Lactic Acid Brightening Toner
A gentle chemical exfoliant toner with 2% lactic acid for brightening dull skin and refining texture. AHA at a beginner-friendly concentration with a lower pH for efficacy.
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Ingredients
| Phase | INCI Name | Function | % |
|---|---|---|---|
A | Water Aqua | Solvent / base | 90% |
A | Glycerin Glycerin | Humectant | 5% |
B | Lactic Acid Lactic Acid | Active / AHA exfoliant | 2% |
B | Allantoin Allantoin | Soothing / anti-irritant | 1% |
B | Vitamin E Tocopherol | Antioxidant | 0.1% |
B | Euxyl PE 9010 Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin | Preservative | 0.9% |
C | Sodium Hydroxide (10% solution) Sodium Hydroxide | pH adjuster (up) | 1% |
Procedure
- 1
Weigh Phase A (water, glycerin) into a beaker. Stir.
- 2
Add Phase B (lactic acid, allantoin, Vitamin E, preservative). Mix well.
- 3
Check pH. It will be very low (~2.0 - 3.0).
- 4
Carefully add NaOH solution drop by drop to raise pH to 3.5 - 4.5. Stir and re-test after each addition.
- 5
Pour into a sterilized bottle. Label and date.
- 6
IMPORTANT: Always use sunscreen when using AHA products.
Tips & Notes
- •Target pH: 3.5 - 4.5.
- •Lactic acid is the gentlest AHA-ideal for beginners starting with chemical exfoliation.
- •pH must be 3.5 - 4.5 for the acid to be effective. Above pH 5, it stops working as an exfoliant.
- •This formula requires careful pH adjustment-hence the INTERMEDIATE rating.
- •Always recommend sunscreen use alongside any AHA product.
Details
- Published
- March 13, 2026
- Updated
- March 13, 2026
- Ingredients
- 7
- Category
- Face
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
About the Contributor
Formuley
Written by Tricelle Gray for Formuley.