# Glycerin and lactic acid

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin-and-lactic-acid

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United States.

Work well together

Use [lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid) first, then apply [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin), because the acid exfoliates while the glycerin quickly restores lost moisture and comfort. Lactic acid can sometimes make skin feel dry or tight, but glycerin pulls in [water](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/water) to soothe and hydrate it. If your skin feels sensitive, you can use a gentler percentage of acid or wait a little longer between steps.

[Effects of water activity and low molecular weight humectants on skin permeability and hydration dynamics - a double-blind, randomized and controlled study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24786192/) [The efficiency of humectants as skin moisturizers in the presence of oil](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11301638/)

- [All about glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin)
- [All about lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid)

### [Glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin) products

- [CeraVe Moisturising Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/moisturising-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — [$18.96 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TTD9BRC?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — [$16.97 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RL88DD2?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Rhode Glazing Milk](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/rhode/glazing-milk/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — [$67.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HQ4TV8XB?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-double-repair-face-moisturizer/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [$24.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9SPQHQ?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cetaphil/gentle-skin-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — [$13.44 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B099N3NM61?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — [$19.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N7T7JKJ?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/vanicream/daily-facial-moisturizer/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — [$13.97 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BW46XXK?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-water-gel/for/sensitive-skin) — Average fit — [$26.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D6PXP58H?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/olay/regenerist-micro-sculpting-cream/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — [$23.54 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007M81B4M?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/daily-moisturizing-lotion/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — [$20.15 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RK4HST7?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/kiehl-s/ultra-facial-cream/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [$39.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004JVSGWU?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/pm-facial-moisturizing-lotion/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [$13.62 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00365DABC?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

### [Lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid) products

- [Medicube Zero Pore Pad](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/medicube/zero-pore-pad/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [$18.90 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09V7Z4TJG?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/first-aid-beauty/kp-bump-eraser-body-scrub/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [$36.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GSX3TH63?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/eltamd/uv-clear-broad-spectrum-spf-46/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [$46.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002MSN3QQ?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/first-aid-beauty/facial-radiance-pads/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — [$39.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G8TPX5DR?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [CeraVe Renewing SA Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/renewing-sa-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/alpha-arbutin-2-ha/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — [$11.50 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCZFCFZ?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [$14.90 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CZ5VG3L1?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/kate-somerville/exfolikate-intensive-exfoliating-treatment/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — [$85.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M3NV2C?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/dr-dennis-gross/alpha-beta-universal-daily-peel/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [$22.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074JCCQC6?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sunday-riley/good-genes-all-in-one-lactic-acid-treatment/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [$85.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0037LRZHA?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [CeraVe Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/skin-renewing-nightly-exfoliating-treatment/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [$23.86 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098RBCQ4Z?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Biologique Recherche Lotion P50](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/biologique-recherche/lotion-p50/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [$146.28 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D3279JBW?tag=lovi-care-web-product-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## Questions and answers

### Can you use glycerin and lactic acid together?

Yes, you can use [glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin) and [lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid) together because humectants like glycerin help replenish [water](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/water) content and improve skin tolerance after exfoliation with acids like lactic acid. Products such as Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Booster, ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Cleanser, Olay [Vitamin C](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/vitamin-c) + Peptide 24 Brightening [Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/serum), Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser, Pond's Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream, and Eucerin Advanced Repair contain both ingredients.

[Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which goes first, glycerin or lactic acid?

Glycerin and lactic acid work well together, and you can apply a glycerin serum or moisturizer after your lactic acid product. Lactic acid may temporarily disrupt the skin barrier, while glycerin helps replenish moisture and improve tolerance.

[Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Are glycerin and lactic acid good for sensitive skin?

Yes, glycerin and lactic acid work well together for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin. Lactic acid gently exfoliates while glycerin replenishes hydration to maintain skin barrier tolerance.

[Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

## Research on glycerin and lactic acid

- [Lactate triggers KAT8-mediated LTBP1 lactylation at lysine 752 to promote skin rejuvenation by inducing collagen synthesis in fibroblasts](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39102921/) Lactic acid · International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024
- [The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/) Glycerin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- [Poly-L-Lactic acid increases collagen gene expression and synthesis in cultured dermal fibroblast (Hs68) through the TGF-β/Smad pathway](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36575891/) Lactic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023
- [Do urea/ammonium lactate combinations achieve better skin protection and hydration than either component alone?](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11803256/) Lactic acid · Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2002

## Other combinations

- Work well together: [Salicylic acid and glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-glycerin)
- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/retinol-and-lactic-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/niacinamide-and-lactic-acid)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and sodium lactate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-sodium-lactate)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and tromethamine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-tromethamine)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin-and-bio-placenta-peptides)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin-and-collagen-peptide)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin-and-copper-peptide)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin-and-hexapeptide)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Work well together: [AHA blend glycolic and citric acids and glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids-and-glycerin)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-glycerin)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and betaine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-betaine)
- Depends on the strength: [Lactic acid and hyaluronic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-hyaluronic-acid)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin-and-mandelic-acid)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Bio-placenta peptides and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/bio-placenta-peptides-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Carnosine and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/carnosine-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-collagen-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-copper-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/adapalene-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and granactive retinoid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-granactive-retinoid)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Pro-retinol and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/pro-retinol-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinal and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/retinal-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and retinoid blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-retinoid-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/tretinoin-and-lactic-acid)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and gluconolactone](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-gluconolactone)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and lactobionic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-lactobionic-acid)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-cholesterol)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and lauric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-lauric-acid)
- Work well together: [Linoleic acid and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/linoleic-acid-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Work well together: [Arginine and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/arginine-and-lactic-acid)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and GABA](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-gaba)
- Work well together: [Silk amino acids and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/silk-amino-acids-and-lactic-acid)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and taurine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-taurine)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and theanine](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-theanine)
- Work well together: [Ferulic acid and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/ferulic-acid-and-lactic-acid)
- Work well together: [Vitamin E and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/vitamin-e-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-lactic-acid)
- Work well together: [Allantoin and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/allantoin-and-lactic-acid)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and bisabolol](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-bisabolol)
- Work well together: [Panthenol and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/panthenol-and-lactic-acid)

## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi checks every pairing with brand-independent rules its 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. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this pairing advice: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycerin-and-lactic-acid (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycerin-and-lactic-acid
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/glycerin-and-lactic-acid
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/glycerin-and-lactic-acid
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/glycerin-and-lactic-acid
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycerin-and-lactic-acid
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/glycerin-and-lactic-acid
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/glycerin-and-lactic-acid
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/glycerin-and-lactic-acid
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycerin-and-lactic-acid
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/glycerin-and-lactic-acid
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/glycerin-and-lactic-acid
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/glycerin-and-lactic-acid