The 10 Best Glycolic Acid Products

Smoother, softer, healthier-looking skin … Do we sound like one of those cheesy adverts yet? The thing is, some ingredients are the dream. They do what they claim to: they make good skin days more frequent.

Glycolic Acid is one of those ingredients. Use it regularly, and it’ll promote the skin's healing process, helping increase collagen and elastin for an anti-ageing effect. Studies show that this ingredient ‘knows’ how to target sun damage, dullness, and hyperpigmentation to encourage a healthy-looking, natural glow. Impressive!

But what exactly is Glycolic Acid, and how does it work? Is Glycolic Acid safe for sensitive skin? If you’re obsessed with getting the Glycolic Acid glow, we've got the skincare essentials that are perfect for both daily and occasional use.

What is Glycolic Acid?

Sure, seeing the word ‘acid’ on your bathroom shelf can seem a little … scary. What is the best Glycolic Acid definition? Worry not! Studies have shown that Glycolic Acid is safe. This naturally occurring ingredient derives from sugarcane and is fruit-based. Like Lactic acid, Glycolic Acid is a water-soluble Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and a firm favourite in the skincare industry.

What does Glycolic Acid do?

When applied to the skin, the potent little ingredient reacts with the top layer to break down sebum and exfoliate away the outer dead layer. Once the Glycolic Acid has swept that junk away, skin can reflect light better to reveal smoother, brighter-looking skin. Ding! Using a Glycolic Acid toner will introduce the ingredient mindfully into your routine. You could start with a cult classic like Pixi Glow Tonic 250ml.

Does Glycolic Acid thin skin?

In a word, yes, Glycolic Acid does thin the skin—but that’s no bad thing. There are many benefits to Glycolic Acid for skin. The acid breaks down the stratum corneum, which is just the top layer of dead skin cells, and leaves behind the good stuff. In fact, some AHA acids actually have a thickening effect on the layers below the skin’s surface, where the all-important collagen can be found. If you have extremely sensitive skin and are worried about Glycolic Acid burn, always consult a professional before using this ingredient.

What percentage of Glycolic Acid is effective?

There are some solid reasons to try Glycolic Acid for skin products. If you’re new to the ingredient, you’ll start to see the effects using products with only 8%. If you’ve built up a tolerance or you want help with skin specifics like ageing or rough skin, look for products with around 10% Glycolic Acid.

Can you use Hyaluronic acid and Glycolic Acid together?

When using an exfoliating product like Glycolic Acid, it’s essential you replenish the moisture in your skin. Hyaluronic Acid will give skin a hit of hydration and help ward off irritation. So, yes! Research shows that you can layer these two ingredients.

Is Glycolic Acid safe to use during pregnancy?

It’s a big question: is Glycolic Acid pregnancy-safe? Although it's safe to use in small doses, a salon-based Glycolic Acid peel when pregnant probably isn't advisable. But Glycolic Acid and pregnancy can mix to some extent. Use at-home products containing less than a 10% concentration to keep your complexion tip-top. We always recommend speaking to your doctor or a skincare specialist before trying any ingredients you're unsure about.

What’s the best skin type to use it on?

It’s actually pretty good for all skin types. Those with normal, combination, and oily skin will feel the benefits of Glycolic Acid. But if you have very dry skin, you might experience some irritation. And, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, make sure you’re always slathering on the 30+ SPF—especially after exfoliating.

Is Glycolic Acid safe to use on sensitive skin?

This little acid really is safe for most skin types. Research shows that if you have very sensitive skin or rosacea, you might find it a bit too irritating. But on the whole, you should be fine.

What does Glycolic Acid do for acne?

You might think Salicylic Acid is the acne saviour, but it’s worth testing out Glycolic Acid acne clearing capabilities too. You can use Glycolic Acid on pimples! This super exfoliator unsticks the skin, releasing and unclogging the pores, so skin looks clearer and acne becomes less annoying. Also, it gets bonus points for helping with the appearance of discolouration and acne scarring.

What's the best Glycolic Acid peel product?

What’s right for you depends on how much time you have and how much money you want to spend. We love Pixi Glow Peel Pads, which are infused with 20% Glycolic Acid. It’s a simple, gentle and effective Glycolic Acid peel for acne. Sweep one over your face before bed to help reduce fine lines and slough away dead skin cells. We also can’t get enough of Glycolic Acid in the acne-reducing, fine line-fighting, anti-pigmentation powerhouse, Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel (available only at Adore Beauty). This night Glycolic Acid cream peel blends a potent mix of Retinol, Collagen, and Glycolic Acid and is thought of as one of the most effective face peels on the market.

