3 Best Lactic Acid Serums for Winter Exfoliation You Need to Try

Winter’s harsh, dry air can leave your skin dull and flaky, but the right lactic acid serums can make all the difference. These formulas gently exfoliate dead skin cells while hydrating, revealing a smoother, brighter complexion—perfect for cold weather. Whether you prefer a lighter 5% concentration or a more potent mix with glycolic and salicylic acids, each offers unique benefits. Curious which one fits your routine best? Let’s explore the options that could transform your winter skincare.

ROLANYIN Lactic Acid 5% + HA Facial Serum for Exfoliating and Hydrating

If you want a gentle way to exfoliate and hydrate your skin this winter, try ROLANYIN’s Lactic Acid 5% + HA Facial Serum. It contains 5% lactic acid. This helps slough off dead skin cells. It makes your skin smoother and softer. You don’t need to scrub hard.

The serum also has hyaluronic acid. This ingredient pulls water into your skin. It keeps your skin moist and plump. Even when it’s cold outside, your skin stays hydrated.

The formula is light and absorbs quickly. You can put it on before your moisturizer or makeup. It works well with other skin products. This serum is safe for all skin types. Even if your skin is sensitive, it won’t irritate you. It is made without harsh chemicals and is cruelty-free. It leaves your skin looking fresh and glowing.

Best for: People who want a gentle, effective serum to exfoliate and hydrate. It is great for all skin types. It especially helps during cold weather.

Pros:

• It gently removes dead skin cells.
• It keeps your skin moist and soft.
• It absorbs fast and works well with other products.

Cons:

• You may need to use it regularly to see results.
• Some may feel a small tingling feeling when using.
• Don’t use it on broken or sore skin.

artnaturals Lactic Acid plus AHA Face Serum

If you have dry or sensitive skin, the artnaturals Lactic Acid plus AHA Face Serum can help. It gently removes dead skin cells and adds moisture back into your skin. The serum helps lighten dark spots, even out skin tone, and make your skin feel smooth. It also helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, making your skin look younger. It’s best to use at night because it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. The serum is vegan and cruelty-free, so it’s good for animals and the planet.

Best for: People with dry or sensitive skin who want a gentle way to exfoliate and hydrate.

Pros:

• Removes dead skin and adds moisture, leaving skin soft and bright
• Helps brighten skin and fade dark spots
• Good for dry or sensitive skin and is vegan and cruelty-free

Cons:

• Use mostly at night to avoid sun sensitivity
• May cause irritation if your skin is very reactive or sensitive
• Do not use every day; too much can make your skin sore or irritated

Advanced Clinicals Glycolic Acid Facial Serum with Lactic & Salicylic Acids

The Advanced Clinicals Glycolic Acid Facial Serum with Lactic & Salicylic Acids is a good pick if you want to refresh your skin this winter. If your skin feels dull, rough, or clogged from the cold weather, this serum can help. It has a light gel formula that contains 10% glycolic and lactic acids. These acids work together to remove dead skin cells. When dead skin is gone, your skin looks smoother and brighter.

This serum is made to reduce large pores, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. It helps your skin look fresher and more radiant. Other ingredients like licorice root support skin renewal while keeping your skin moist and comfortable. Since it is gentle, you can use this serum at night. It helps your skin wake up feeling refreshed and polished, like a quick makeover in a bottle.

Best For: people who want to make their skin smoother and brighter. It is especially good if your skin feels dull, rough, or uneven because of cold, dry winter days.

Pros:

• Has a strong mix of 10% glycolic and lactic acids to help exfoliate and renew skin.
• Supports reducing dark spots and opening up large pores.
• Hydrates skin and is gentle enough to use at night.

Cons:

• Might cause irritation or sensitivity for very fragile skin. Do a patch test first.
• Should not be used in the daytime without sunscreen, as it can increase sun sensitivity.
• Its strong exfoliating power can dry out skin if you use it too often or don’t moisturize well.

