Can you use lactic acid with centella asiatica?
Reasoning: why this verdict
Centella asiatica is gentle and well tolerated, and a calm serum or moisturizer step can make exfoliating acids easier to live with. There is no known conflict.
Who should be careful: People with very sensitive skin, rosacea or eczema should patch test new products first.
How to use lactic acid and centella asiatica together
- Apply lactic acid on clean skin.
- Follow with centella asiatica and moisturizer.
- Wear sunscreen every day.
Products with lactic acid
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
Picked for lactic acid
10% lactic acid paired with glycerin and hyaluronic acid crosspolymer.
Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)About the ingredients
Lactic Acid (AHA)
A gentler alpha hydroxy acid with a larger molecule than glycolic acid. Exfoliates and helps hydrate. Like all AHAs, it can increase sun sensitivity.
Centella Asiatica (Cica)
A soothing plant extract (also called cica or gotu kola). Its compounds, such as madecassoside and asiaticoside, are studied for calming and repairing skin, mostly in lab work so far.
Related combinations
How Lactic Acid and centella asiatica each mix with other common actives.
FAQ
Do I need sunscreen with lactic acid and centella asiatica?
Yes. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is recommended with any active skincare routine.
Is this answer based on a study of lactic acid and centella asiatica together?
Evidence strength: Limited. Based on ingredient-level evidence and a conservative general rule for this ingredient class. Direct research on this pair is limited.
Which goes on first, lactic acid or centella asiatica?
Lactic Acid first, then centella asiatica. In general, apply thinner, watery textures before thicker creams.
Sources
Studies and reviews on these ingredients and, where available, on this specific combination. Numbers match the citation chips above.
- Kornhauser A, Coelho SG, Hearing VJ. Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2010;3:135-142.
- Smith WP. Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1996;35(3 Pt 1):388-391.
- Ammonium Lactate Lotion, 12%. Prescribing information. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries. DailyMed, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Dahl MV, Dahl AC. 12% lactate lotion for the treatment of xerosis. A double-blind clinical evaluation. Arch Dermatol. 1983;119(1):27-30.
- Park KS. Pharmacological effects of Centella asiatica on skin diseases: evidence and possible mechanisms. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021;2021:5462633.
- Bylka W, et al. Centella asiatica in cosmetology. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2013;30(1):46-49.