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30 ml
Skincare
AM & PM
Dry skin

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THE ORDINARY

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% 30ml

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% gently resurfaces to reveal brighter, smoother-looking skin with added hydration and improved clarity.

€15.12
4.6(21 reviews)

€10.58 with code WELCOME3030% off your first order, applied at checkout.

1

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✓ 30-day returns on unopened products
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Benefits
  • Refines uneven texture for a fresher, polished complexion
  • Visibly boosts radiance and helps fade dull, tired-looking skin
  • Supports a healthy moisture barrier while exfoliating
  • Helps soften the look of fine lines and congestion
  • Layers well under serums and moisturizers without heaviness
How to use
  • PM: After cleansing, apply 2–3 drops to clean, dry skin.
  • Smooth over face and neck, avoiding the eye area and any compromised skin.
  • Allow to absorb, then follow with a gentle moisturizer.
  • Start 3x weekly; increase to nightly as tolerated.
  • Use sunscreen every morning while using AHA products.
Ingredients
  • Lactic Acid 5%: Mild AHA that dissolves surface buildup to smooth and brighten
  • Tasmanian Pepperberry: Calms the feel of irritation often associated with acids
  • Hyaluronic Acid: Draws water to the skin for a plump, comfortable finish
  • Glycerin: Humectant that helps maintain balanced hydration during exfoliation
Shipping & returns

Dispatched within 24 hours from the warehouse nearest you, tracked.

Free shipping over your market's threshold — see your delivery window in the footer.

Duties and import taxes are on us: the checkout total is the total.

30-day returns on unopened products. Full refund if your order arrives damaged.

Reviews

What buyers say

4.6out of 521 reviews from verified buyers
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.10 months ago

I love all other Ordinary products that I use but I am confused with this one. It says apply daily at night, but doesn’t state wash off, like the cleanser but then says should only be in contact with skin for a short time. So do you wash it off??

Aman10 months ago

Im using Lactic Acid 10% from a month and happy so far. Its really gentle for my super dry skin. Faced no irritation. \r\n\r\nFew days back, I ordered 5% Lactic avid for my sister. Today got the parcel and Im really confused. The color is different from the picture and from the one Im currently using. Please please confirm whether the product I got is original or ?? That would be a great help. Dont want to waste the product in confusion or risk skin. Im attaching photos. (Im from Pakistan).

juiceslow10 months ago

At first I started using this for 10 minutes and washing it off. Then I would leave it for 20 or 30 minutes. Eventually I'd just not care that much and sleep without washing it off. It seemed to make no difference. In all cases my skin felt nice and soft in the morning, but it left me wondering if this acid is really exfoliating my skin or just hydrating it lol. I used this twice weekly and my skin felt nice and all in the morning but I didn't see any long-lasting changes. As soon as I washed my face the softness mostly went away. I'd recommend this if you're new to exfoliation or have sensitive skin.

RK10 months ago

My skin is very sensitive, acne- prone, prone to dehydration too. I apply the acid all over my face in the evening, after washing, then keep it on for about 10 minutes, then rinse it off well and follow with retinol in squalane 0.5. My skin seems to really like this regime! In the morning, I do a lot of hydration with other Ordinary products. Please don't discontinue this mild acid option. 10/10 DECIEM Response: Thanks so much for your review! Please note if you wish to incorporate multiple Vitamin C's, Retinoids, and/or Direct Acids into your skincare regimen, we suggest using them on alternate evenings ❤.

Colette10 months ago

I bought this product since Salicylic acid was out of stock a long time. I was recommended this product by an employee in The Ordinary in London as a substitute for SA. It didn’t work as well for my deep congestion. It brightens the complexion but that’s where the benefits end. I don’t think this product is very beneficial for people with oily or combination skin. Happy to finally got Salicylic acid in stock now. I actually learned later on that BHAs - like Salicylic acid are for deep congestion and AHAs - like lactic acid are for more gentle form of exfoliation, which the employee obviously weren’t aware off. I think this product could be great chemical exfoliant for people with sensitive skin tho.

