Lactobionic acid is an ingredient from the second generation of AHAs, the so-called Poly-hydroxy acids (PHA). These are derived from sugars and have the same gentle exfoliating effect.
Lactobionic acid is an oxidized form of lactose. It is used in skincare in a similar way to AHAs - it is a gently exfoliating and humectant moisturizing ingredient that improves skin elasticity and hydration levels without any considerable irritation, redness, or stinging/burning.
Lactobionic acid is a favorite pH adjusting ingredient because, unlike first-generation AHAs, it can create an acidifying skincare product without any irritation.
The experiments also showed that there is not much difference between 10% and 30% lactobionic acid concentrations in terms of their moisturizing effects.
Science
1
Grimes, P. E., Green, B. A., Wildnauer, R. H., & Edison, B. L. (2004). The use of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) in photoaged skin. Cutis, 73(2 Suppl), 3–13.
2
Algiert-Zielińska, B., Mucha, P., & Rotsztejn, H. (2019). Effects of lactobionic acid peel, aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion, and both procedures on skin hydration, elasticity, and transepidermal water loss. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 10.1111/jocd.12859.
3
Algiert-Zielińska, B., Mucha, P., & Rotsztejn, H. (2018). Comparative evaluation of skin moisture after topical application of 10% and 30% lactobionic acid. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 17(6), 1096–1100.
4
Tasić-Kostov, M., Lukić, M., & Savić, S. (2019). A 10% Lactobionic acid-containing moisturizer reduces skin surface pH without irritation-An in vivo/in vitro study. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 18(6), 1705–1710.
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Humectant
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