# Lactic acid and cholesterol

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

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

Work well together

Use them together by applying [cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/cholesterol) after [lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid), because cholesterol helps soothe and rebuild your skin barrier after exfoliation. Lactic acid gently removes dead skin cells while cholesterol restores your natural moisture barrier so your face stays soft and comfortable. If your skin feels sensitive, you can apply them on alternate nights or use a lower strength of lactic acid.

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

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

- [Medicube Zero Pore Pad](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/medicube/zero-pore-pad/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [£15.30 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CV7RX6ML?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/first-aid-beauty/kp-bump-eraser-body-scrub/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [£24.95 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GSX4BHQ2?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/eltamd/uv-clear-broad-spectrum-spf-46/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit
- [First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/first-aid-beauty/facial-radiance-pads/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — [£20.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G2Z2VYW2?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/sa-lotion-for-rough-and-bumpy-skin/for/oily-skin) — Average fit — [£23.00 at Lookfantastic](https://www.lookfantastic.com/p/cerave-sa-smoothing-cream-with-salicylic-acid-for-dry-rough-bumpy-skin-340g/12207664/)
- [CeraVe Renewing SA Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/renewing-sa-cream/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/alpha-arbutin-2-ha/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — [£8.40 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XCZFCFZ?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/retinal-0-2-emulsion/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [£12.16 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CZ5VG3L1?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/kate-somerville/exfolikate-intensive-exfoliating-treatment/for/mature-skin) — Superior fit — [£25.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B076CFBMQZ?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/dr-dennis-gross/alpha-beta-universal-daily-peel/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [£97.78 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CSKS5X7X?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/the-ordinary/lactic-acid-5-ha/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — [£6.16 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01NA0F3FB?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/good-molecules/overnight-exfoliating-treatment/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [£9.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08TMDRF1L?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

### [Cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/cholesterol) products

- [CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — [£8.29 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07C5R51Q9?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/daily-moisturizing-lotion/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — [£11.65 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00YT1IZTO?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/illiyoon/ceramide-ato-concentrate-cream/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [£17.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B077RTL1HJ?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/skinceuticals/triple-lipid-restore-2-4-2/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — [£134.32 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01CL691QO?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Cetaphil Ceramide Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cetaphil/ceramide-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [£24.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CZD72G5W?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Curél Deep Moisture Spray](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/curel/deep-moisture-spray/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [£12.49 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FXHKH3GH?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [CeraVe Comforting Eye Makeup Remover](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/cerave/comforting-eye-makeup-remover/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [Thayers Barrier Bestie Ultra Whip Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/thayers/barrier-bestie-ultra-whip-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [Ceradan Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/ceradan/cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [Ceradan Skin Barrier Repair Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/ceradan/skin-barrier-repair-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [Neostrata Resurface Lotion Plus](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/neostrata/resurface-lotion-plus/for/combination-skin) — Average fit
- [Aestura Ato Barrier 365 Lotion](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/aestura/ato-barrier-365-lotion/for/sensitive-skin) — Average fit — [£26.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0H6F8FQVS?tag=lovi-care-web-product-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## Questions and answers

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

Yes, you can use [lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid) and [cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/cholesterol) together because barrier lipids like cholesterol help rebuild the lamellar structure after lactic acid thins the stratum corneum. You may combine them in post-exfoliation routines or rebalancing creams to reinforce your skin barrier.

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

Lactic acid goes first, followed by cholesterol to help rebuild the lamellar structure after exfoliation. Apply cholesterol after your lactic acid product.

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

Lactic acid and cholesterol work well together to reinforce the skin barrier and restore lipid balance, making them a great combination for dry and barrier-compromised skin when applied after exfoliation. Lovi rates this pairing as High fit for sensitive skin.

## Research on lactic acid and cholesterol

- [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
- [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

- Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinol and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinol-and-lactic-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/niacinamide-and-lactic-acid)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and sodium lactate](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-sodium-lactate)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and tromethamine](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-tromethamine)
- Work well together: [Niacinamide and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/niacinamide-and-cholesterol)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and betaine](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-betaine)
- Work well together: [Glycerin and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycerin-and-lactic-acid)
- Depends on the strength: [Lactic acid and hyaluronic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-hyaluronic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Bio-placenta peptides and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/bio-placenta-peptides-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Carnosine and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/carnosine-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-collagen-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-copper-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/adapalene-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and granactive retinoid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-granactive-retinoid)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Pro-retinol and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/pro-retinol-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Retinal and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/retinal-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and retinoid blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-retinoid-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/tretinoin-and-lactic-acid)
- Work well together: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-cholesterol)
- Work well together: [Bio-placenta peptides and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/bio-placenta-peptides-and-cholesterol)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/cholesterol-and-collagen-peptide)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/cholesterol-and-copper-peptide)
- Work well together: [Hexapeptide and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-cholesterol)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/cholesterol-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/cholesterol-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/cholesterol-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/cholesterol-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/cholesterol-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and gluconolactone](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-gluconolactone)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and lactobionic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-lactobionic-acid)
- Work well together: [Hyaluronic acid and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/hyaluronic-acid-and-cholesterol)
- Work well together: [AHA blend glycolic and citric acids and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids-and-cholesterol)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/cholesterol-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-cholesterol)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and lauric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-lauric-acid)
- Work well together: [Linoleic acid and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/linoleic-acid-and-lactic-acid)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-cholesterol)
- Keep them apart: [Lactic acid and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Work well together: [Arginine and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/arginine-and-lactic-acid)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and GABA](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-gaba)
- Work well together: [Silk amino acids and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/silk-amino-acids-and-lactic-acid)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and taurine](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-taurine)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and theanine](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-theanine)
- Work well together: [Ferulic acid and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/ferulic-acid-and-lactic-acid)
- Work well together: [Vitamin E and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/vitamin-e-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-lactic-acid)
- Work well together: [Cholesterol and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/cholesterol-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Work well together: [Allantoin and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/allantoin-and-lactic-acid)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and bisabolol](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-bisabolol)
- Work well together: [Panthenol and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/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/lactic-acid-and-cholesterol
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-cholesterol (this page)
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-cholesterol
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-cholesterol
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-cholesterol
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-cholesterol
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-cholesterol
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-cholesterol
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-cholesterol
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-cholesterol
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-cholesterol
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-cholesterol
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-cholesterol