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4 Best Lactic Acid Serums of 2026 (Ranked & Reviewed)

Last Update: July 2025
Reviewed By: Tom Qiao

Lactic acid serums are an effective and affordable way to keep your skin in tip-top shape while maintaining the results of a professional or at-home chemical peel like a lactic acid peel.

👉 TLDR: our top pick is Sunday Riley

RELATED ARTICLES:

Best Lactic Acid Serum

  1. Editor's Choice: Sunday Riley
  2. Best for Sensitive Skin: BIOSSANCE
  3. Best for Glow and Smooth Skin: Clinique
  4. Best Budget Pick: The Ordinary
Editor's Choice

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment, 1.0 oz.

$85.00

Glow like never before with Sunday Riley’s Good Genes a cult-favorite lactic acid treatment that instantly brightens, smooths, and refines skin texture, giving you that red-carpet-ready radiance every day.

Powered by purified lactic acid, licorice root, and lemongrass extract, it exfoliates, clarifies, and revitalizes skin.

Perfect for dull, uneven, or textured skin craving a smooth, luminous finish.

Brand: Sunday Riley
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01/31/2026 12:14 pm GMT
Best for Sensitive Skin

BIOSSANCE Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum, 1.0 oz.

$65.00

Wake up to smoother, radiant skin with BIOSSANCE Squalane + Lactic Acid Night Serum a gentle, vegan exfoliant that resurfaces, hydrates, and reduces pores while you sleep for effortless glow.

Formulated with 10% lactic acid and hydrating squalane, it smooths texture, softens fine lines, and nourishes skin.

Ideal for dull, uneven, or aging skin craving gentle exfoliation and hydration.

Brand: BIOSSANCE
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01/31/2026 01:01 pm GMT
Best for Glow and Smooth Skin

Clinique Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum, 1.0 oz.

$49.00

Unlock your skin’s natural radiance with Clinique Moisture Surge Active Glow Serum lightweight, oil-free formula that hydrates, brightens, and smooths for a glowing, healthy-looking complexion all day long.

Infused with lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C to exfoliate, plump, and brighten skin instantly.

Perfect for dehydrated, dull, or uneven skin needing hydration and luminous glow.

Brand: Clinique
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01/31/2026 12:17 pm GMT
Best Budget Pick

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA Serum, 1.0 oz.

$9.20

Reveal smoother, brighter skin with The Ordinary’s high-strength lactic acid serum gently exfoliating, hydrating, and refining texture for a radiant, even complexion without harsh irritation.

Formulated with 10% lactic acid and 2% hyaluronic acid to exfoliate, hydrate, and soften skin.

Ideal for dull, uneven, or textured skin craving gentle yet effective resurfacing.

Brand: The Ordinary
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01/31/2026 12:17 pm GMT
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Article written by Tom Qiao
Tom is the founder and editor of TheDermDetective.com where he applies his decades of personal experience with skincare problems like acne and acne scarring to provide readers with practical advice and product recommendations.
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