PetKit10 months ago

This saved my skin. I have acne-prone oily skin. Tried so many other products before, including Salicylic acid. Nothing worked. Have used Lactic Acid 5% for a month now and the results have been incredible. It works so well - no irritation, no breakout. I apply this immediately after face wash, i then wait for 10+ minutes before applying Niacinamide. I have not had a cyst or any big pimples since I added this to my routine (i do get occasional whiteheads, which are tolerable). When I say this saved my skin, I mean it saved my life - never have I felt so happy and confident since I started breaking out at 15 (now 30).

Chell7010 months ago

I bought this as a Xmas gift for my friend to introduce her to lactic acid & she loves it.\n\nI started on 5% Lactic acid several years ago & I’ve gradually increased to 10% Lactic acid (only in my PM skincare routine) more frequently pairing with TO RetinAL 2% as well as 20% Azelaic acid (we can buy this OTC in Australia for about AUD$20) followed by an occlusive moisturiser like TO NMF PhytoCeramides.\n\nThis combination of skincare products far exceeded my expectations with a significant decrease in pigmentation as well as evening out my skin tone & reducing the appearance of dark sun spots & wrinkles. Lactic acid is a larger AHA molecule than glycolic and is better for sensitive dry skin types as it helps retain moisture in your skin 🙌😊

AS11 months ago

I have hyper-sensitive and allergic skin and it's SO HARD to find good skincare products. The ordinary has actually been amazing for me, and I wanted to write a review for other sensitive skin people so they don't worry about ordering this product (I did). I am happy to say NO REACTIONS and it was great on my skin. Thank you Ordinary for not putting fragrances or other garbage in your product so that it is safe for skin. The generous return policy helps sensitive skin people too, I don't need to worry about wasting money constantly on new products.

LA1 year ago

I have been using this acid for about two weeks along with the 100% Plant-Derived Squalane and my life has literally changed. I have had acne in my forehead area for over 5 years and have tried many products, spent tons of money and never got any noticeable results. Acne really made me insecure and even made me avoid people because I felt so conscious about it. I havent had any breakouts and my acne scars are also going away. I am so grateful I have found something that finally works! Thank you Deciem, cant wait to try more stuff!

Tessia1 year ago

I've used a lot of products for my pigmentation and Acme but I've never had a good solution. I tried acid lactic just for a couple of days I see a lot of improvement. Woow thank you

roxanne's.minds1 year ago

As I said in the title, I need to apply a couple of drops to a damp, clean face and leave it on for just 1 minute. If more, my skin breaks out. But most importantly, it works! I use 1-2 times a week and after a few days, my face is smooth.

angie1 year ago

its a nice product but if you got combination don't use too much! if you have dry skin then it'll be cute for you. I've been using this product at night so I like to pretend my skin is evening in my dreams. and when I wake up my skin is sososo clear!

KS2 years ago

Great alternative for people who had problems with AHA+BHA (as I did). This serum is less aggressive, yet it does its work. But if you have sensitive skin, start slowly and don't be scared if you have dry skin maps in the beginning. DECIEM Response: Thanks so much for your review! For sensitive skin types, we would suggest starting with Mandelic Acid 10% + HA :-)

AL2 years ago

I have been using this product for about 2 weeks now and for a while it has been amazing. It hydrated my skin and my small bumps on my cheeks and most of them are gone on my forehead and it never stung or burned my skin but this morning I did wake up with a blister on my cheek. It seemed to have burned my skin but if you don't have sensitive skin this would be amazing for you DECIEM Response: We're so sorry to hear it's not working out with THe Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%. It sounds like you may have experienced a reaction to one or more ingredients used within the formula. If you'd like to discontinue use at all, please visit DECIEM.com/terms to explore our 365-day return policy and DECIEM.com/contact if you'd like to be in touch with our team at all. ❤

AM2 years ago

This product has worked great for me. Before this, I always used a scrub on my face once/day because otherwise I would get dandruff-like dead skin under my eyebrows. (Gross!) So I was super skeptical when the salesperson at the New York Deciem shop told me to stop using harsh exfoliators on my face and try this instead. But it totally works! I've been scrub-free for over two months now, and the dead skin has not returned. My skin tone is so much more even and I don't get the red splotchiness I used to have. I work from home, and it's great to be able to go makeup-free most days and not be embarrassed if I run into someone at the grocery . I use this MWF at night before applying Hyaluronic Acid and Natural Moisturizing Factors.

