🇦🇺Australia

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA for dry sensitive skin

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA

Average

  • AverageDry Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • Low RiskSafety

Works for dry sensitive skin; other products fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Offers moderate exfoliation for your dry and sensitive skin, as lactic acid works to smooth texture while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer provide hydration.
  • Tasmannia lanceolata leaf extract offers some soothing benefits, though additional emollient ingredients would better address your dry skin concerns.
  • The product is generally safe for your skin, with a low risk of irritation.

How to apply

  • Use your exfoliant PM once a week to help with dryness. Start ⏳3 times a week only if your sensitive skin tolerates it well.
  • Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toning, but always before your favorite moisturizer .
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin and avoid any rubbing. Let it absorb ⏱ for a minute before layering.
  • Since your skin is reactive and sensitive, apply the exfoliant on completely dry skin for better tolerance.
  • Always do a patch test before your first use and avoid the delicate eye area .

People Say

★4.5Overall rating based on 2.2k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, users frequently praise this serum for its ability to gently exfoliate and improve skin texture, leading to a smoother, brighter complexion. It is often described as hydrating and suitable for dry and sensitive skin types. Some users note a moderate dislike for the scent and a tacky finish, with a low frequency of complaints regarding watery consistency or irritation.

Highlights

  • Smoothes skin texture Mostly Mentioned
    • “Buffs off dry spots and creates a smooth base for makeup.”
    • “Works on sebaceous filaments and whiteheads beautifully.”
    • “Helps to exfoliate the skin which removes any dead skin.”
    • “My skin keeps baby soft... purges closed comedones.”
  • Brightens & adds glow Often Mentioned
    • “Leaves my skin glowing, I use it every night.”
    • “Unmistakably glowy... morning after exfoliation was always a compliment day.”
    • “Helps improve skin texture and radiance.”
    • “Skin appears more even-toned and luminous.”
  • Gentle & non-irritating Often Mentioned
    • “Very mild and beginner friendly.”
    • “Less irritating than glycolic acid.”
    • “The most shocking thing was the lack of tingle.”
    • “Did not go through any purging.”
  • Hydrating formula Sometimes Noted
    • “Doesn't dry out my skin... keeps my skin from being too thirsty.”
    • “Gives a plump look to the skin due to the hyaluronic acid.”
    • “Improves hydration levels in dry and dehydrated skin.”
  • Sticky finish Sometimes Noted
    • “Dries down to a slightly tacky finish.”
    • “Feel a little tacky but that's what it's supposed to feel like.”
    • “Need to apply moisturizer once this has dried down.”
  • Unpleasant scent Sometimes Noted
    • “Has a fennel-like fragrance to it.”
    • “Smells like human pee.”
    • “Has a chemical smell from the ingredients.”
    • “Scent could bother some people.”
  • Potential irritation Rarely Noted
    • “Sting on any open wounds.”
    • “Caused a fair amount of stinging and redness.”
    • “Completely ruined me... caused breakouts.”
  • Watery consistency Rarely Noted
    • “Very runny and liquidy texture.”
    • “Hard to apply... runs down quickly.”
    • “Easy to overuse the product due to its thin texture.”

Sources: lovi.care, influenster.com, ulta.com, sephora.co.uk, theordinary.com, reddit.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA work for dry sensitive skin?

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA is an average fit for your dry sensitive skin because it offers moderate exfoliation and hydration with a low risk of irritation, though other products fit it better. A product of this type needs richer moisturizing and soothing ingredients to properly comfort and protect dry skin.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

Which ingredients make this exfoliant a good fit for dry sensitive skin?

Lactic acid works to smooth texture while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer help hydrate your dry and sensitive skin, and tasmannia lanceolata leaf extract offers soothing benefits with a low risk of irritation. For this skin type, a product of this type needs rich moisturizing and nourishing components that provide excellent hydration and barrier support.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

What does Lactic Acid do for dry sensitive skin?

Lactic acid helps hydrate dry skin, but for sensitive skin it may cause stinging and irritation unless it is formulated with soothing ingredients like colloidal oat or tangerine fruit extract to calm discomfort.

Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2021

What does Hyaluronic Acid do for dry sensitive skin?

Hyaluronic acid is a great fit for dry, sensitive skin because it brings a large boost in hydration, making the skin feel soft and smooth while improving barrier function. It helps calm tightness and dryness, and is unlikely to cause irritation.

Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011Dermatology and Therapy, 2021

Where does it go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?

This treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and toning, and before moisturizing. Because it provides only moderate hydration and soothing, this skin type needs extra rich creams with softening ingredients and heavy hydrators to stay comfortable.

Can I use it with retinol, and in what order?

It is generally best to use this exfoliant on a different night than your retinol to keep irritation low, or apply retinol after it has fully absorbed if your skin is used to both. This product works for your skin, though dry skin needs additional rich, softening ingredients to feel fully comfortable.

How often should I use it?

Start by using this exfoliant treatment once a week in the evening, and carefully increase the frequency only if your dry sensitive skin tolerates it well and shows good results. This product provides moderate exfoliation with lactic acid alongside hydrating and soothing ingredients, though this skin type generally benefits from additional rich softening ingredients.

Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?

This exfoliant treatment is unlikely to clog pores, and it has a low risk of causing breakouts or irritation on your dry sensitive skin. A product of this type needs rich, nourishing hydrators and soothing ingredients to keep dry skin comfortable and smooth.

Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.

What the research says

  • A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.

    Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

  • Hyaluronic acid extracts are safe and efficacious products for skin repair when used in tissue regeneration alone or in combination with herbal or Western medicine.

    Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2015

  • Application of a cream containing lactic acid 12% and pramoxine HCl 1% significantly improved skin dryness, hydration, and itch compared with a nontreated control in 24 women with a history of dry itchy skin.

    Cutis, 2004

  • Topical 12% ammonium lactate produced a significant sparing of epidermal and dermal atrophy induced by clobetasol propionate in human volunteers, without influencing the corticosteroid's bioavailability or antiinflammatory properties.

    Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1992

  • A lactic acid/ceramide lotion significantly improved skin moisturization and desquamation compared to no treatment in women with dry, rough skin on the anterior shins.

    The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020

  • Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011

  • Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction.

    Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022

  • Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days.

    BMC Oral Health, 2019

  • The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020

  • Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.

    International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001

  • Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects.

    Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012

  • Topical Tasmannia lanceolata extract reduced skin roughness, increased firmness, dermal density, and thickness of stabilized stretch marks compared to placebo in 29 women over 8 weeks, alongside increased pro-collagen I, elastin, and TGF-beta concentrations in ex vivo human skin explants.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021

  • Exposure of epidermal full-thickness skin equivalents to a blend of betaine, pentylene glycol, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Rhodiola rosea root extract significantly increased antioxidant, skin barrier, and oxidative stress biomarkers while reducing the negative impact of hydrogen peroxide on MMP3, MMP12, FBN2, ANXA1, and HGF, whereas a blend of Narcissus tazetta bulb extract and Schisandra chinensis fruit extract significantly increased 8 growth factors, 7 signaling, 7 structural/barrier function, 7 oxidative stress biomarkers, and specific microRNAs over control levels.

    International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2018

Why other products fit dry sensitive skin better

  • Tocopherol succinate-loaded ethosomal gel increased skin deposition, stability, moisture, and mechanical properties in 13 human subjects compared to a control gel over 12 weeks.

    Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022

  • In 50 participants with sensitive skin, a Ceramide NP C15-containing emollient improved skin barrier function with a significant reduction in transepidermal water loss and induced modest changes in skin microbiota compared to the vehicle.

    Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2026

  • Hydrogels containing vitamin E-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers exhibited better occlusive properties and long-lasting effects, while vitamin E-loaded nanoemulsions performed a faster skin hydration effect and were selected as more attractive for skin application.

    Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces, 2019

Ingredients

Water, Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Leaf Extract Fruit, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Isoceteth-20, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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Prices checked 6 Nov 2026

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How does it fit your skin?

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