AHA (Glycolic/Lactic) vs Lactic Acid: which Korean skincare ingredient?
AHA (Glycolic/Lactic) vs Lactic Acid: AHA (Glycolic/Lactic) leans toward dullness & glow, while Lactic Acid targets rough & uneven texture. Can you use both? With care — alternate nights or split AM/PM.
| AHA (Glycolic/Lactic) | Lactic Acid | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Water-loving acids that resurface the top layer. Lactic is gentler; glycolic is stronger. SPF a must. | The AHA for people whose skin gets tight after exfoliating. Lactic acid holds water as well as loosening dead surface cells, so it tends to leave skin less parched than its sharper relatives. |
| Best for | Dullness & glow, Dark spots & tone, Pores & texture | Rough & uneven texture, Dryness & dehydration, Dullness & glow |
| When to use | PM | PM |
Which should you choose?
Choose AHA (Glycolic/Lactic) if your priority is Dullness & glow; choose Lactic Acid for Rough & uneven texture. Many Korean routines use both — with care — alternate nights or split AM/PM.
AHA (Glycolic/Lactic) guide →Lactic Acid guide →
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🙋 People also ask
What is hyaluronic acid and how do you use it?
Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that draws water into the skin for a plumper, hydrated look. In Korean routines it's best applied to damp skin and sealed with a moisturizer on top, so the moisture it attracts stays locked in rather than evaporating.
What is the difference between AHA and BHA?
AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid are water-soluble and work on the skin's surface to brighten and smooth, while BHA like salicylic acid is oil-soluble and gets into pores. In Korean skincare both are used sparingly, a few times weekly, always with daily sun protection.
✍️ Written & reviewed by the KoreaPlus Editorial team — dermatologist-informed, cosmetic-science researched & source-cited. Last reviewed: 2026-08-23.
General educational information using cosmetic structure-function wording — not medical advice. Always patch-test new actives. © KoreaPlus.