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Lactobionic Acid Vs Glycolic Acid: Which Is Better for Sensitive Skin?

Views: 220     Author: tcchems     Publish Time: 2025-08-12      Origin: Site

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Understanding Lactobionic Acid and Glycolic Acid

>> What is Glycolic Acid?

>> What is Lactobionic Acid?

How These Acids Work on Sensitive Skin

>> Glycolic Acid on Sensitive Skin

>> Lactobionic Acid on Sensitive Skin

Benefits Comparison: Lactobionic Acid vs Glycolic Acid for Sensitive Skin

How to Choose Between Lactobionic Acid and Glycolic Acid

>> Skin Type and Concerns

>> Severity of Sensitivity

How to Use Lactobionic Acid and Glycolic Acid Safely on Sensitive Skin

>> Applying Lactobionic Acid

>> Applying Glycolic Acid

Scientific Insights and Studies

Real-World User Experience

Additional Factors to Consider

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When choosing between Lactobionic Acid and Glycolic Acid for sensitive skin, lactobionic acid is generally better because it is a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) known for being gentler, more hydrating, and less irritating. Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), is effective but often harsher and more likely to cause irritation for sensitive skin types.

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients2

Understanding Lactobionic Acid and Glycolic Acid

What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is a well-known AHA derived from sugar cane. It is popular for its deep exfoliating properties that penetrate the skin effectively to improve texture, reduce acne, fade hyperpigmentation, and combat signs of aging. However, due to its small molecular size and strong exfoliating action, it can cause stinging, redness, and irritation, especially in those with sensitive or dry skin.

What is Lactobionic Acid?

Lactobionic acid (LBA) belongs to the PHA family, which includes larger molecules than AHAs, making them more gentle on the skin. LBA is derived from milk sugar and is unique for combining exfoliation with moisturizing, antioxidant, and skin barrier strengthening benefits. Its larger molecular size means it does not penetrate as deeply, reducing irritation risk. It also attracts moisture and calms inflammation, making it ideal for sensitive, dry, or redness-prone skin.

How These Acids Work on Sensitive Skin

Glycolic Acid on Sensitive Skin

- Exfoliation: Glycolic acid removes dead skin cells by breaking down the bonds that hold them together, which can improve skin texture and promote cell turnover.

- Potential Irritation: Because it penetrates deeply and works quickly, it can cause dryness, redness, irritation, and even compromise the skin barrier in sensitive skin.

- Suitability: Best suited for people with normal to oily skin who can tolerate stronger exfoliation. Sensitive skin types must use it cautiously, often with lower concentrations or less frequent application.

Lactobionic Acid on Sensitive Skin

- Gentle Exfoliation: LBA exfoliates more softly, loosening dead cells on the skin's surface without aggressive disruption.

- Hydration and Barrier Support: It is twice as hydrating as glycolic acid and helps restore and strengthen the skin barrier, reducing moisture loss and irritation.

- Antioxidant Protection: It helps protect sensitive skin from environmental damage and oxidative stress that can worsen sensitivity.

- Anti-inflammatory and Soothing: LBA calms redness and inflammation, making it suitable for skin prone to rosacea, eczema, or general irritation.

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Benefits Comparison: Lactobionic Acid vs Glycolic Acid for Sensitive Skin

Benefit Lactobionic Acid Glycolic Acid
Exfoliation Mild, gradual, surface-level Strong, deep penetration
Irritation potential Low, suitable for sensitive skin Higher, can cause redness & dryness
Hydration High (acts as humectant) Low, may dry skin
Antioxidant properties Strong antioxidant Limited antioxidant benefit
Skin barrier support Strengthens skin barrier May impair skin barrier with misuse
Additional benefits Soothing, anti-inflammatory Effective at acne & pigmentation

Lactobionic acid's combination of gentle exfoliation, hydrating properties, and antioxidant effects make it preferable for sensitive skin. It not only exfoliates but also repairs and protects, minimizing irritation and inflammation.

How to Choose Between Lactobionic Acid and Glycolic Acid

Skin Type and Concerns

- *Sensitive, dry, or redness-prone skin*: Lactobionic acid is the better choice because of its gentleness and barrier-repairing abilities.

