Lactic Acid 10% Resurfacing Serum
The gentler AHA with a premium twist — hydration plus resurfacing in one molecule.
MOQ from 1,000 pcs (stock formula) · GMPC + ISO 22716 · US FDA registered

Lactic acid is glycolic acid's gentler, more elegant sibling: a larger molecule that exfoliates more slowly and simultaneously draws moisture into the skin. Western premium brands have built entire resurfacing lines on lactic acid precisely because it delivers visible smoothing and radiance with a fraction of the sting — the 'results without downtime' story that review sections reward.
We manufacture lactic acid serums at 5% and 10% with a humectant-rich base and licorice root for tone support. The 10% version is the flagship resurfacing SKU; the 5% version serves sensitive-skin lines and AHA beginners. Both run at verified pH and ship with the full stability and assay documentation your regulatory team needs.
Silky water-serum · 30 ml dropper or airless pump · pH 3.5–3.9
Key Actives & Typical Concentrations
All INCI names and concentration ranges below reflect publicly documented formulation practice for this category. Every value is adjustable in your custom build — see the customization section.
| Ingredient (INCI) | Typical Level | Function & Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Lactic Acid | 5% / 10% | Gentle AHA; resurfaces texture while hydrating — softer lines and glow |
| Licorice Root Extract (Glycyrrhiza Glabra) | 1–2% | Tone-evening botanical that complements the resurfacing story |
| Sodium Hyaluronate + Glycerin | 0.3% / 3% | Humectant layer that offsets the acid and boosts the plumping look |
| Panthenol | 1% | Barrier-supporting soother for regular-use comfort |
| Sodium Hydroxide | q.s. to pH | Sets the verified efficacy window |
How We Engineer This Formula
Resurfacing for the tolerance-sensitive majority
Most Western consumers are curious about acids but afraid of them. Lactic acid — especially at 5% — is the answer: visible smoothing with a low sting profile, and the humectant character means skin feels better after use, not tighter. It is the acid SKU that sensitive-skin brands can actually sell.
A premium texture vehicle
Because lactic acid is inherently hydrating, it supports richer, more elegant serum textures than glycolic systems. Our 10% base has a silky slip that layers under moisturizer — the sensory detail that premium reviewers notice and mention.
Complete exfoliation architecture
Position lactic 10% as your premium resurfacer, glycolic 7% as the daily workhorse, and the AHA/BHA mask as the weekly treatment. One factory, one compliance package, three price tiers — the structure Western brands use to own the exfoliation shelf.

Manufactured In-House, Documented Per Batch
Every AHA serum batch is pH-verified and stability-tested before release.
Our factory (Guangdong Kuaiying Biotechnology, license 粤妆20250206) runs GMPC and ISO 22716-certified lines with batch traceability from raw material to carton. Every production order ships with certificate of analysis, stability summary, microbiology report and MoCRA/CPNP-ready documentation.
Customization Options for Your Brand
- Strength: 5% (gentle) / 10% (flagship) / 12% advanced with pH adjustment
- Add-ons: licorice, niacinamide 2–4%, squalane (oil-serum hybrid), peptides
- Texture: water-serum, silky emulsion-serum, or milky essence
- Packaging: dropper, airless pump, frosted glass for premium tiers
- Claims support: dermatologically tested via partner labs; claims sheet per market
- Documentation: pH log, assay, 3-month stability, MoCRA/CPNP
MOQ & Ordering Tiers
| Order Route | Details |
|---|---|
| Stock formula (10% lactic + licorice) | 1,000 pcs / SKU · ready to fill · production in 10–15 days |
| Adjusted stock (5% / add-ons) | 1,000 pcs / SKU · 7-day sample |
| Full custom ODM | 1,000 pcs / SKU · production in 10–15 days |
| Sampling | 3–5 samples, 5–7 days, cost credited against first order |
Payment terms: 30–50% deposit, balance before shipment. Full quotation within 24 hours of your brief.
MOQ and lead time above are the standard liquid, cream and gel route. The real minimum is set by the manufacturing system rather than the category: surfactant systems (shampoo, body wash) start at 2,000 pcs, stick formats at 3,000, and powders and sheet masks at 5,000 — with longer production runs to match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose lactic acid over glycolic acid?
Tolerance and texture. Lactic acid's larger molecule exfoliates more gradually and adds hydration, which means fewer sting complaints and a more premium feel. Glycolic works faster at equal concentration — brands often carry both, positioned by skin sensitivity.
What MOQ applies to the 5% sensitive version?
The 10% stock base runs from 1,000 pcs; concentration or texture adjustments use the same floor and include a fresh sample and stability check. Both ship with full documentation.
Can lactic acid be combined with niacinamide or peptides?
Yes. Niacinamide pairs comfortably in the same formula at 2–4%; peptides prefer a separate SKU or a carefully buffered hybrid. We validate each combination with stability runs before mass production.
Do you support dermatological testing claims?
Yes — we coordinate patch testing and dermatological testing through accredited partner labs so your packaging can carry supported claims in the US, EU and UK.
Related Benchmark Formulas
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
The affordable radiance workhorse — daily-use AHA with the best value-to-result ratio in skincare.
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Mask
The high-drama 10-minute treatment that Western skincare content loves — engineered with safety rails.
Multi-Peptide Firming Serum
Peptides are the premium story Western anti-aging buyers respond to — fragrance-free, needle-free, science-coded.
Further Reading
Evaluating factories for active-heavy SKUs.
Stock formula vs custom routes compared.
Buyer guides for this build
Before you brief a supplier on this category, these are the guides that answer the questions buyers ask next — timelines, order quantities, cost structure and compliance.
Launch This Formula Under Your Brand
Send your target market, quantity and packaging preferences — our team replies with a full quotation and sample plan within 24 hours.