Can you use glycolic acid with lactic acid?
Pick one per routine. Layering two separate AHAs (glycolic acid and lactic acid) over-exfoliates for most skin types.
Why
Both glycolic acid and lactic acid dissolve corneodesmosomes (the bonds between dead skin cells). Stacking them in one routine doubles the exfoliation load on the same recovery cycle.
How to layer them
Use one or the other per evening. If you want the benefits of both, alternate nights — glycolic acid Mon/Wed/Fri, lactic acid Tue/Thu/Sat, Sunday off. Combined-acid products (Paula's Choice 25% AHA + 2% BHA peel) handle this safely because the formulator balances pH.
Products that contain both glycolic acid and lactic acid
These products formulate both ingredients together — the chemistry is balanced for you.
- 1
Drunk ElephantThe Littles 8.0
9.8 - 2
Drunk ElephantTLC Sukari Babyfacial 25% AHA/ 2% BHA Exfoliating Mask
9.4 - 3
Dr. Dennis Gross SkincareMini Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel Pads
9.1 - 4
OLEHENRIKSENDewtopia 25% AHA + PHA Flash Facial Exfoliating Face Mask
8.9 - 5
innisfreeVolcanic Swirl Exfoliating Pore Mask
8.9 - 6
ClarinsSmooth, Glow-Up & Go Set
8.7 - 7
Drunk ElephantT.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
8.6 - 8
Dr. Dennis Gross SkincareAlpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
8.6
Frequently asked questions
Can you use glycolic acid with lactic acid?
Pick one per routine. Layering two separate AHAs (glycolic acid and lactic acid) over-exfoliates for most skin types.
What happens if you mix glycolic acid and lactic acid?
Both glycolic acid and lactic acid dissolve corneodesmosomes (the bonds between dead skin cells). Stacking them in one routine doubles the exfoliation load on the same recovery cycle.
How should you layer glycolic acid and lactic acid?
Use one or the other per evening. If you want the benefits of both, alternate nights — glycolic acid Mon/Wed/Fri, lactic acid Tue/Thu/Sat, Sunday off. Combined-acid products (Paula's Choice 25% AHA + 2% BHA peel) handle this safely because the formulator balances pH.