LS5 years ago

This works awesome for me.. i use it on other parts of my body mixed with moisturizer too.. The real reason I am writing a review is because I want to buy 5% lactic acid and 10% maleic acid for my friend who is black. I was wondering if this can cause pigmentation in people of color. Please respond. I will advise my friend to patch test, but I would really rather send her products that have a good track record for people with darker skin. DECIEM Response: We're so happy to hear you're enjoying The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%. All DECIEM products undergo a thorough safety assessment before hitting the market. Each ingredient is reviewed against current scientific literature and strict global regulations to ensure they are safe and compliant for topical application. Always follow the directions of use. Thank you for your review ❤

NF5 years ago

I just started using this product along with a host of other ordinary skincare items and this one is my favourite along with the squalane Cleanser. I was concerned as I have sensitive skin which is why I went for this product in the 5% but the most I've felt is an extremely light tingling sensation and that's only if I use a fair amount of the product on my face - plus I dont mind the tingle as it feels like the product is working its magic! My skin texture is definitely smoother and brighter already after only 3 days of use! I think I might up to the 10% next time! I'm 24 currently and really wanted to improve my skincare routine as a preventative measure and I feel like this product is a great first step in that direction!

LW5 years ago

I started out using this once a week because I have sensitive skin but now I use it daily (at nighttime) and absolutely love it! I used to use harsh exfoliators that would leave my skin red and inflamed. This lactic acid gently exfoliates my skin and has made my complexion (along with other ordinary products) smooth and even looking. I also cannot believe how soft my skin is after using this stuff. One recommendation, don't use it after going out for the night. My skin is already dry from the alcohol so using this in conjunction makes my skin flaky. DECIEM Response: We are so glad you are enjoying The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%. Thank you for the lovely review! ❤

LS5 years ago

My skin type is oily and I am in my early 30's. I use this in my nightly routine after I have cleansed my face of makeup with Hylamide Oil Cleanser. After the Lactic Acid has dried I use the Rose Hip Seed Oil.\n\n I am new to direct acids being apart of my skincare routine and was scared at first. But I am loving this lactic acid by The Ordinary. It does not dry out my skin, irritate it or damage it in any way. I appreciate the packaging of this product because it is not a thick liquid and a little goes a long way. After application I wash my hands with water and then proceed to my next step. \n\n I am not sure if it the acid or the oil or the combo, but I swear if I do get any acne that it dries up rather quickly, or at least reduces quickly without having to use a third product!

CB5 years ago

Now I read somewhere that u shouldn't use acids with matrixyl and I must say I beg to differ.i got this with matrixyl and my skin has never remained the same.i have oily combination skin and I use his in the PM once a week after which I follow up with 2drops of matrixyl and then moisturize.OMG!!!when I wake up in the morning my skin looks brighter,plumper,softer and almost edible.my acne scars have resigned and now am a bold face.people can't stop complimenting me.i love this more than the 10% because my skin is sensitive and the 5% is a slow,sure and steady bet for me.i have stopped looking for quick actions and am sticking to this magic portion.❤️❤️❤️❤️

RW5 years ago

Besides the Retinoid 2%, this is my other favorite product from The Ordinary. I have been using the LA 5% for 6-7 months & could not be happier with the results. It has an incredibly lightweight, very liquid formula that sinks into the skin instantly, so other products layer beautifully on top. I have extremely sensitive skin & did not experience any irritation or adverse effects with this product. I truly appreciate that The Ordinary products do not include fragrance, which can actually cause skin damage & sensitivity/irritation. During the winter, I typically suffer horrible dry patches around my nose. After using this product, I have ZERO dry patches. My skin has never felt so soft or looked so fresh! I think anyone & everyone can benefit from this product regardless of age or skin type. I can't wait to try the LA 10% next!

Reviews reflect individual experiences; results vary from person to person. This product is cosmetic and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or skin condition.

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