- *Normal to oily skin dealing with acne, pigmentation, or thickened skin*: Glycolic acid can deliver faster results but with care depending on skin tolerance.

Severity of Sensitivity

- If your skin reacts easily to acids, opting for lactobionic acid allows for exfoliation with less risk.

- For those who have used AHAs before without irritation, glycolic acid in lower concentrations can be tried cautiously.

How to Use Lactobionic Acid and Glycolic Acid Safely on Sensitive Skin

Applying Lactobionic Acid

- Use products formulated with 5–10% lactobionic acid.

- Can be used daily or every other day due to its mild nature.

- Best applied after cleansing, possibly combined with soothing serums and moisturizers.

- Suitable for layering with other actives like retinoids because of low irritation risk.

Applying Glycolic Acid

- Start with products containing 5–10% glycolic acid at low frequency (1–2 times per week).

- Always patch-test first to check for sensitivity.

- Use at night and follow with a good moisturizer to prevent dryness.

- Always use sunscreen during the day since AHAs increase sun sensitivity.

Scientific Insights and Studies

Comparative studies show that 6% lactobionic acid produces less skin irritation and barrier impairment than 6% glycolic acid, while still delivering effective skin renewal benefits. Another study comparing gluconolactone (a PHA similar to lactobionic acid) with glycolic acid showed similar anti-aging effects but much lower irritation with the PHA.

Lactobionic acid also functions as a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, aiding in protection against premature aging and calming irritated skin. This makes it a "gentle giant" in skincare for sensitive and vulnerable skin types.

Real-World User Experience

Many users with sensitive skin who have tried both acids report:

- Glycolic acid can cause stinging, tightness, and redness, especially when first introduced.

- Lactobionic acid feels hydrating and soothing while gently improving skin texture without redness or peeling.

- Lactobionic acid is often recommended by dermatologists for rosacea or eczema-prone skin needing exfoliation.

Additional Factors to Consider

- Product formulation: Concentration, pH, and additional ingredients affect how an acid feels on the skin.

- Combination with other actives: Lactobionic acid is more compatible with retinoids and vitamin C without amplifying irritation.

- Cost and availability: Lactobionic acid products tend to be pricier due to their gentleness and multifunctional benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use lactobionic acid and glycolic acid together?

It's generally not recommended to use both acids simultaneously due to increased risk of irritation. You can alternate days or choose based on skin tolerance and desired results.

Q2: How long does it take to see results from lactobionic acid?

Results can take a few weeks to show, as lactobionic acid works gently to exfoliate, hydrate, and strengthen the skin barrier gradually.

Q3: Is glycolic acid safe for daily use?

For sensitive skin, daily use is usually too aggressive. Start with 1–2 times per week. Those with more tolerant skin types may increase frequency.

Q4: Does lactobionic acid increase sun sensitivity?

Like other exfoliating acids, lactobionic acid can mildly increase sun sensitivity, so daily sunscreen use is important.

Q5: Are there other benefits of lactobionic acid beyond exfoliation?

Yes, lactobionic acid is also a powerful antioxidant, offers anti-inflammatory effects, hydrates deeply, and reinforces skin barrier health.

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[1] https://www.equalrxnskin.com/blogs/equalrxn-good-skin-school/lactobionic-acid-the-queen-of-all-acids-%F0%9F%92%85

[2] https://patents.google.com/patent/CN113081877A/zh

[3] https://www.lesielle.com/us/blog/glycolic-acid-vs-the-best-active-ingredients-2024-comparison-116

[4] https://patents.google.com/patent/CN108125902A/zh

[5] https://neudeskin.com/blogs/skin/lactobionic-acid-vs-lactic-acid-two-actives-empowering-the-science-of-milk

[6] https://patents.google.com/patent/CN115025129A/zh

[7] https://www.clinikally.com/blogs/news/lactobionic-acid-the-gentle-giant-in-skincare

[8] https://www.behance.net/search/projects/glycolic%20acid?locale=zh

[9] https://www.laclinica.com/blogs/news/how-to-use-glycolic-salicylic-lactic-acids

[10] https://patents.google.com/patent/CN117304266B/zh

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