Product Deep Dive
Product Deep Dive
Seeking effective exfoliation without the sting? Our 5% lactic acid treatment tonic delivers the perfect entry-level AHA experience. Lactic acid — a naturally derived, milk-based alpha hydroxy acid — stands out as one of the gentlest yet most rewarding exfoliants, especially for sensitive, dry, or reactive skin. At 5%, this concentration provides noticeable brightening, texture refinement, and hydration support while minimising irritation risks associated with stronger AHAs like glycolic acid.
Why 5% Lactic Acid Is Ideal for Gentle Yet Visible Results
Lactic acid works by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, promoting faster cell turnover for a fresher, smoother complexion. Unlike harsher acids, it also functions as a humectant, drawing in and helping retain moisture (part of the skin's natural moisturising factor), which leaves skin softer, plumper, and less prone to dryness. Dermatological insights and user studies highlight that 5% lactic acid visibly:
Improves brightness and evens tone by fading dullness, hyperpigmentation, and mild dark spots
Smooths fine lines and rough texture for a more refined appearance
Enhances hydration and barrier function, making it excellent for dry or dehydrated skin
Gently unclogs pores and reduces bumpy texture without over-stripping
At this level, it's often recommended for beginners or sensitive types, with many seeing brighter, softer skin in 4–8 weeks of consistent use.
5% Lactic Acid Exfoliator
Type: Exfoliator
Refresh and renew with our 5% lactic acid tonic — a mild AHA treatment that gently exfoliates, brightens, and hydrates for smoother, more radiant skin. This leave-on toner dissolves dead skin cells, fades dullness and dark spots, reduces fine lines, and boosts natural moisture retention without irritation. Perfect for sensitive, dry, or first-time acid users seeking glowing texture and even tone.
Key benefits
Key benefits
Mild Chemical Exfoliation: Clears dead cells for radiant, even-toned skin.
Hydration Boost: Increases moisture retention for plump, dewy results.
Brightening & Anti-Aging: Reduces fine lines, dark spots, and dullness gently.
Sensitive-Skin Friendly: Low irritation potential; suitable for daily use when introduced slowly.
Texture Refinement: Smooths roughness, minimises pores, and improves overall feel.
This water-based tonic format makes it lightweight, fast-absorbing, and easy to layer—ideal as a post-cleanse step before serums or moisturisers.
Suitable skin types
Suitable skin types
- oily combination
Product Deep Dive
Product Deep Dive
Seeking effective exfoliation without the sting? Our 5% lactic acid treatment tonic delivers the perfect entry-level AHA experience. Lactic acid — a naturally derived, milk-based alpha hydroxy acid — stands out as one of the gentlest yet most rewarding exfoliants, especially for sensitive, dry, or reactive skin. At 5%, this concentration provides noticeable brightening, texture refinement, and hydration support while minimising irritation risks associated with stronger AHAs like glycolic acid.
Why 5% Lactic Acid Is Ideal for Gentle Yet Visible Results
Lactic acid works by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, promoting faster cell turnover for a fresher, smoother complexion. Unlike harsher acids, it also functions as a humectant, drawing in and helping retain moisture (part of the skin's natural moisturising factor), which leaves skin softer, plumper, and less prone to dryness. Dermatological insights and user studies highlight that 5% lactic acid visibly:
Improves brightness and evens tone by fading dullness, hyperpigmentation, and mild dark spots
Smooths fine lines and rough texture for a more refined appearance
Enhances hydration and barrier function, making it excellent for dry or dehydrated skin
Gently unclogs pores and reduces bumpy texture without over-stripping
At this level, it's often recommended for beginners or sensitive types, with many seeing brighter, softer skin in 4–8 weeks of consistent use.
How to use
How to use
After cleansing, apply with a cotton pad or clean hands to face and neck (avoid eyes). Pat gently; no rinsing needed. Use AM/PM, starting with every other day to build tolerance, then daily. Always follow with moisturiser and broad-spectrum SPF 30+ in the morning (AHAs increase sun sensitivity). Pair with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides for extra comfort.
Hero Ingredients
Hero Ingredients
- 1% Kojic Acid
- 5% Lactic acid
Suitable product combinations
Suitable product combinations
- 2% Hyaluronic acid
- 1% Ceramide Cream
Ingredient List
Ingredient List
Aqua, Lactic Acid, Glycereth-26, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Kojic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA.
