The benefits of lactic acid and glycolic acid.

You already know I'm famous for coffee scrubs. I brought the coffee shop into the bathroom and have been getting dirty with thousands of babes since. But there's another exfoliator in town, and it doesn't involve any scrubbing. Say hi to alpha hydroxy acids.

You probably know them as AHAs. These chemical exfoliants are a secret weapon for smoother skin. The most popular are lactic acid and glycolic acid, and between them they cover a lot of ground. Here's what each one does, and why they work even better together.

What is lactic acid?

Lactic acid is an AHA originally derived from milk lactose, though most cosmetic lactic acid today is synthetically produced. It's one of the most popular AHAs in skincare for a simple reason: it doesn't just exfoliate, it also hydrates. That dual action makes it unusually versatile, especially for dry or sensitive skin that needs both smoothing and moisture at the same time.

Benefits of lactic acid

Used consistently, lactic acid helps improve your skin's Natural Moisturising Factor — its ability to hold onto hydration and stay plump and even. It gently dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells, encouraging them to shed and revealing fresher skin underneath. Over time it can help reduce the appearance of dry patches, uneven tone, and fine lines, and supports a brighter, more even complexion.

Because of its larger molecule size compared to glycolic acid, lactic acid works closer to the skin's surface, making it gentler and well suited to daily use or sensitive skin.

What is glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid is derived from sugarcane and has the smallest molecule size of all the AHAs. That small molecule means it can penetrate more deeply into the skin, getting to work inside the pore and at the follicle level, not just on the surface. The result is a more thorough exfoliation and a brighter, clearer complexion.

Benefits of glycolic acid

Like lactic acid, glycolic acid removes the outer layer of dead skin cells, reducing the appearance of dry patches, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and acne. Used a few times a week it keeps pores clear and skin texture smooth and refined. Because it penetrates more deeply, it's particularly effective on congestion, KP, and stubborn uneven texture.

Why use them together?

Lactic and glycolic acids work on different layers of the skin and bring complementary properties — lactic hydrates as it exfoliates, glycolic goes deeper and clears more thoroughly. Together they deliver results that neither achieves alone.

Skin doesn't stop at the neck, so skincare shouldn't either. My Smoothing AHA Body Lotion combines both lactic and glycolic acids with mango seed butter and macadamia oil, putting exfoliation and hydration into one simple step. Apply it to damp skin after showering and it works overnight so you wake up to softer, smoother skin. Lazy and busy babes, rejoice.

For a more intensive exfoliation session, my Glycolic Body Scrub pairs glycolic acid with physical pumice exfoliation for a thorough clear-out 2–3 times a week. Follow it with the AHA lotion for compounding results.

If you want both acids working in every shower, my Triple Acid Body Wash combines glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid in a daily body wash.

On the face, my Brightening Vitamin C Mask delivers both acids alongside vitamin C and salicylic acid in a 5-minute active mask. Use it 2–3 times a week after cleansing for a noticeably brighter complexion.

One reminder: both glycolic and lactic acids increase your skin's sensitivity to UV. If you're using them consistently, SPF 50+ every morning is essential.

x frank