lactic acid rod fungus: what it does and is it safe in pregnancy?

What does lactic acid rod fungus do?

The EU cosmetic ingredient database doesn't list a function for this exact name. Plant extracts and trademarked blends are often listed under a different name.

Is lactic acid rod fungus safe during pregnancy?

lactic acid rod fungus isn't one of the ingredients Jouaxia flags for pregnancy, so it doesn't lower a product's rating. A product that contains it can still be flagged for a different ingredient, so check each product's rating below.

AHAs like glycolic acid aren't flagged by Jouaxia. ACOG lists glycolic acid among options that may be used in pregnancy if needed.

See every ingredient Jouaxia flags for pregnancy →

Is it OK for kids and teens?

Kids (ages 3–11)

Use with care

Exfoliating acid (AHA) (lactic acid rod fungus): Glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids can irritate young skin, and children rarely need them. We can't see the strength, so low amounts are flagged too.

Teens (ages 12–17)

Use with care

Exfoliating acid (AHA) (lactic acid rod fungus): Glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids can irritate, especially alongside acne treatments. Fine for some teens, used a few times a week.

General guidance from the ingredient list, not medical advice. For babies under 3, or skin problems that don't get better, ask a doctor. How we rate for kids and teens · Skincare for teens

What the sources say

Where these ratings come from. Sources often cover a group of ingredients rather than this exact one, and none of them can account for how much is in a particular product. Some are more reassuring than our rating, because we rate on the cautious side.

KidsUse with careExfoliating acid (AHA)

American Academy of Pediatrics, “Viral Skin Care Trends for Tweens and Teens”
Retinoids, vitamin C, and alpha and beta hydroxy acids are anti-aging ingredients kids don't need, and using them early can cause redness, irritation, peeling, or rashes.
American Academy of Dermatology, “A dermatologist's guide to skincare from growing up to glowing up”
Tweens and teens should avoid retinol, vitamin C, and exfoliating acids, which target problems young skin doesn't have. A dermatologist may recommend a retinoid in some cases.
NBC News, “Tweens are getting rashes from some skin care products, dermatologists say,” 2024
Dermatologists describe retinoid rashes and burning from exfoliating acids in tweens with no skin problem to treat.

TeensUse with careExfoliating acid (AHA)

American Academy of Dermatology, “A dermatologist's guide to skincare from growing up to glowing up”
Tweens and teens should avoid retinol, vitamin C, and exfoliating acids, which target problems young skin doesn't have. A dermatologist may recommend a retinoid in some cases.
American Academy of Pediatrics, “Viral Skin Care Trends for Tweens and Teens”
Retinoids, vitamin C, and alpha and beta hydroxy acids are anti-aging ingredients kids don't need, and using them early can cause redness, irritation, peeling, or rashes.

Products with lactic acid rod fungus

1–7 of 7, where it's highest on the label first (ingredients are listed from most to least).