Scientific name: Lactic Acid,
Classification: Multifunctional active ingredient of biotechnological origin
Stories from Nature
Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally present in the human body and in fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. Despite its name, it does not necessarily come from milk: it can be obtained through biotechnological processes involving the controlled fermentation of plant sugars—derived from corn, sugar beets, or sugarcane—thanks to the action of selected microorganisms.
This technology yields a versatile ingredient that is particularly valued in modern cosmetic research.
Lactic acid is naturally present in the human body and is found in fermented foods such as yogurt, sauerkraut, and kefir. In addition, it is produced biotechnologically through the controlled fermentation of sugars (glucose or sucrose) from corn, sugar beets, or sugarcane, using selected lactic acid bacteria. In the cosmetics industry, it is highly valued for its exfoliating and moisturizing properties.
Skin Benefits
Lactic acid is distinguished by its exfoliating, moisturizing, and brightening properties. In exfoliating formulations, it promotes surface skin renewal, helping to refine skin texture, reduce the appearance of pores, and minimize the look of imperfections and discoloration, resulting in a more even, smooth, and radiant complexion.
Thanks to its humectant action, it also helps preserve the skin’s hydration and softness. In intimate cleansers, it plays an important role in regulating the formula’s pH, helping to maintain the physiological balance of the external intimate areas and preserve the skin’s natural comfort.
Hair Benefits
Lactic acid, thanks to its moisturizing, rebalancing, and exfoliating properties, helps maintain the scalp’s natural pH balance, promoting skin health and comfort while leaving hair smooth, shiny, and less porous.
In specific formulations, it helps gently remove dead skin cells and impurities, promoting cell turnover and improving the appearance of Scalp prone to flaking and dryness, thanks to its gentle exfoliating action.
Thanks to its pH-balancing action, lactic acid helps improve the smoothness of the cuticle and the appearance of the hair shaft, resulting in softer, more elastic, and shinier hair. Working in synergy with other conditioning ingredients, it helps reduce frizz and minimize breakage caused by mechanical stress, improving manageability, especially in treated or damaged hair.
