Find the best lactic acid mask for your skin type, skin condition, and budget! Overall, my top recommendation is Glytone Rejuvenating Mask (3 PFAV Glycolic Acid).
Did you know that a simple lactic acid mask can work wonders for your skin?
That's because alpha hydroxy acids like lactic acid exfoliate dead skin, increase cell turnover, stimulate collagen production, brighten skin tone, draw moisture into the epidermis, and even increase the penetration of other skincare ingredients! (source: Soleymani et al., 2018)
A lactic acid mask is the perfect "in between" option if you're not ready for a lactic acid peel but you don't have the time to apply a lactic acid serum, either.
Now, with so many lactic acid masks on the market, which one is right for you? 🤔
In this post, I'll discuss how to choose a lactic acid mask and my top recommendations.
Let's get started!
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Here are my top recommendations:
Best For:
✅ Wrinkles
✅ Fine Lines
✅ Blemishes
✅ Clogged Pores
✅ Uneven Skin Tone
Key Ingredients:
⭐ Glycolic Acid
⭐ Lactic Acid
⭐ Vitamin C
⭐ Kaolin Clay
⭐ Bentonite Clay
⭐ Collagen
⭐ Glycerin
Key Features:
🧪 3% Free Acid Value
👍 3 oz Size
👍 Non-Comedogenic
🏆 Professional Quality
🏆 Excellent Reviews
Does your skin need a professional rejuvenation?
Let Glytone Rejuvenating Mask boost your skincare routine in just 10 minutes, 3 times a week.
This powerful glycolic acid mask uses 3% free acid value, which is ~7.5% glycolic acid if you assume a pH of 4.
Remember, free acid value is a much better measure of the true concentration of glycolic acid, however, most manufacturers don't disclose this information or even provide the pH level (required to calculate FAV).
That's why I trust Glytone for alpha hydroxy acid products as this brand always provides the free acid value so you know exactly what you're getting.
(Glytone calls it Precision Free Acid Value or PFAV).
This mask works wonders for anti-aging concerns like wrinkles, fine lines, and sun damage, as glycolic acid and lactic acid exfoliate dead skin cells and stimulate the growth of new, healthy skin tissue.
It helps control adult acne and blemishes as well by opening clogged pores and absorbing excess oils.
Meanwhile, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) helps fade dark spots and brighten your complexion while kaolin and bentonite clays draw out impurities and detoxify your skin.
Finally, soluble collagen accelerates the recovery process to build smoother and firmer skin while glycerin helps keep your skin hydrated.
My Verdict: Keep your skin looking younger and smoother with Glytone Rejuvenating Mask featuring 3.0 PFAV glycolic acid, lactic acid, vitamin C, purifying clays, collagen, and glycerin.
Shop NowBest For:
✅ Hyperpigmentation
✅ Dark Spots
✅ Melasma
✅ Uneven Skin Tone
✅ Sensitive Skin
Key Ingredients:
⭐ Pineapple
⭐ Passionfruit
⭐ Papaya
⭐ Fruit Extracts
Key Features:
👍 1.7 oz Size
👍 Clean Beauty Brand
🏆 Excellent Reviews
Are you searching for a solution to hyperpigmentation?
REN Clean Skincare Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask might be the answer you're looking for, with all natural fruit acids from pineapple, passionfruit, and papaya.
Fruit enzymes contain naturally occurring AHAs that help dissolve dead skin cells to provide similar benefits as traditional AHAs like glycolic acid.
(remember, glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane)
However, fruit enzymes are often more gentle and therefore better suited for sensitive skin types.
That's good news if you enjoy fruit because this mask includes even more fruit enzymes like lemon, grape, cranberry, orange, mandarin, tangerine, and grapefruit!
It's an amazing option to brighten, tighten, and rejuvenate your skin to give it that coveted "holy grail" glow.
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My Verdict: Clean beauty (simple ingredients, minimal packaging, cruelty free) is the future and REN Clean Skincare is already there! Use Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask with fruit enzymes to brighten, tighten, and rejuvenate your skin for a healthy & youthful glow.
