Ingredients Exfoliating Lactobionic Acid
76Lb
Tier · Moderate evidence
Exfoliating · Hydrating · Antioxidant

Lactobionic Acid

INCI: Lactobionic Acid · Also called: LBA

A "next-gen AHA" that exfoliates and hydrates at the same time, with much less stinging than glycolic. Sensitive-skin or rosacea-prone users tolerate it where stronger acids fail.

For your skin

A "next-gen AHA" that exfoliates and hydrates at the same time, with much less stinging than glycolic. Sensitive-skin or rosacea-prone users tolerate it where stronger acids fail.

Want the science? Keep reading ↓

Mechanism of action

Polyhydroxy bionic acid (galactose + gluconic acid) that gently exfoliates corneocytes while its large polar structure binds water and chelates metal ions, sparing skin from radical-driven irritation.

Why we tier this moderate

4 cited papers across 2 countries. The mechanism is well-described and there's at least one controlled trial in the literature, but we tier this Moderate rather than Strong to stay honest about how many specific papers we cite directly.

2
European Union
2
International

Cited research

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Warowna M, Strzelecka A, Krecisz B (Poland), Influence of Lactobionic Acid on Hydration and Elasticity Parameters in Women Aged 30-40 and 50-60 Years in Comparison to Mandelic Acid, Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025 — 180-woman trial: 5 lactobionic acid peels improved skin elasticity in both age groups and uniquely raised hydration in the 50-60 group versus mandelic acid

2025Positive — efficacyPMID:40095547View source ↗
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Tasic-Kostov M et al. (Poland), Lactic and lactobionic acids as typically moisturizing compounds, International Journal of Dermatology 2019

2019Mechanism onlyPMID:30270529View source ↗
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Tasic-Kostov M, Lukic M, Savic S (Serbia), A 10% Lactobionic acid-containing moisturizer reduces skin surface pH without irritation - An in vivo/in vitro study, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2019 — in vivo + in vitro study: 10% LA emulsion lowered skin surface pH with satisfactory safety profile; viable AHA alternative for acidifying emollients

2019Positive — efficacyPMID:30859734View source ↗
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Algiert-Zielinska B et al. (Poland), Comparative evaluation of skin moisture after topical application of 10% and 30% lactobionic acid, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 2018

2018Positive — efficacyPMID:29318715View source ↗

Sources: PubMed · KCI · J-Stage · CNKI · Wanfang · SFD · MFDS · Cochrane · SCCS · CIR. Every entry points to a specific document. See methodology for what each outcome label means.