Two Anti-Aging Serums to Reduce Wrinkles, But Which Is Best?

Find out which is the best anti-aging serum option. Both face serums smooth and reduce wrinkles, but which one comes out on top?

If you are looking for a gentle yet effective way to exfoliate your skin and reduce the signs of aging, you may have heard of lactic acid serums. Lactic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that works by dissolving the glue that holds dead skin cells together, revealing smoother, brighter, and more even skin underneath. It also helps to boost collagen production, hydrate the skin, and fade hyperpigmentation, making it a great ingredient for improving skin texture and tone.

How to Choose the Best Anti-Aging Serum 

• The best anti-aging serum is a dermatologist-tested and reviewed product that target fine lines and smooth and improve the overall appearance of the skin.
• These serums work to even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a more youthful and radiant complexion.
• Dermatologists recommend using a high-quality anti-aging serum as part of your skincare routine to achieve the best results.
• Look for serums that contain ingredients such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and peptides, as these have been shown to be effective to help firm skin tone and texture.

By regularly using a top-rated anti-aging serum, you can achieve smooth and youthful-looking skin for years to come.

But with so many serums on the market, how do you choose the best one for your skin? In this blog post, we will compare two popular lactic acid serums:

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% ($16.20) and I’VEL Ampoule Peeling Serum with Lactic Acid, 5% ($32).

Review Criteria

We will review their key features, main ingredients, other ingredients, best for skin type, what customers love, and things you should know about using them. By the end of this post, you will have a better idea of which serum is best for you and your mature skin goals.

Generic Effects of Lactic Acid

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% Review

The Ordinary is a Canadian skincare brand that offers high-quality products at affordable prices.

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The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% is one of their best-selling products, and it is a lightweight serum that gently exfoliates the skin with 5% lactic acid and hydrates it with hyaluronic acid. It also contains a Tasmanian pepperberry derivative that helps to reduce inflammation.

Key Features

• 5% lactic acid concentration
• Hyaluronic acid for hydration
• Tasmanian pepperberry for soothing
• Vegan, cruelty-free, and fragrance-free
• pH of 3.6-3.8

Main Ingredient: Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is an AHA that exfoliates the skin by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells and lifting them away. This helps to improve skin texture, brightness, and clarity, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pores, and dark spots. Lactic acid also has moisturizing properties, as it attracts and retains water in the skin, making it a good choice for dry or sensitive skin types.

Other Ingredients

• Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer: A form of hyaluronic acid that has a smaller molecular size and can penetrate deeper into the skin, providing long-lasting hydration and plumping effect.
• Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract: A botanical extract derived from the Tasmanian pepperberry, a plant native to Australia. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and it helps to calm and soothe the skin, especially when using acids.
• Glycerin: A humectant that draws moisture from the air and the deeper layers of the skin, keeping the skin hydrated and soft.
• Propanediol: A solvent that helps to dissolve and deliver the active ingredients into the skin. It also has moisturizing and emollient properties, and it enhances the skin’s absorption of other ingredients.

Best for Skin Type

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% is suitable for all skin types, but especially for dry, sensitive, or mature skin. It is a mild exfoliant that does not cause irritation or dryness, and it helps to replenish the skin’s moisture and elasticity. It is also a good option for beginners who want to start using acids, as it has a low concentration and a gentle formula.

What Customers Love

• The affordable price and the simple packaging
• The lightweight and non-sticky texture
• The gentle and effective exfoliation
• Help reduce lines, improves skin smoothness and radiance
• The hydration and plumping effect
• Targets dullness and uneven skin tone

Things You Should Know

• Check out the information on the generic effects of this type of serum.
• The Ordinary product is specially designed to counteract sensitivity, but patch test is wise if you are a first time user.

I’VEL Ampoule Peeling Serum with Lactic Acid, 5% Review

I’VEL is a Korean skincare brand that focuses on creating innovative and effective products with natural ingredients.

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I’VEL Ampoule Peeling Serum with Lactic Acid, 5% is one of their flagship products, and it is a peeling serum that exfoliates and nourishes the skin with 5% lactic acid and various plant extracts. It also contains a patented ingredient called honey glow acid, which is a natural peeling agent derived from honey.

Key Features

• 5% lactic acid concentration
• Honey glow acid for natural peeling
• Plant extracts for soothing and moisturizing
• Vegan, cruelty-free, and hypoallergenic
• pH of 4.0-5.0

Main Ingredient: Lactic Acid

Lactic acid is an AHA that exfoliates the skin by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells and lifting them away. This helps to improve skin texture, brightness, and clarity, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pores, and dark spots. Lactic acid also has moisturizing properties, as it attracts and retains water in the skin, making it a good choice for dry or sensitive skin types.

Other Ingredients

• Honey Glow Acid: A patented ingredient that is derived from honey, and has a similar structure to lactic acid. It is a natural peeling agent that gently exfoliates the skin, and also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It helps to stimulate surface skin cell turnover, prevent acne, soothe irritation, and protect the skin from free radical damage.
• Centella Asiatica Extract: A botanical extract that is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, and has healing, soothing, and anti-aging benefits. It helps to repair the skin barrier, calm inflammation, and stimulate collagen synthesis.
• Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract: A botanical extract that is derived from green tea, and has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to fight oxidative stress, reduce redness, and prevent premature aging.
• Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract: A botanical extract that is derived from aloe vera, and has hydrating, soothing, and healing properties. It helps to moisturize, calm, and heal the skin, especially after sun exposure or irritation.