This serum is a simple, effective way to boost your skin’s health during cold months. Just remember to use it at night and follow with moisturizer. If your skin is very sensitive, talk to a dermatologist before trying it.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Lactic Acid Serum for Winter Exfoliation

When choosing a lactic acid serum for winter, you need to think about your skin type and how sensitive your skin is—some formulas might be too harsh or just right. Humidity levels play a role, too, because dry indoor air can make exfoliation tricky, while more humid environments help lock in moisture. Striking the right balance between exfoliation strength and hydration is key; too strong, and you risk irritation, but too gentle might not give you the glow you’re after.

Skin Type Compatibility

Choosing the right lactic acid serum for winter depends on your skin type. Each skin type needs different ingredients to stay happy and healthy.

If your skin is sensitive, pick a serum with a low amount of acid. Look for calming ingredients like aloe or chamomile. These help prevent irritation and make your skin feel better.

If you have dry skin, choose a serum with humectants. Humectants are ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. They pull moisture into your skin and keep it hydrated while helping to gently exfoliate.

If your skin is oily or prone to pimples, pick a serum that doesn’t clog pores. Look for non-comedogenic products that help control oil and make pores look smaller.

Before using a new serum, do a patch test. Apply a small amount to your skin first. This step is extra important in winter, as cold weather can make skin more sensitive.

Matching your serum to your skin type helps you get the benefits of exfoliation without irritation. This keeps your skin smooth, healthy, and happy all winter long.

Humidity Levels Importance

During winter, the air gets dry. This makes your skin feel flaky and tight. Low humidity makes it hard for your skin to stay moist. When the air is dry, your skin’s outer layer weakens. So, your skin needs extra help to stay hydrated.

Using a serum with ingredients like hyaluronic acid can help. These ingredients lock water into your skin. This keeps your skin soft and smooth. Indoor heating makes the air even drier, which can make your skin worse. A good hydrating serum helps fight this dryness.

When the humidity drops, your skin struggles to hold onto moisture. Choosing a serum that adds hydration helps prevent dry, itchy skin. It keeps your skin plump and healthy, even in the cold, dry months.

In short, low humidity makes it more important to use products that hydrate your skin. This helps your skin stay strong, soft, and comfortable during winter.

Exfoliation Strength Balance

When you add a lactic acid serum to your winter skincare, pay attention to how strong it is. In winter, skin can get dry and sensitive. So, it’s best to start with a gentle exfoliant. Serums with about 5% lactic acid are gentle enough for daily use. They help your skin renew without upsetting it.

If you want a stronger serum, look for one with over 10% lactic acid. These can give faster results, but they may cause redness, dryness, or irritation, especially in cold weather. It’s good to be careful and see how your skin reacts.

You can also mix your serum with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid. This keeps your skin soft and happy while it sheds dead skin cells. Adjust the strength of your exfoliant based on how your skin feels. This way, your skin stays healthy and smooth all winter long.

Hydration Boost Power

When you buy a lactic acid serum in winter, it’s important to check if it helps keep your skin hydrated. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid. This ingredient attracts water to your skin, making it look full and firm. Keeping your skin moist helps prevent dryness and tightness that can happen from exfoliating. It also helps protect your skin’s barrier.

Mixing lactic acid with humectants like glycerin can boost moisture. Glycerin pulls water into your skin and helps fight the dry, cold winter air. These ingredients help your skin stay soft, elastic, and hydrated for a longer time. They can also lower irritation or redness, which sometimes happens when you exfoliate.

A good serum with these ingredients gives your skin the best chance to stay healthy and moisturized through winter. It turns winter skin worries into a simple way to keep your skin happy and hydrated.

