Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% is one of the most genuinely useful products in The Ordinary's lineup — a well-dosed chemical exfoliant that earns its place in a routine rather than just filling a shelf. At $9, it offers a meaningful introduction to acid exfoliation for beginners, while remaining effective enough for experienced users who want a gentler weekly option. It won't transform your skin overnight, but used consistently, it does what it promises.

What's in it?

The formula centres on two key ingredients. Lactic acid at 10% is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) — a type of chemical exfoliant that dissolves the bonds holding dead skin cells to the surface, so they shed more efficiently instead of sitting on top and making skin look dull or rough. What makes lactic acid stand out among AHAs like glycolic acid is its larger molecular size: it penetrates more slowly and less deeply, which translates to a gentler experience on skin. There's a strong body of research behind AHA exfoliants generally — they're among the most well-studied skincare actives — and lactic acid specifically has good evidence supporting its effects on texture, radiance, and mild hyperpigmentation. A 10% concentration sits at the upper end of what's considered effective without crossing into professional-peel territory, which makes it a meaningful dose rather than a token one. The addition of hyaluronic acid at 2% is a smart counterbalance. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant — it draws moisture to the skin's surface — which helps offset any dryness or tightness that can follow exfoliation. The evidence for hyaluronic acid as a hydrating ingredient is solid and well-established. Together, these two ingredients create a formula that exfoliates without stripping, which matters most if your skin leans dry or sensitive.

Who is it for?

This product suits a wide range of skin types, but it's particularly well-matched to a few groups. If you have dry or dehydrated skin and want to exfoliate but have found glycolic acid or stronger AHAs too harsh, lactic acid is often the gentler entry point — and the added hyaluronic acid makes this formula more forgiving than many. Sensitive skin types who've been curious about chemical exfoliants but nervous about irritation will find this a reasonable starting point, introduced slowly. It also works well for normal and combination skin looking to improve dullness, smooth uneven texture, or fade mild post-blemish marks or sun-related discolouration over time. If fine lines and dry patches are your main concerns, the combination of exfoliation and humectant hydration addresses both simultaneously. Anyone new to AHAs who wants to understand how their skin responds before moving to stronger formulas will also benefit from starting here.

Who might want to skip it?

Despite being one of the gentler AHAs, lactic acid at 10% is still an active acid, and that means it's not universally suitable. If your skin barrier is currently compromised — you're experiencing a flare of eczema, rosacea, or active breakouts across a large area — introducing any acid exfoliant is likely to aggravate things rather than help. Those with very reactive or sensitised skin should approach cautiously and consider starting with the 5% version The Ordinary also offers. Oily skin types looking for help with congestion or blackheads may find this underwhelming — BHAs like salicylic acid penetrate the pore more effectively and are generally a better match for that concern. This product also won't meaningfully address deep wrinkles, severe hyperpigmentation, or cystic acne; managing expectations around what a single over-the-counter exfoliant can do is important. Finally, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's worth checking with your doctor or midwife before using AHAs, as guidance on their use during pregnancy varies.

How to use it

Use this in your evening routine only — AHAs increase photosensitivity, meaning your skin becomes more vulnerable to UV damage while the acid is active, so applying it at night and wearing SPF every morning is non-negotiable. Apply to clean, dry skin before any serums or moisturisers, since acids work best on skin that hasn't been buffered by other products. A few drops are enough to cover the face — you don't need much. If you're new to acid exfoliation, start with once or twice a week and build up gradually over several weeks based on how your skin responds. Most people find two to three times per week is a sustainable rhythm; more than that rarely adds benefit and usually increases irritation. Avoid using this on the same nights as other strong actives — particularly retinoids or other exfoliants — unless you've built significant tolerance. The dropper bottle is easy to control for dosing, but the formula is dispensed rather than sealed in an airless system, so some oxidation over time is possible; keep the cap secure and try to use within six months of opening.

Value for money

At $9 for 30ml, this is one of the most cost-effective well-formulated chemical exfoliants available. Comparable products from mid-range or prestige brands routinely cost three to six times as much for equivalent or lower concentrations of lactic acid, often without meaningfully different formulations. The Ordinary built its reputation on democratising actives, and this product is a clear example of that working in the consumer's favour. The value score here reflects not just low price but genuine efficacy at that price — you are not sacrificing results to save money. The main trade-off is in experience rather than performance: the packaging is functional rather than luxurious, and there's no elegant texture or scent that premium products sometimes offer. If those sensory qualities matter to you, you'll pay more elsewhere. If results-per-dollar is your metric, this is difficult to beat.

Our verdict

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% is a genuinely solid exfoliant that punches well above its price point. It's particularly strong for dry, sensitive, and combination skin types who want to improve radiance and texture without the harshness of stronger acids. Realistic expectations matter: with consistent use over four to eight weeks, smoother skin and improved brightness are achievable — dramatic overnight transformation is not. The inclusion of hyaluronic acid is a thoughtful formulation choice that makes this more usable than many single-ingredient acids at this concentration.

If this sounds like the right fit for your skin, you can shop this product directly through our link — it's one of the few budget skincare picks we'd recommend without hesitation.

Not sure whether this is the right exfoliant for your full routine, or whether a BHA or stronger AHA might suit your skin better? Take our free skin quiz for a complete, personalised routine recommendation built around your specific concerns.