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Spoiler alert: Glycolic acid helps with acne and wrinkles.
So, you’ve read “glycolic acid” on countless labels in your bathroom cabinet, but do you actually know what it does? This chemical exfoliator offers a slew of benefits, and the right one can make a world of difference for your complexion.
To help you learn everything worth knowing about glycolic acid, we interviewed three board-certified dermatologists about the efficacy of this popular skincare ingredient. To help simplify your shopping process, we researched 15 of the best glycolic acid products of all time that are aligned with their expert guidance.
Glycolic acid — a type of alpha hydroxy acid — is a chemical exfoliator that battles both acne and wrinkles. Plus, this skincare hero is also effective at reducing dark spots and evening out skin tone.
Dr. Kavita Mariwalla, M.D., of Mariwalla Dermatology, says that you may be familiar with this particular ingredient if you get chemical peels, since it's the main ingredient in the clarifying treatment. “As a chemical, it dissolves the bonds between skin cells, which allows them to desquamate or shed more easily,” she says. “This is what creates a characteristic ‘peel’ that occurs when using high-concentration glycolic acids in a chemical peel. This peeling effect sheds those cells to reveal the clearer, smoother skin underneath.”
Glycolic acid promotes exfoliation by dissolving the “glue” that holds the outermost layer of skin cells together, according to Dr. Audrey Kunin, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of skincare line DERMAdoctor. “This helps dislodge debris from clogged pores, even skin discoloration, soften fine lines and wrinkles, smooth away dry, rough, bumpy skin, and allow for better penetration of skincare actives,” she says.
It also attracts water — similar to hyaluronic acid — which can help plump skin for an anti-aging effect, notes board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sheila Farhang, M.D. Kunin adds that many experts believe that glycolic acid can also help stimulate dermal collagen production.
While glycolic acid sounds amazing, it's not for everyone. If you have dry skin, you should be careful with how often you use glycolic acid, notes board-certified dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, M.D.
“Glycolic acid will also strip skin of the healthy skin oils that trap in moisture, and since it’s an acid, you have to be careful not to apply it on skin that is red, peeling, or inflamed because it can worsen these conditions,” she explains. Also, anyone with strawberry or blueberry allergies should avoid incorporating this ingredient into their skincare routine, advises Farhang.
Incorporating glycolic acid into your skincare routine is relatively simple, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind:
Now that you're armed with everything you need to know about glycolic acid, read on for more insight and our 15 favorite glycolic acid skincare picks.
While some glycolic acid products are too harsh for sensitive skin, this L'Oréal serum is designed with a dual resurfacing and soothing effect that allows you to use it nightly without irritation.
It also helps dissolve dead skin cells for an instantly smoother texture, and visibly reduces dark spots and wrinkles. You'll want to layer it on after cleansing your face, but before adding a moisturizer. And always apply sunscreen in the morning to protect your exfoliated skin from the sun.
More: Body Exfoliators for Smoother Skin
Mariwalla’s go-to glycolic acid product is SkinCeuticals Retexturizing Activator. “For my teenage patients, nothing gives them that tight, glowing skin like daily use of this 20% glycolic acid serum,” she says. “For my adult patients, it erases fine lines and the occasional blemishes that occur from the daily stressors of life.”
This bottle has 20% glycolic acid, which is much higher than most other products like it. Additionally, it's a bifunctional serum, meaning it exfoliates and hydrates, so it doesn't dry out the skin like other acidic products can.
If you're in need of a brightening boost, but don't want to shell out a bunch of cash, this $11 pick is for you. Even though it doesn't have the added moisturizing ingredients of other brands, its 10% glycolic acid formula will help rejuvenate your skin for a clearer, brighter glow.
If dark spots and hyperpigmentation are on your mind (and your skin), give this overnight cream a try.
It contains hyaluronic acid to bring moisture to your skin, along with the brand's trademark Viniferine ingredient — which claims to lighten dark spots and acne scars more than twice as effectively as vitamin C.
Goop Beauty's glycolic acid peel pads give you a pro-level treatment — no aesthetician appointment necessary!
Designed to be used once a week on your face, neck, and chest, these pads deliver a powerful dose of glycolic acid and fruit extracts that exfoliate and brighten skin overnight. Plus, while it might seem like a splurge, this box contains a 3-month supply of pads. You can order a 1-month supply (four-pack) instead if you prefer.
The Rodial glycolic drops can be added to your regular moisturizer to supercharge its effects or used on their own as a potent, single-ingredient serum. Either way, you only need two or three drops of this glycolic acid serum, which will penetrate deep into your pores to reduce any signs of acne.
This toner has rave reviews from Amazon shoppers for its exfoliating powers, which you can thank the glycolic acid for. But that's not the only ingredient that makes this under-$20 toner a complexion powerhouse: It's also packed with glycerin, aloe vera, ginseng root extract, and more, and will improve the look and feel of your skin.
This classic glycolic cleanser from skincare giant Mario Badescu works to unclog congested pores, smooth the skin's surface, and bring back your glow.
Formulated with chamomile, marshmallow, and sage, it soothes the skin as the glycolic acid works to exfoliate, making this a great pick for sensitive skin types.
Your face isn't the only part of your skin that deserves a good glycolic acid treatment. These anti-odorant pads are packed with fruit-derived glycolic acid — along with nourishing probiotics — to give any bumpy, discolored pits a refresh. No need to swipe on deodorant after using these pads, either: They're meant to replace your usual deo stick!
Bonus: These underarm wipes are also biodegradable, and free of aluminum, parabens, baking soda, and fragrances.
Biossance's Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Mask works as a peel, exfoliator, and overnight mask to improve your skin texture as you sleep.
While glycolic acid does its exfoliating work, moisturizing squalane keeps skin calm and hydrated. It's a clean-beauty favorite that'll help brighten your complexion after just 10 minutes.
This popular glycolic-acid night serum features a 12% alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy blend that works to improve the tone and texture of your skin as you sleep.
It also complements the efficacy of other products, as it clears your pores at night to prep for maximum absorption in the morning.
If your biggest skin concerns include both wrinkles and acne, you might want to add a resurfacing mask to your routine.
Along with glycolic acid, this microexfoliating mask doubles as a face scrub, and also features lactic and salicylic acids for a potent chemical exfoliation. It's enhanced with polishing microcrystals to slough off dead skin.
We can't get enough of these O.G. chemical peel pads. They're filled with a blend of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid to give your skin a packed punch of exfoliation and refinement, sloughing away even the most stubborn dead skin cells and dirt from your pores.
Ashley Philips, our former beauty editor, says, "“They 100% live up to the hype,” and help her achieve "professional-level facial results in less than 5 minutes."
They're also gentle enough to use daily: They're for anyone with dry, sensitive skin, like beauty influencer Ava Lee of Glow With Ava. “These have been my holy grail, and they’re always in my bathroom and travel bags,” says Lee. “They’re the best way to get my instant glow without irritating my skin because they come with both the acid and neutralizer, so you’re minimizing the ‘damage’ to your skin with acids.”
Anthony just gave us an AHA moment. (Get it?!) This unique batch of wipes that's enhanced with glycolic acid swipes away both grime and impurities. Each wipe has a textured side for a little extra exfoliation, which leaves your skin looking radiant and bright with little effort.
These easy-to-pack wipes are perfect for stowing away in your gym bag, carry-on, or purse to give your skin an instant radiance boost.
Blackheads and enlarged pores got you down? These peel pads will do just the trick. Each of these pads contains a 10% glycolic acid treatment to dig deep into your pores and remove any impurities to banish blackheads for good. They're especially handy after a grueling sweat session, when you just need to get rid of the extra grime.