The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% Review

Hello everyone,

The Ordinary is quickly becoming one of my favorite skincare brands. I just love their “no frills” policy when it comes to skincare and you just can’t beat the price point. This review will be on the Lactic acid 5% + HA 2%.

Product Description:
Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% is a mild exfoliating serum with lactic acid and hyaluronic acid. This treatment gently resurfaces the skin to promote a bright, even tone and a smooth, soft texture. For a higher-strength formulation, try The Ordinary. Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%.

Key Ingredients:
Lactic acid: an alpha hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates to reveal clearer, more radiant skin
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer: a form of hyaluronic acid that boosts the skin’s moisture content for a plump, supple, and smooth appearance. Tasmanian Pepperberry: a botanical extract that reduces the irritation associated with acid use.

How To Use:
Apply a few drops to your skin at night before oils, creams, and moisturizers. Allow a few minutes for it to absorb. Avoid contact with eyes. If irritation occurs, this product can be diluted to reduce its strength. This product should not be used on sensitive, peeling, or compromised skin. Alpha hydroxy acids may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product. Size: 30 ml. pH: 3.6-3.8
Cruelty-free. Vegan. Silicone-free.
Price:
$6.50

Ingredients:

My Experience with The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%:

Packaging:  The basic philosophy of this brand is that they offer scientific research-backed ingredients which are specifically targeted toward a certain skin issue you want to address, all the while delivering at a fair margin of profit (read “dirt cheap”). They offer a whole range of products with mostly a single ingredient (with some exceptions) so that can customize your routine specifically towards what your skin needs. One of the way this brand keeps its products at a very low price is by offering a “no frill, no fuss,” simple yet functional packaging. Most of their products are offered in this simple glass vial which may make you feel like a chemist (at least, that’s what my hubby says when he sees me :P) with your array of vials every night.

Usage and feel on skin:  I simply put 3 drops directly on face, one of the forehead and one on each of the cheeks and pat it in. I use this after using an anti-aging serum, namely The Ordinary Buffet but before any moisturizer and facial oil. This particular product give me no issues with pilling. It absorbs very quickly with very minimal tacky feel. You can use this both in AM and PM but I use it only once a day at night.

Performance:  I generally use a chemical exfoliant every single night and I am used to stronger formulas such as the Drunk elephant TLC Night Serum and Sunday Riley Good Genes (which by the way has the same star ingredient – lactic acid but costs 10 times the price of the Ordinary).

I find this formula to be very gentle but not so gentle that you cannot see results. It offers very mild exfoliation without causing any irritation to the skin hence is ideal for sensitive skin or people who are just starting out with incorporating a chemical exfoliant in their routine. It is also ideal for those in their early or mid 20s when you skin is generally in a good place and your skin has a good turnover rate.

Comparison with Sunday Riley good genes:  Since I have used both products, I feel Sunday Riley good genes gave me fantastic results overnight since it was a stronger formula whereas the Ordinary lactic acid takes patience and time to show results. The morning after using Good Genes, my skin would feel baby smooth, it would smooth the texture and any bumps I would have on my skin from underlying whiteheads but I don’t see the same results with the Ordinary lactic acid and in my opinion, is a bit too weak of a formula for me.

The Ordinary also offers 10% lactic acid concentration and I will try that next after I finish my current bottle of 5%.

Fragrance:  It smells like sour milk. I don’t find it offensive and for some reason, it reminds me of mother’s kitchen when she used to make sweets with sour milk but if you are not a fan of this kind of scent, you might find it too strong and pungent.

Overall, I like this product and will recommend it to you if are just starting out with incorporating acids in your routine. I will not repurchase this because I will try their 10% strength for the same product.

Pros of The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%:

• Feels gentle on skin.
• Absorbs quickly.
• Layers well with other products.
• Leaves skin smooth and soft.
• Improves texture of the skin.

Cons of The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%:

• Has a strong sour milk scent.
• For those who are used to stronger formulas, you will find this to be not the effective.

IMBB Rating:
4.5/5

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