Combine lactic acid and squalane: exfoliate without stripping

An acid that loosens, a lipid that restores comfort. Lactic acid works on the surface; squalane replaces what exfoliation removes. This is the simplest combination for exfoliating without irritating the skin.

What lactic acid does

It is the mildest of the alpha-hydroxy acids, and the only one naturally present in the skin—it is part of the natural moisturizing factors. Its molecule, larger than that of glycolic acid, penetrates less quickly and irritates less.

Its action consists of dissolving the bonds that hold dead cells together. The result is visible on skin texture regularity in three to four weeks, with two weekly applications.

What squalane does

This lipid replicates a component of the human hydrolipidic film. Its source is now plant-based—olive or sugarcane—whereas it was long animal, and the molecule obtained is identical.

In cosmetics, it occupies a special place: stable, odorless, non-comedogenic, it suits almost all skin types. This makes it the natural partner of an acid, whose drying effect it compensates for without blocking its action.

The protocol

Acid in the evening, on clean, dry skin, twice a week to start. Squalane immediately after, or the next morning depending on tolerance. On evenings without acid, squalane alone is sufficient.

This alternation yields better results than daily application of both. It allows the surface time to recover between applications, which makes the rhythm sustainable for several months—and without duration, exfoliation yields nothing.

For which skin types

Dry and dehydrated skin are the primary beneficiaries: lactic acid is better tolerated than its cousins, and squalane compensates for its cost. Combination skin follows the same logic with a more sustained frequency.

For reactive skin, start with a single weekly application and double each stage. The final rhythm is the same, the path is twice as long, and that's what allows it to be achieved.

Choosing your products

For acid, the percentage alone is not enough: the pH determines the real intensity, and a product that does not display it leaves the most important question unanswered. Our AHA peeling with lactic acid combines the acid with a humectant, which limits the drying effect upon application.

For more daily use, the rose water and lactic acid toner offers a lower concentration, compatible with regular application.

What not to combine

A retinoid the same evening, a second acid in the same routine, or a mechanical scrub on top. Each taken alone is manageable; all three together are not.

Sun protection becomes non-negotiable when exfoliating: the new layer of skin is younger and marks more quickly.