When is the best time to apply Glycolic Acid, and how often should I use it?

Because Glycolic Acid can make skin more sensitive to the sun, experts recommend making the ingredient a part of your evening routine. To feel the benefit, apply the product to your entire face or body and not just the problem area.

With a blend of Liquorice Extract and Silk Proteins, skin feels soothed, looks brighter, and retains moisture levels. Devotees rave about the Alpha-H Liquid Gold skin-smoothing Glycolic Acid benefits. Best part is, results are visible after just 20 minutes.

The deeply penetrating Skinstitut Glycolic Cleanser 12% works by bringing the hydrating, plumping cells that hide beneath the lower layers of the skin’s epidermis to the forefront. Tea Tree Oil, a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient, benefits acne-prone skin in addition to the decongesting properties of this exfoliating cleanser.

With its gentle, exfoliating action, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution helps reveal the skin’s natural radiance with visible clarity. Use consistently to see the skin’s appearance continue to improve. Those with sensitive, compromised, or peeling skin might benefit from another product. And always apply sunscreen the morning after use.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Alpha-H Liquid Gold Resurfacing Cleansing Cream is suitable for acne-prone, normal, dry, and mature skin, and acts as a primer for the rest of your skincare routine. Use this gentle Glycolic Acid cleanser regularly to reduce the appearance of fine lines, large pores, and sun damage for a clearer, smoother, brighter-looking complexion.

Triple-action Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 200ml is perfect for ageing skin as it helps improve the appearance of fine lines by restoring soft skin. And it’s not just for the face! If you suffer from bumpy or rough patches on the body, this exfoliator is perfect for smoothing the skin out. Want to know more about Murad skinare? Check out The 11 Best Murad Products You Need to Try

Both highly soothing and highly effective, SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnighthelps skin look less pigmented and crystal-clear. Thanks to botanical ingredients, the skin is beautifully conditioned and soothed. Apply this wonder, which is free of dyes and fragrances, every night for noticeable effects.

Skincare Routine - How To Apply SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight

mesoestetic glycolic + E + F ampoules is also great at helping reduce the appearance of blackheads by revitalising clogged, suffocated skin. Ensures the skin is prepped and primed for any active ingredient to be applied after use.

With Glycolic Acid Activator, the skin is prepped for any subsequent creams applied. This new and improved, lightweight formula, with a gentle citrus scent, helps control oil throughout the day. Apply Medik8 Balance Moisturiser with Glycolic Acid Activator every morning and evening, sweeping the duo over the face, neck, and décolletage.

This peel is ideal for dull, lifeless skin. Apply to the face and neck twice a week to see optimal benefits; there are many Glycolic Acid peel benefits. Apply to the face, neck and décolletage and leave on the skin for up to 10 minutes. When using Murad Environmental Shield Intensive-C Radiance Peel, which is categorised as a Murad Step Two product, follow up with a moisturiser and sunscreen.

Once you’ve showered and dried, Pixi Glycolic Body Lotion gently exfoliates to smooth skin. Paraben-free and cruelty-free, this body moisturiser gently hydrates and boosts radiance with a blend of Glycolic Acid, Aloe Vera, Grape Seed Oil, and Ginseng for a toning, smoothing finish.

So, as you can see, there really is a Glycolic Acid product that everyone can benefit from! From the best Glycolic Acid face wash to the best Glycolic Acid products for acne, it’s well worth including the ingredient in your good skin arsenal.

Want to know more about cosmeceutical skincare? Check out our guide What Is Cosmeceutical Skincare? Our Expert Guide

Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty’s highly trained Customer Service team. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.

So, let's recap the Best Glycolic Acid Products:

1. Alpha-H Liquid Gold

2. Skinstitut Glycolic Cleanser 12%

3. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

4. Alpha-H Liquid Gold Resurfacing Cleansing Cream

5. Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 200ml

6. SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight

7. mesoestetic glycolic + E + F ampoules

8. Medik8 Balance Moisturiser with Glycolic Acid Activator

9. Murad Environmental Shield Intensive-C Radiance Peel

10. Pixi Glycolic Body Wash