Lactic Acid 5% + HA — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated August 18, 2026
5% lactic acid exfoliates gently for glow and fading pigmentation; can sting.
What the community says
A 5% lactic acid serum with hyaluronic acid providing mild exfoliation and hydration. Fans use it to fade stubborn pigmentation and soften skin, especially between tretinoin days. However, it may cause redness, peeling, or worsen bumps for sensitive or acne-prone users.
What this means for you
What people love
- Gentle exfoliation with 5% lactic acid
- Hydrating boost from hyaluronic acid
- Improves skin glow and fades pigmentation
Watch out for
- Can sting and cause redness or peeling
- May worsen acne or cause breakouts
- Not tolerated well by sensitive skin types
Product details
Key Ingredients
Skin type data limited
Where to buy
Real Reddit threads — 12 mentions across 5 threads
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA on Reddit, in one place — 5 threads from r/tretinoin, r/scacjdiscussion and 2 more, summarized.
“The ordinary lactic acid 5%”
Positive
“Thanks to whomever it was on this sub and recommended using some light lactic acid between tretinoin days - it helped me so much & I love how my skin is glowing!!”
Positive
“I cannot recommend it enough!! It exfoliates the tret dryness like a dream and then you’re left with the glowing skin 🤩”
Positive
“Lactic Acid 5% + HA: Love this.”
Positive
“I use it 2-3 times a week and my skin feels soft and plump.”
Positive
“My stubborn af PIH is also fading quickly.”
Positive
“The Ordinary Lactic Acid serum and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.”
Mentioned
“The Ordinary Lactic Acid serum”
Mentioned
“and Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.”
Mentioned
“What product are you using I recently got the ordinary 5% lactic but still didn’t use it”
Mentioned
“Lactic acid 5%.”
Mentioned
“It’s the only exfoliator my skin tolerates!”
Mentioned
“Lactic Acid 5% + HA”
Mentioned
“Lactic Acid can make you a little sensitive and stingy”
Mentioned
“Slow your roll on actives”
Mentioned
