Lactic Acid 5% + HA — Reddit Reviews
by The Ordinary
Updated September 23, 2026
5% lactic acid exfoliant for smoother texture and fading PIH; can sting.
What the community says
A 5% lactic acid serum with hyaluronic acid and humectants, used a few nights a week after cleansing or showering. It’s the pick for people chasing smoother texture, softer skin, or tret dryness relief, but irritated and acne-prone skin can revolt.
What this means for you
What people love
- 5% lactic acid starter
- Softens texture and post-acne marks
- Plays nice with tretinoin routines
Watch out for
- Can sting and make skin extra sensitive
- Breakouts or rough bumps happen for some
- Some people see little to no change
Product details
Concerns
Use caution
Skin Type
Product Traits
Key Ingredients
Where to buy
Real Reddit threads — 30 mentions across 25 threads
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA on Reddit, in one place — 25 threads from r/tretinoin, r/SkincareAddiction and 3 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
“I experimented with the ordinarys lactic acid and am nearly bump free but not redness free”
Positive
“might have to try the lotion”
Positive
“Lactic Acid”
Positive
“Lactic acid from The Ordinary right after showering (following by oil or lotion) minimized mine a ton.”
Positive
“Amlactin Rapid which is lactic acid based.”
Positive
“The ordinary glycolic acid.”
Positive
“I started out with The Ordinary's lactic acid, then I tried P50w, before trying Good Genes.”
Cautionary
“I tried the Ordinary one and it was AWFUL for me.”
Cautionary
“I love the GG, but the Ordinary one was way too harsh and made me break out immediately.”
Cautionary
“I’ve been using The Ordinary’s lactic acid in a trouble area for texture, dark purple ingrown hair scarring, and barely noticing a difference after 3-4 weeks now”
Cautionary
“I just finished my bottle of their lactic acid and I also didn’t notice much difference.”
Cautionary
“Hated the smell too.”
Cautionary
“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
