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Essentially Natural

Essentially Natural Lactic Acid 80%

Essentially Natural Lactic Acid 80%

R 29.00
R 29.00

Restock in progress Stock may still be with our manufacturing team or arriving shortly. Orders usually ship within 1-3 working days.
INCI: L-lactic acid

Essentially Natural Lactic Acid 80% is a liquid alpha hydroxy acid used in cosmetic formulation for gentle exfoliation and as a pH regulator. It is commonly added during cool down to adjust pH and to support smoother-feeling skin in suitable formulas. Lactic acid is water soluble and is often used in facial products and body lotions at low percentages. It should never be applied directly to skin at this strength.

Read more on how to work with it: Working with Lactic Acid

And also:  A Quick Guide To Humectants

Learn how to formulate:  The Beginner's Guide To Cosmetic Formulation

Also available in  Sample Sizes.

This product is certified: Vegan, Food Safe, and Beauty Without Cruelty.

Need detailed info? COAs and SDSs are available — just send us the product name and batch number, and we’ll gladly share them with you.
  • Ingredient Name: Lactic Acid
  • Strength: 80% (L-lactic acid)
  • Format: Liquid
  • Solubility: Water soluble
  • Recommended Usage Rate: 0.1 to 10% (cool down phase)
  • Features: Vegan friendly, GMO-free
  • Size Options: 50ml, 100ml, 200ml, 500ml, 1L or 5L
  • pH adjustment in creams, lotions, toners, and gels
  • Low-level exfoliating leave-on products
  • Body lotions and moisturisers aiming for smoother feel
  • Pairing in formulas with compatible humectants and vitamins

    This product is suitable for:

  • DIY formulators who can measure and adjust pH accurately
  • Makers creating gentle exfoliating lotions and toners
  • Formulators building pH-sensitive preservative and active systems

    • This product is not for:

  • Direct application to skin at full strength
  • Very sensitive skin routines that avoid exfoliating acids
  • Anyone wanting a finished exfoliating product rather than an ingredient
  • As a pH Regulator: Add gradually in cool down and test pH until desired range is reached.
  • As an Exfoliating Active: Use within 0.1 to 10% depending on product type and comfort, and confirm pH.
  • As a Formula Support Ingredient: Use to fine-tune pH for preservatives and actives where appropriate.

    • Processing Tip: Always test pH, small changes can shift pH quickly.

  • For external use only.
  • Do not apply directly to skin at this concentration.
  • Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
  • Patch test finished products and discontinue if irritation occurs.
  • Use sun protection when using exfoliating acid products, as skin can become more sun sensitive.
  • Keep well sealed and store away from children, animals, moisture, sunlight, and heat.
  • If pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a healthcare professional before use.

Q: Is lactic acid only for exfoliation?
A: No, it is also used as a pH regulator in many cosmetic formulas.

Q: When should I add lactic acid to a formula?
A: It is commonly added in the cool down phase so pH can be adjusted carefully.

Q: Does lactic acid dissolve in water?
A: Yes, it is water soluble and mixes into water phases easily.

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Produced in South Africa
Natural Origin
Vegan
Cruelty-Free
R
RONEL M. (Centurion, ZA)
Lactic acid - WORKS GREAT!!

Your own chemical peel done in the comfort of your own home
Thank you ESSENTIALLY NATURAL for being able to purchase these products and so AFFORDABLE!

A
Akira (Durban, ZA)
Perfect for lightening dark areas and marks

I mixed some into a body cream and have been using it for two weeks. Dark marks and scars have faded. 100% recommend. This is an underrated acid.

A
Ashna (Alexandra, ZA)
Good Quality Product

This is an an amazing Product.
Latic Acid is incredible at smoothing textured skin.
Dark marks have lighten as well.

M
Maria B.
Perfect for a smooth skin

This product is just amazing

M
Mishka (Cape Town, ZA)
One of my favorites

This is perfect for making your own peels or exfoliating serum for your body. At 10%, it prevents body odor. A little goes a long way since you're diluting it to use it anyway.

A
ACQUILLA M. (Johannesburg, ZA)
Smooth skin

This product helped me clear dark spots on my face and used it for my underarms , removed all the dead skin and now my skin is smooth 👌

L
Lauren C. (Johannesburg, ZA)
Amazing products

I used this as a peel with a carrier oil my skin feels so smooth the day after. It can only get better.

N
N.P. (Pretoria, ZA)
Lactic acid

Used this as a chemical peel and I would 100% recommend

a
a.B. (Johannesburg, ZA)
Totally please with the product

An amazing addition to my skincare formulations. I'm so grateful to Essentially Natural for providing us with the opportunity to purchase in small quantities to trial new ingredients.

J
J.G. (Johannesburg, ZA)
Hopeful

The service was excellent for my stuff earlier than expected. Did my peel on Friday now my skin is scaly and tight and dry so am hopeful that it’s the peeling process and will have better skin soon.

S
Setsana M. (Johannesburg, ZA)
100/10

Let me start with customer service. You guys never disappoint. I ordered two bottle by mistake and I sent email after receiving my parcel and I got a call immediately and I was advised accordingly.

I am not new to at home chemical peels but new to lactic acid peel. I started with 20% now my skin can tolerate 40%. My skin is as clean, glowy and smooth as God knows what. I have never been this happy. I am planning to do 6 to 7 treatments then take a break. I now understand why they call lactic acid a “ bridal peel, glow peel “and all these beautiful names. I’ll definitely advise y’all to start slow and steady. Otherwise , I am never letting go of it.