Sensitivity Considerations

If you have sensitive skin, picking the right lactic acid serum is very important. This is especially true during winter when your skin can get easily irritated. Use serums with a low concentration, about 5% or less. This helps prevent irritation but still gives you the benefits of exfoliation. Before using a new serum, do a patch test. Put a small amount on your skin and wait to see if it reacts. Adding soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides can help protect your skin and keep it from getting red or dry. Limit how often you use the serum to 2 or 3 times a week. Too much exfoliation can make sensitive skin worse. Also, avoid mixing lactic acid with strong actives like Vitamin C or retinoids during winter. Use gentle products to keep your skin happy and healthy.

Product Layering Tips

Layering products with your lactic acid serum during winter needs some simple steps. First, if your skin feels dry or sensitive, put a moisturizer or hydrating serum under the acid. This helps protect your skin. After applying the serum, wait a few minutes. This gives it time to soak in. It also helps stop pilling or messing with the pH balance.

Once the serum is absorbed, smooth on thicker products like oils or creams. These lock in moisture and keep your skin from getting too dry in winter. Be careful not to layer too many acids or exfoliants. Using too many can irritate your skin or make the acids less effective. Less is better.

In the daytime, always put on a broad-spectrum sunscreen. This is especially important after exfoliating. Sunscreen helps protect your skin from UV damage.

Good layering keeps your skin healthy and happy during winter. Keep it simple and gentle, and your skin will thank you.

Sun Sensitivity Risks

Even in winter, your skin can get hurt by the sun. This is especially true if you use a lactic acid serum. Lactic acid helps your skin renew itself, but it can also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. When your skin is more sensitive, UV rays can cause more damage. Using these serums can also weaken your skin’s natural barrier. A weak barrier makes it easier for UV rays to cause long-term damage and dark spots. Plus, exfoliating with acids like lactic acid removes old skin, revealing new skin that is more vulnerable.

Ingredient Concentration Focus

Choosing the right amount of lactic acid for winter isn’t just about picking the highest number. It’s about finding a balance. Too much acid can irritate your skin. Too little might not do enough to help.

If your lactic acid is above 10%, it exfoliates your skin more quickly. But it also can cause redness or dryness if used too often. This is especially true in winter when the air is dry and removes moisture from your skin.

Lower amounts, like around 5%, are gentle. They help remove dead skin without causing irritation. These are good for sensitive or dry skin. They also keep your skin hydrated.

Most people find the best balance between 5% and 10%. This range gives enough exfoliation to improve your skin’s look without hurting your skin’s barrier.

Be careful with high percentages. Use them sparingly and, if you can, talk to a skincare expert. Always watch how your skin reacts. If it feels dry or irritated, lower the amount or use less often.

Listen to your skin. Adjust your skincare based on what it needs. In winter, it’s especially important to be gentle. That way, your skin stays healthy, smooth, and happy all season long.

FAQs

Can Lactic Acid Serums Replace Physical Exfoliants?

Yes, lactic acid serums can replace physical exfoliants because they dissolve dead skin cells gently, reducing irritation and improving skin texture over time. They’re a safer, more consistent option, especially during harsher winter conditions.

How Long Does It Take to See Results With Lactic Acid Serums?

You might notice smoother, brighter skin within a few days to a week of regular use, but ideal results often appear after 4 to 6 weeks. Consistency and skin type influence how quickly you’ll see improvement.

Are There Any Side Effects Using Lactic Acid in Winter?

Using lactic acid in winter can cause side effects like dryness, redness, or irritation if you have sensitive skin or overuse it. To avoid issues, start slowly, moisturize well, and always wear sunscreen, even indoors.

Can Lactic Acid Serums Be Combined With Other Skincare Products?

Yes, you can combine lactic acid serums with other skincare products, but you should be cautious. Always patch test, avoid mixing with strong acids or retinoids, and use moisturizing products to prevent irritation, especially during winter.

What Is the Recommended Frequency for Winter Exfoliation?

You should exfoliate with lactic acid serums 2 to 3 times per week during winter. This frequency helps remove dead skin cells, promotes healthy glow, and prevents irritation, especially when your skin is more sensitive in colder months.

Last update on 2026-02-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API