Best for Skin Type

I’VEL Ampoule Peeling Serum with Lactic Acid, 5% is suitable for all skin types, but especially for oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin. It is a gentle peeling serum that does not cause irritation or dryness, and it helps to balance the skin’s oil production and prevent breakouts. It is also a good option for those who want to use natural and hypoallergenic ingredients, as it contains no artificial fragrances, colors, or preservatives.

What Customers Love

• The elegant and hygienic packaging
• The smooth and silky texture
• The gentle and effective peeling
• Brighten skin and improves smoothness by reduced appearance of lines and wrinkles

Things You Should Know

• The serum core ingredients are divided into 5% and 10% to present the ideal percentage for your current skin condition.
• Has hypoallergenic peeling ingredient through research on three ingredients: water-soluble peeling ingredient PHA, fat-soluble peeling ingredient LHA, and natural peeling ingredient (honey glow acid).
• Contains soothing ingredients which are concentrated into liposomes to facilitate skin absorption and quickly soothe the skin.
• Ampoule suitable for acne use and will help acne skin by gently dissolving impurities such as dead skin cells and sebum that clog pores.
• First time users or sensitive skin users may notice slight sting or tingle upon application.
• The serum may cause purging.
• The serum may make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Which Serum Is Best?

Both The Ordinary and I’VEL Ampoule Peeling Serum contains 5% Lactic Acid.  They are great options to resurface your skin. They have similar concentrations, pH levels, and benefits, and they are both vegan and cruelty-free. They are both a great addition to your skin care routine. However, they also have some differences that may make one more suitable for you than the other. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between them:

• Price: The Ordinary  is cheaper than I’VEL Ampoule Peeling Serum, so if you are on a budget, you may prefer The Ordinary. However, I’VEL Ampoule Peeling Serum is still reasonably priced for the quality and quantity that you get, so if you don’t mind spending a bit more, you may prefer I’VEL.
• Ingredients: The Ordinary  has a simpler and more minimalistic formula, with only four ingredients including lactic acid. This may be ideal for those who prefer a straightforward and no-frills product, or who have sensitive skin that reacts to certain ingredients. On the other hand, I’VEL Ampoule Peeling Serum  has a more complex and diverse formula, with several plant extracts and a patented ingredients. This may be ideal for those who want a more natural and multifunctional product, or who have specific skin concerns that can benefit from the additional ingredients.
• Texture: The Ordinary has a lightweight and non-sticky texture that absorbs quickly and easily into the skin. This may be ideal for those who prefer a fast and simple application, or who have oily or combination skin that doesn’t need too much hydration. On the other hand, I’VEL Ampoule Peeling Serum has a smooth and silky texture that glides and melts into the skin. This may be ideal for those who prefer a luxurious and pampering application, or who have dry or mature skin that needs more hydration.

Takeaway

According to dermatologists, Lactic acid serums are a great way to remove superficial skin skin cells and improve your skin's overall smoothness. They can definitely help smooth, brighten, and hydrate your skin, as well as reduce the signs of aging. Anti-aging  serums are great to keep the look of fine lines at bag. 

Research shows that:

"Treatment with 12% lactic acid for 3 months has been shown to result in increased epidermal and dermal firmness and thickness, and clinical improvement in skin smoothness and the appearance of lines and wrinkles ¹."

So, the earlier you start to use them, the better! In this blog post, we have compared two popular lactic acid serums: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% and I’VEL Ampoule Peeling Serum with Lactic Acid, 5%.   We hope this comparison has helped you decide which serum is best for you and your skin goals.

Have you tried any of these serums? What are your thoughts and experiences? Let us know in the comments below! 😊

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1. What is lactic acid and how does it affect the skin?

Lactic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is commonly used in skincare products. It is derived from milk and is known for its exfoliating properties. When applied to the skin, lactic acid works to gently exfoliate the outer layer of the skin, promoting a smoother and brighter complexion. It also has the ability to help improve moisture content and overall skin texture.

2. Is lactic acid suitable for all skin types?

Lactic acid is generally considered safe for most skin types, including sensitive and dry skin. Unlike some other AHAs, lactic acid has larger molecules, which can make it less likely to cause irritation or sensitization. However, individuals with severe sensitivity or certain acne-prone skin conditions should consult with a dermatologist before incorporating lactic acid into their skincare routine.

3. What are the potential risks of using lactic acid on the skin?

While lactic acid is generally well-tolerated, there are still some potential risks to be aware of. Overuse or misuse of lactic acid products can lead to skin irritation, including redness, stinging, or burning sensations. Additionally, those with allergies to dairy products should be cautious when using lactic acid, as it is derived from milk. It's important to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase the usage in your care regimen to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.

4. Can lactic acid be beneficial for specific skin concerns, such as fine lines and wrinkles?

Lactic acid is often touted for its ability to help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and even skin tone.