The Ordinary

Lactic Acid 10% + HA

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA is a product from our “Face serums” category with 15 ingredients on its INCI list. No fragrance, parabens, silicones or denatured alcohol on the list. 1 ingredient is subject to EU restrictions – details below.

15/15 recognised
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
Photo: jumati / Open Beauty Facts, CC BY-SA 3.0

Our review

A short, focused exfoliating serum with lactic acid in second place; users like its effect on marks and texture, but it can irritate or dry out sensitive skin if used too often.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
Photo: theordinary.com · quoted for the purpose of this review

Packaging and what the product is

A 30 ml leave-on exfoliating serum in a glass dropper bottle, as on the manufacturer’s image quoted here. The brand presents it as a stronger alternative to its 5% version.

Ingredient analysis

Lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), follows water at the top of the list; the product name states 10%. Sodium hydroxide adjusts the pH, which together with concentration determines how strongly an acid exfoliates – the pH is not on the label.

Glycerin, pentylene glycol, propanediol and sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer add humectancy, and Tasmannia lanceolata (Tasmanian pepperberry) extract is included by the brand as a soothing component. Preservation is fragrance-free and based on ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-hexanediol and caprylyl glycol.

What to watch out for

AHAs can increase sensitivity to the sun, so daily sun protection is advisable while using it. Avoid combining it in the same routine with other strong acids or retinoids unless advised, and start with fewer applications per week if your skin is sensitive.

What users say

On Cult Beauty the serum has 4.64/5 from 211 reviews (checked 30 October 2026). Reviewers most often mention fading of acne marks and pigmentation and a smoother, brighter look, and some call it a good first exfoliant. Criticisms: it can be too harsh for sensitive skin, some found 10% drying and suggest starting with the 5% version, and several advise using it only a few times a week rather than daily.

Who it may suit

People with normal or resilient skin who want a simple AHA treatment for uneven texture. Beginners and sensitive skin may do better starting with a lower-strength product.

Editorial review by INCIMondo based on the ingredient list and publicly available opinions. Not medical advice. · 2026-11-01

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This ingredient list comes from an open database entry last updated in 2021. The formula may have changed since – compare it with the label of the product you buy.

This product comes from Open Beauty Facts, an open database edited by volunteers. The ingredient list has not yet been verified by INCIMondo against the label; formulas can change over time and differ between markets.

Ingredients

  1. AQUA · Solvent
  2. LACTIC ACID · Buffering, Humectant, Skin conditioning
  3. GLYCERIN · Denaturant, Hair conditioning, Humectant
  4. PENTYLENE GLYCOL · Skin conditioning, Solvent
  5. PROPANEDIOL · Solvent, Viscosity controlling
  6. SODIUM HYDROXIDE · Buffering, DenaturantEU restrictions
  7. SODIUM HYALURONATE CROSSPOLYMER · Humectant, Skin conditioning
  8. TASMANNIA LANCEOLATA FRUIT/LEAF EXTRACT · Antioxidant, Hair conditioning, Skin conditioning
  9. ACACIA SENEGAL GUM · Film forming, Fragrance
  10. XANTHAN GUM · Binding, Surfactant – emulsifying, Emulsion stabilising
  11. ISOCETETH-20 · Surfactant – emulsifying, Surfactant – cleansing
  12. TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE · Chelating
  13. ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN · Deodorant, Skin conditioning
  14. 1,2-HEXANEDIOL · Skin conditioning, Solvent
  15. CAPRYLYL GLYCOL · Deodorant, Skin conditioning – emollient, Hair conditioning

An INCI list does not reveal exact concentrations.

Ingredient list as published

AQUA (WATER), LACTIC ACID, GLYCERIN, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, PROPANEDIOL, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SODIUM HYALURONATE CROSSPOLYMER, TASMANNIA LANCEOLATA FRUIT/LEAF EXTRACT, ACACIA SENEGAL GUM, XANTHAN GUM, ISOCETETH-20, TRISODIUM ETHYLENEDIAMINE DISUCCINATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL.

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