Check for Different Age (6 available)
Is this kid-friendly to use Lactic Acid?
ℹ️General Overview
For kids age 5 and up, lactic acid in small amounts is usually okay in everyday washes and mild lotions. It can irritate skin or make skin more likely to burn in strong or concentrated products, so those should be avoided for children.
✅What to Do
Use products meant for children or gentle adult formulas. Prefer cleansers or low‑concentration lotions rather than strong leave‑on treatments or chemical peels. Patch test a small area first (inside forearm). If using any product with lactic acid, make sure kids wear sun protection on exposed skin during the day. Stop use and rinse if you see redness, stinging, blisters, or eye irritation.
⚠️Warnings
Watch for skin irritation and increased sun sensitivity — regulatory and industry reviews note restrictions on concentration and pH for safety (Health Canada and Cosmetic Ingredient Review recommendations). Lactic acid can increase how much other ingredients penetrate the skin (a penetration enhancer) — this is noted in expert position papers. Evidence of cancer or developmental harm is low, but because some authorities restrict its use or concentration in cosmetics, avoid professional‑strength peels and high‑concentration products for children. If the product causes ongoing irritation or is used on broken skin, stop and consult a doctor.
Are you holding the product?
Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.
Safety Risk Labels
This ingredient has the following documented risks:
Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.
Alternative Names for Lactic Acid
This ingredient may also be listed as:
Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.
Products Containing Lactic Acid
This ingredient is found in the following products:
This list shows products that contain Lactic Acid or its alternative names.
Research Articles on Lactic Acid
Scientific research related to this ingredient:
These research articles provide scientific evidence about Lactic Acid safety and effects.
Common Questions About Lactic Acid
Is this kid-friendly to use Lactic Acid?
Yes, Lactic Acid is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children based on current research.
What are the banned risks of Lactic Acid for children?
Banned or heavily restricted in one or more countries.
What are the absorbed risks of Lactic Acid for children?
Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream.
What are the sun burn risks of Lactic Acid for children?
May increase skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and cause faster burning.
What products contain Lactic Acid?
Lactic Acid is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.
When can kids start using products with Lactic Acid?
The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 5+ year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.
Want to scan another product?
Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels
Scan Another Product