We are
We are
- Vegan friendly
- Cruelty-free
- Cosmeceutical grade
- Fragrance-free
- Made in South Africa
Tips
Tips
Patch test first. Consult a dermatologist if pregnant, breastfeeding, or using prescription actives.
5% Lactic Acid Exfoliator
- 5 stars: 30 (75%)
- 4 stars: 8 (20%)
- 3 stars: 2 (5%)
- 2 stars: 0 (0%)
- 1 star: 0 (0%)
have only used it once since received, I can't give a proper raying for now.
Great product. All time favourite.
My skin loves it 😁
Not sure what this product is suppose to do but I'm using it anyway
Great product, hubby uses it to prevent bumps after shaving his head and beard.
It works 110%
What a pleasant exfoliator for my sensitive skin! No tingling or discomfort. Absolutely love it
Love love this product, it's very gentle on my dry sensitive skin
I have been using for 3 weeks and can see a difference in my skin.
Oh my shaylah. .. . She is so moisturizing, so gentle and the glow it gives after applying even before other serums. .. ..
Im in love with it ❤️
I am obsessed with this exfoliator! It’s mild enough for regular use but powerful enough to leave my skin smoother and more radiant. It helped fade rough texture and gave me such a beautiful glow over time. My skin looks brighter and feels so soft thanks to this product!
Good for may skin relieves my skin from being saggy
So I initially bought this to treat some of the body hyperpigmentation I’m currently dealing with and let me say I’m quite impressed, my hyperpigmentation hasn’t completely cleared but the different this product has made is absolutely amazing. I plan on giving it at least three months though but so far so good.
My skin texture is smoother, does not dry the skin and does not sting or burn. Great product
This is my first time using a chemical exfoliant and I was very sceptical and scared of burning my face but this is soooo gentle and it works,, thanx for the wonderful products ❤️
It's my first time using lactic acid I have not had any problem with it I am still familiarizing myself with it.
Hmm. .. .. what a sweetheart no stinging, usually toners sting my face I pair it with Alpha Arbutin and Niacinamide , and I am seeing improvement on my dark spots which were left by pimples and I haven't had breakouts, yet am still on my first bottles
My skin texture is smoother, pores appear smaller and any darker spots have faded significantly. It does not dry the skin or make it feel stripped. It doesn't burn or sting. This is a great product to add into your routine
I Love it. My skin is so soft!
Best at night
After incorporating this exfoliator into my skincare routine the improvements in my skin's overall appearance were undeniable. My complexion looked clearer, more even-toned, and revitalized. The lactic acid exfoliator has become a crucial step in maintaining my skin's health and vibrancy.
I have not given myself enough time to use this product to really be able to review it.
To be honest when you said no layering and don't use in consecutive nights, I've been to shy to even focus on it.
I'll review in 2 months time
I am still learning how to use it
This was my first time trying Lactic Acid. I struggle with really bad hormonal acne and have quite bad acne scars. The lactic acid has really helped control my break outs and improve my overall skin texture. I find that my skin is much smoother and my scarring is much less visible.
It’s really gentle but it does exfoliate, and it is unexpectedly quite hydrating.
I love this product!
It has quickly calmed down my break out. . Would definitely recommend!
I have been using this once a week as an exfoliator, and love it, Its gentle but strong enough to still do the job
This is my second purchase, and I love how gentle yet effective it is. Its definitely worth every cent!
Cleanses dead skin and helps renew. I can feel the difference
Lovely product. Works wonders. Noticed the change after second week. My face definitely looked and felt more radiant. The price of fundamentals products are so reasonable and such high quality. I have placed my second order with take a lot for the Fundamentals vitamin C and
Niacinamid.
The best chemical exfoliant for me. It has greatly improved hyperpigmentation and acne scars and is not irritating at all, and is super moisturising with long term effects. Perfect for oily skin.
I’ve been using this exfoliator for 2 years. it’s brighten up skin while removing my dark marks.
Not to forget that it’s hydrated my skin, since i have a dry and sensitive skin? this exfoliator has been gentle on my skin. I hope they don’t change anything.
A Really great exfoliator! gentle enough to not flair up my sensitive skin, but effective enough to see a difference!
One of the best exfoliators because even though its exfoliating the skin, it still feels gentle and does not strip the skin. Excellent followed by Alpha Arbutin serum.

