Polylactic Acid
AKA “Polylactic Acid”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Polylactic acid
Synthetic · Film Forming · EWG: 1
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Occlusive
Skin Conditioner
Chemical Exfoliant
Synthetic
Clean
A gentle exfoliant derived from lactic acid that helps remove dead skin cells and smooth skin texture.
CAS #
9051-89-2
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Abrasive
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Supports cell turnover
Draws water to skin
Smooths skin texture
Traditional Use
Developed in the 1980s-1990s as a biodegradable polymer derived from corn or sugarcane fermentation. Used in modern skincare as a gentle exfoliant and in anti-aging products to stimulate collagen production.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Uneven Texture
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Nano, micro particulate and cosmetic delivery systems of polylactic acid: A mini review.
Abu Hajleh MN, Al-Samydai A, Al-Dujaili EAS
Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2020
Final Report: Safety Assessment of Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Poly(3-Hydroxyoctanoic Acid, and Polylactic Acid as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Polylactic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polylactic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Lavandula stoechas extract incorporated polylactic acid nanofibrous mats as an antibacterial and cytocompatible wound dressing.
Mutlu B, Çiftçi F, Üstündağ CB, Çakır-Koç R
International journal of biological macromolecules, 2023
Polylactic acid/tapioca starch/banana peel-based material for colorimetric and electrochemical biosensing applications.
Rai P, Mehrotra S, Gautam K, Kar AK, Saxena A et al.
Carbohydrate polymers, 2023
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR