitive spot skin through effective skincare with pure zinc oxide.
partly backedSkin irritation test completed.
partly backedMildly acidic product with pH approximately 6.8.
partly backedWhite cream cosmetics for sensitive skin of the whole family.
partly backedAcne-prone skin suitability test completed!
partly backedCertified non-comedogenic!
partly backedDue to the characteristics of plant-derived ingredients without artificial fragrances, the fragrance may be perceived differently after more than 6 months from opening, but there is no problem with quality.
partly backedHigh-purity pure zinc oxide made from Zincite protects the skin from harmful external environments and helps spot-prone skin.
partly backedAs a plant-derived ingredient from the comfrey plant, it helps soothe and relieve, and improves moisture retention to prevent skin from becoming rough in dry environments, also helping to keep skin smooth.
partly backedSidmool cosmetics free from concerns about bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms.
partly backedA formulation with almost no white cast, making it virtually burden-free to use.
overstatedReliable and effective spot skin soothing care.
overstatedZinc oxide is zinc oxide. Zinc is an ingredient used in health foods and medicines; it is safe in topical cosmetics and is a very good ingredient for skincare.
overstatedBlackheads that feel stuffy and dark reduced by 28.83%.
overstatedBumpy whiteheads reduced by 31.88%.
overstatedShiny and oily sebum amount reduced by 31.06%, oil content reduced by 49.17%.
overstatedZinc oxide does not block pores; instead, it improves pore condition.
overstatedDoctor Turup Zinc Cream was created based on the fact that zinc oxide, a plant-derived mineral obtained from Zincite, is an ingredient beneficial to skin health.
no supporting source foundApplication of non-nano pure zinc oxide.
no supporting source found1st place in the 2024 Hwahae Second Half Efficacy/Effectiveness Award.
no supporting source foundSkincare soothing / sleeping pack category.
no supporting source foundNON-NANO ZINC OXIDE
no supporting source foundSkin barrier soothing care.
no supporting source foundDull skin care.
no supporting source foundSidmool, the hometown of skin, holds 90 domestic and international product and trademark-related patents and develops various products together with customers.
no supporting source foundIt has completed clinical testing with the original ingredients, without any ingredient changes.
no supporting source foundIngredient composition that does not burden pores.
no supporting source foundWe believe that Doctor Turup Zinc Cream, compared to overseas direct purchase zinc creams, has increased pure zinc oxide content, added moisturizing and nutritional ingredients to enhance function, and is made with a similar level of plant-derived ingredients.
no supporting source foundEssential product for resolving skin concerns.
nothing specific to check
Laneige
Water Bank Aqua Facial Serum
It's made for better hydration.
Key: Lactic Acid (#25 on the ingredient list), Gluconolactone, Salicylic Acid
6 claims, summarized
- Only partly backed:
- better hydration
- Don't count on:
- better barrier support · less visible pores
See each claim
claims, checked
7.7% Acid Complex (PHA·AHA·BHA) and Hydro Infusion Shot™ evenly refine skin texture and provide deep hydration and healthy radiance.
partly backedIn the human application test (test institution: Global Medical Research Center Co., Ltd., 32 adult women aged 20~55, 2025-05-07~2025-06-05), moisture level improved by +113.3% immediately after use, and skin barrier improved by +14.6% after 4 weeks.
overstatedAfter 4 weeks, radiance indicators improved by +34.94% on the forehead, +9.75% on the nose bridge, and +38.81% on the cheeks.
overstatedIn the 4-week usage survey, 100% felt skin texture became soft and smooth, 90% felt pores were refined, 100% felt moisture filled deep into the skin, 93% felt skin barrier improvement, 96% felt healthy radiance, and 96% felt radiance was sustained (same test institution).
no supporting source foundCompared to one skin boosting treatment at a professional skin care institution, after 4 weeks of product use, an equivalent or superior water-glow effect was confirmed.
no supporting source foundDermatological test, hypoallergenic test, and sensitive panel test completed, and it is a 13-FREE formula.
no supporting source found
Key: Lactic Acid (#27 on the ingredient list), Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract
4 claims, summarized
- Free of:
- 6 listed ingredients
See each claim
claims, checked
It is a 6-FREE formula that excludes mineral oil, silicone oil, tar color, polyacrylamide, imidazolidinyl urea, and triethanolamine.
backed by evidenceGently removes old dead skin and external dust, cares for skin turnover, and with moist moisturization, after use, helps create smooth and radiant skin, and with low-irritation peeling and 6-FREE formula (free of mineral oil·silicone oil·tar color·polyacrylamide·imidazolidinyl urea·triethanolamine), you can use it with peace of mind.
partly backedAlthough it is designed to remove dead skin without irritation using 5 types of plant-based AHA, konjac extract, and cellulose, be careful not to make your skin red with strong hand movements.
partly backedIOPE Pro Peeling Soft Gel 100ml gently refines old dead skin with plant-based AHA, konjac extract, and cellulose, helping to create a moist and smooth skin texture. The design has been renewed and presented anew, and since the contents are the same as before, it fits effortlessly into your daily peeling routine.
partly backed
Key: Lactic Acid (#38 on the ingredient list), Citrus Tangerina Peel Extract, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
6 claims, summarized
- Don't count on:
- less visible dark spots
See each claim
claims, checked
It contains green tangerine extract (tangerine extract) and vitamin C, so after washing, clear skin care as if you had done a vitamin pack is possible
overstatedThe refreshing green tangerine sherbet texture melts softly into the skin and cleanly washes away everything from makeup to blackheads and flakes
overstatedWith one-step cleansing power that needs no bothersome double cleansing, clean cleansing is possible by packing just one travel kit without other washing tools
overstatedThe steady seller Green Tangerine Vita C Toning Cleansing Balm
no supporting source foundMFDS-notified functional ingredient: helps with brightening
contradicted by sourcesEquipped with both product performance and portability
nothing specific to check
Often featured alongside it
Are the claims about it backed up?
We checked each claim that features this ingredient. Open the list below to see the result for each one.
See the results by claim
| Result | Claims |
|---|---|
| plausible, not tested | 1 of 3 |
| partly backed | 1 of 3 |
| overstated | 1 of 3 |
These are counts of claims, not products. One product can name the same ingredient in several claims, and we checked each one on its own.