Shop NowBest For:
✅ Wrinkles
✅ Fine Lines
✅ Age Spots
✅ Uneven Skin Tone
Key Ingredients:
⭐ Retinol
⭐ Lactic Acid
⭐ Peptides
⭐ Botanical Extracts
⭐ Vitamin E
Key Features:
👍 2.5 oz Size
👍 Excellent Reviews
👍 Made in USA
Peel away wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots with this anti-aging focused lactic acid mask.
Control Corrective Ultra Peptide Cream Mask is perfect for aging skin with a powerful mix of retinol (vitamin A) and lactic acid for dual-action exfoliation that lifts away dead skin cells and smooths rough skin texture.
Meanwhile, wrinkle-relaxing peptides like acetyl hexapeptide-8, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 (part of Matrixyl 3000), and palmitoyl oligopeptide help bind moisture to your skin and ease the appearance of fine lines.
Botanical extracts, such as arnica flower, green tea, and licorice root soothe sensitive skin, reduce inflammation, and helps brighten uneven skin tone, while vitamin E conditions and protects against free radical damage.
To use this mask, apply a generous amount and leave on for 7-10 minutes before rinsing or massage into your skin for a powerful overnight treatment.
My Verdict: Keep your skin looking firmer with Control Corrective Ultra Peptide Cream Mask featuring youth-restoring retinol and lactic acid, wrinkle-relaxing peptides, and soothing botanical extracts. Excellent reviews and made in the USA.
Shop NowBest For:
✅ Luxurious Spa Days
✅ Chocolate Lovers
✅ Aromatherapy
Key Ingredients:
⭐ 15% Lactic Acid
⭐ Kaolin Clay
⭐ Organic Cocoa Powder
Key Features:
👍 100% Organic
👍 Cruelty-Free
👍 Made in USA
Do you miss the thrill of an upcoming spa day?
Why not build your own luxurious getaway with a heavenly chocolate mask from Planet Eden?
(trust me, the hardest part is not eating this stuff!)
Milk Chocolate Anti-Aging Alpha Hydroxy Mask is an extremely addictive clay mask that you'll look forward to using, every single time!
15% lactic acid gently exfoliates your dry skin, kaolin clay draws out toxins and impurities from deep within, while organic cocoa powder gives you that aromatic sense of je ne sais quoi while nourishing your skin with antioxidants and minerals.
I've used this mask myself and it's amazing for days when you're feeling congested, dealing with breakouts, or need to unplug clogged pores.
Before applying, mix well with a spoon or wooden stick as the organic oils (apricot, rose hip) will naturally rise to the top. If it looks dry, add a bit of water to the mixture and stir.
My Verdict: Enjoy a heavenly spa day without the hassle with Planet Eden Milk Chocolate Mask featuring 15% lactic acid, detoxifying kaolin clay, and delicious organic cocoa powder.
Shop NowBest For:
✅ Blemishes
✅ Congestion
✅ Redness
Key Ingredients:
⭐ L-Lactic Acid
⭐ Willow Bark
⭐ Organic Extracts
⭐ Quartz Micro-Crystals
Key Features:
👍 Direct-from-Farm
👍 100% Natural Origin
👍 50% Organic Farming
🏆 400+ Reviews
If you follow organic skincare, you know that Tata Harper is the one of the most popular brands with all ingredients grown on their organic farm in Vermont.
Tata Harper Clarifying Mask is one of their bestsellers that clearly struck a chord with the prestige beauty audience as it includes 40 botanical ingredients that are 100% natural and 50% from organic farming.
Among them, L-lactic acid (the chirally correct form) and willow bark extract (a natural source of salicylic acid) helps you clear blemishes and reduce congestion.
Meanwhile, a range of organic extracts including honey, sage, lavender, arnica, and calendula, to name a few, does everything from soothing inflammation to reducing redness to increasing skin hydration.
(definitely check out the full ingredient list for yourself, it's very extensive! 👍)
Quartz micro-crystals round out the formula for an extra bit of physical exfoliation.
My Verdict: Clean, natural, organic beauty, whatever you call it, Tata Harper is on the cutting edge with high-performance botanical ingredients sourced from its organic farm in Vermont. Feel the difference with the brand's bestselling Clarifying Mask for clearer, blemish-free skin.
Shop Now