S
Salisha A. (Johannesburg, ZA)
Inlovee

I use this with in my diy soap and I see my skin is clearing and getting brighter.

M
Michelle V.W. (Port Elizabeth, ZA)
Game changer!

I am just so happy with this product. I have been using this product in my formulations for a few weeks now and I can see a huge difference in my skin texture. Love all products!

a
annelie m. (Johannesburg, ZA)
Great product

Will purchase it again, works well. Overall, I highly recommend trying a lactic acid peel if you're looking to improve your skin's texture and appearance. It's a great way to achieve a more youthful, radiant complexion!

N
Nomalanga R. (Cape Town, ZA)
Amazing

Authentic quality, really impressive

P
Precious S. (Johannesburg, ZA)
New look

I've been using the lactic acid for a few days and after the first skin peel, my face looks radiant ✨️

Q
Quew F. (Cape Town, ZA)
On my journey of using the product

It hasn't been long since I've received this product and started to use it, but all I can say is I'm very happy with it and how it is treating my skin. The appearance of pores is slowly getting reduced and I think within a period of a month my skin will be looking so good than it does now.

C
Carole K. (Cape Town, ZA)
Excellent service from Essentially Natural. Good quality product at highly competitive price

Also used for home peels. Excellent quality. You need to carefully read mixing advice when making any home peel but it's really straightforward.

B
Buhle M. (Cape Town, ZA)
had a worst reaction after using this and the glycolic acid

this and the glycolic acid gave me the worst breakout, regret why i bought it

E
Ezam M. (Johannesburg, ZA)

Great product, dilution guidelines were extremely helpful!

E
Eneta C. (Johannesburg, ZA)

Eh

H
Handy K. (Lilongwe, MW)
Happy customer

Fully satisfied. I will make another purchase soon

N
Nkosingiphile V. (Pretoria, ZA)

It’s a great skin care ingredient that can be corporated into many things not harsh on skill and manageable if you used a high concentration

Z
Zan M. (Johannesburg, ZA)

I love your work firstly. I love your lactic I use it on my clients and we haven’t had any reaction. The delivery also is fast

S
S.B. (Cape Town, ZA)
Awesome as always

I loved working with this product. You really have never disappointed! Excellent product. Excellent service

M
M T. (Benoni, ZA)
What a great product!

First of all, it’s super cheap to mix this into a face wash and/or lotion, and you’ll still have plenty more to spare.
It’s gentle. I just love this product.

C
Canathea G. (Port Elizabeth, ZA)

First time ever working with this product. I made the lactic acid foot scrub! Adjusted a bit😉 It works amazingly! I love it! Can't wait to explore this one a bit more!

K
Khadija N. (Durban, ZA)
Lactic Acid : Great for AHA noobs

As an absolute noob to going natural I found the Lactic Acid perfect for starting off. With a plethora of dos and don'ts on the Web to begin I stuck to the simple peel on essentially naturals recipe page and couldn't be happier after 2 uses with a visible improvement to my skin.

K
Kiara

What can you use to dilute the acid with for body pigmentation and how often would you recommend using it?

Essentially Natural

Hi there Kiara,

Thanks for your question.

Lactic acid should always be diluted before applying to the skin - while diluting with water would be fine, two alternatives would also work well too:
1. Adding to a cream base
This is usually the better option than just water, as a cream helps buffer the acid and reduces irritation. However:
- The final pH of the product must be checked and adjusted (ideally between pH 3.5–4 for effectiveness and safety).
- Simply stirring lactic acid into a finished cream can destabilise the emulsion if too much is added.
- Start low - aim for a final concentration of 5% for body use if you’re new to acids.

2. Diluting with aloe vera liquid gel
Simply acts as a water-based carrier.
- The pH still needs to be tested and adjusted.
- Aloe-based formulas can feel more active and may cause more tingling compared to a cream base.

For body pigmentation, a finished concentration of around 5–10% lactic acid is generally suitable for body use, depending on how sensitive your skin is. If you’re new to acid exfoliation, it’s best to start at the lower end (around 5%).

General guided frequency:
- Start 1–2 times per week
- If your skin tolerates it well (no irritation, excessive dryness, or sensitivity), you can increase to 2–3 times per week
- Always apply to clean, dry skin and follow with a moisturiser

Very important:
- Always do a patch test before full application
- Avoid using on broken or irritated skin
- Daily sunblock is essential when using exfoliating acids, as they increase sun sensitivity

I hope that helps. Please do reach out if you have any further queries.

Kindest regards,
Aiden

W
Wendy

Does it help foot discolouration?

Essentially Natural

Hi there Wendy,

Thanks for reaching out.

When diluted to around 10–15%, lactic acid can gently exfoliate the skin, helping to improve uneven tone and rough texture over time. At full strength (80%), however, it carries a high risk of irritation, burns, and even worsening discolouration, so it isn’t recommended for direct use on the skin.

In a foot lotion or diluted treatment, lactic acid can support gradual exfoliation and renewal. If the discolouration is significant or persistent, it’s worth checking in with a dermatologist or podiatrist to rule out underlying causes such as fungal infections, circulation issues, or post-inflammatory pigmentation.

To further encourage skin renewal, you may also want to include foot soaks, gentle scrubs, and products with brightening ingredients such as rosehip, liquorice root, or niacinamide in your routine.

I hope this helps, and please feel free to reach out if you have any more questions.

Kindest regards,
Aiden

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