Can you use lactic acid with squalane?
Reasoning: why this verdict
Squalane 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 squalane together
- Apply lactic acid on clean skin.
- Follow with squalane 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.
Squalane
A lightweight, stable emollient oil that softens skin. An expert cosmetic safety panel reaffirmed in 2023 that it is safe as used.
Related combinations
How Lactic Acid and squalane each mix with other common actives.
FAQ
Do I need sunscreen with lactic acid and squalane?
Yes. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is recommended with any active skincare routine.
Is this answer based on a study of lactic acid and squalane 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 squalane?
Lactic Acid first, then squalane. 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.
- Fiume M, et al. Squalane and squalene. Int J Toxicol. 2023;42(3 Suppl):107S-109S.
- Huang ZR, Lin YK, Fang JY. Biological and pharmacological activities of squalene and related compounds: potential uses in cosmetic dermatology. Molecules. 2009;14(1):540-554.