Quick answer

Use The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA at night on clean, dry skin, then wait a minute before applying a moisturizer. Start once or twice a week and build up only if your skin stays comfortable. Because it is a high-strength exfoliator, it belongs in your evening routine, not layered with other strong acids on the same night.

Why this exfoliator goes at night

Lactic Acid 10% + HA is a high-strength exfoliating treatment built around 10% lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), with hyaluronic acid included to support hydration during exfoliation. AHAs can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so a night slot is the practical choice. That also means your morning routine should include sun protection, even on cloudy days.

Check your skin before you start

This is not the product to reach for if your skin is already stinging, peeling, or reacting to something else. Lactic Acid 10% + HA is designed as a high-strength treatment, so it works best on calm, intact skin. If you are new to acids, treat the first two weeks as a patch test period rather than a challenge.

What not to layer on the same night

Keep the rest of your evening simple while you get used to this product. Avoid stacking it with retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or other exfoliating acids on the same night, because that combination raises the chance of irritation without adding benefit. On off nights, your usual hydrating and treating products can continue as normal.

Your night routine, step by step

  1. 1. Cleanse and dry: Wash with a gentle cleanser and pat your face dry. Wait about a minute so no water remains. Checkpoint: dry skin, not damp. Water can make the acid feel stronger and less predictable.
  2. 2. Apply a small amount: Smooth a thin layer of Lactic Acid 10% + HA over your face, avoiding the eye area and any broken skin. Common mistake: using a full dropper. More product does not mean better exfoliation.
  3. 3. Wait before the next step: Let the product absorb for about a minute before moving on. Checkpoint: if your skin stings sharply, rinse with cool water and wait a few days before trying again.
  4. 4. Follow with moisturizer: Apply your usual night moisturizer to seal in hydration and support the skin barrier. Common mistake: skipping moisturizer because the serum already contains hyaluronic acid. HA draws in water, but a moisturizer helps hold it there.
  5. 5. Set your frequency: Start once or twice a week. If your skin stays calm, you can add a night, but stop at the point of any persistent redness or flaking. Checkpoint: two calm weeks at the same frequency is a better signal to increase than one good night.

Product facts

  • Lactic Acid 10% + HA: Combines 10% lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), with hyaluronic acid to support skin hydration during exfoliation. The HA is there to help offset the drying feel common with acids, so you may not need an extra hydrating serum on the same night.
  • Lactic Acid 10% + HA: Designed as a high-strength treatment to be used as part of your skincare routine. It is not a daily cleanser or toner; frequency should start low and increase only if your skin tolerates it.