The 17 Best Glycolic Acid Products to Reveal Brighter, Smoother Skin
Treating breakouts, evening out skin texture, and removing dead skin cells all at once may seem like a big ask from a single beauty product — but there's one potent ingredient that can tackle all three concerns (and more) all on its own: glycolic acid. "The water-soluble alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), of which [glycolic acid] is the smallest, is most often used as an exfoliant in skin-care formulas," explains cosmetic chemist Stephen Alain Ko.
While providing powerful exfoliation, the powerhouse AHA also improves skin tone, texture, and minimizes hyperpigmentation. You can also expect some boosts to skin's collagen production —and since the acid helps remove dead skin cells and prevents other buildup from clogging your pores, products with the ingredient can help stop acne breakouts. In short, there's very little that glycolic acid can't do.
If you're new to glycolic acid, it's best to ease into using the chemical exfoliant. "Start using it slowly, with a lower concentration of 10 percent or less, or with a glycolic acid cleanser," says Corey L. Hartman, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. As your skin adjusts over time, you can start adding products with the sloughing acid into your regime in higher concentrations.
It's important to note that dermatologists we've interviewed agree that glycolic acid is most ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types. However, if you have sensitive skin, you can still proceed — with caution. Consult your board-certified dermatologist before using the ingredient to figure out which treatments (coupled with soothing ingredients like glycerin) are best for you.
No matter what the season, using glycolic acid will keep your skin clear and bright year-round. Ahead, we've gathered up 17 of the best glycolic acid products — recommended by dermatologists and Allure editors — in a range of concentrations and formats, to help get you glowing no matter what the state of your skin at the moment.
Ready to feel more confident when reading your beauty products' ingredient labels? Enter, the Allure Ingredient Index. In this comprehensive guide, you'll find everything you need to know about the most in-demand (and under-the-radar) ingredients in your favorite skin-care products.
Murad Environmental Shield Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum
Yunyoung Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, recommends Murad Environmental Shield Vitamin C Glycolic Brightening Serum because it "combines the brightening powers of vitamin C and glycolic acid to help improve uneven skin tone and a dull complexion." This formula is suitable for both morning and nighttime skin-care routines, due to its inclusion of vitamin C, "which can protect and repair the skin because it reduces free radicals induced by UV," Dr. Chang explains. "It should be used after cleansing the skin and before moisturizer and sunscreen."
Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Peel Pads
Packed with 20 percent glycolic acid and 1.5 percent retinol, Dr. Chang says Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Peel Pads "help reduce the signs of aging, blemishing, and pigmentation." While they contain allantoin, adenosine, and hyaluronic acid to combat irritation, "it may not be the best starter pads for those with sensitive skin," Dr. Chang points out, "but it can be effective for those with oily, dull, or photodamaged skin."
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Peel
Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a "huge fan" of Dr. Dennis Gross's Alpha Beta Universal Peel. These potent pads use "a total of five alpha/beta hydroxy acids," she explains, including glycolic acid and salicylic acid, in order to slough away dead skin and encourage cell renewal. "Every time I use these peels, I notice my skin is so much more radiant and glowing," says Dr. Zubritsky.
Biossance Squalane + Glycolic Mask
Dr. Zubritsky also recommends Biossance's Squalane + Glycolic Mask. "It contains lactic, malic, and tartaric acids for an extra boost of exfoliation, as well as hyaluronic acid and squalane to hydrate and soothe skin." And, because it's a mask, it's the perfect method of unwinding after a stressful day: "It's really nice to use one or two times a week as a self-care ritual," says Dr. Zubritsky.
The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner
If you're looking to try new products without spending a small fortune, The Inkey List's Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner is an effective choice — and only costs $12. Ingredients like witch hazel control excess oil and soothe redness, while sugarcane exfoliates and brightens, so be sure to add this to your nighttime skin-care routine one to three times per week.
SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser
If you're new to the ingredient, Dr. Hartman advises gently incorporating this SkinCeuticals' Glycolic Renewal Cleanser into your regimen. It uses an 8 percent concentration of the AHA, along with phytic acid, to remove dirt, oil, and long-wearing makeup without stripping away any moisture.
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CeraVe Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment
If you're prone to redness and irritation after using exfoliating products, look to the greener pastures of Cerave's Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment. Formulated with a blend of glycolic and lactic acids, this lightweight serum promotes cell turnover while also delivering hydration (courtesy of ceramides and licorice root) — which means you won't experience any peeling, flaking, or tightness on your quest for a brighter complexion.
Typology Exfoliating Serum 10% Glycolic Acid
Calling all beauty lovers obsessed with gorgeous packaging: you'll probably drool over the recyclable brown glass bottle housing the France-made Typology's Exfoliating Serum 10% Glycolic Acid. Gently tap two to three drops of this powerful formula onto your complexion before hitting the hay and rest with full confidence that the lifespan of any blackheads and blemishes will be reduced. Fair warning: this formula may irritate sensitive skin, so perform a patch test prior to use if you're concerned, but it's definitely a great option for dry, oily, and combo skin types.
Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser
Consider Glytone's Mild Gel Cleanser your solution to achieving your smoothest, firmest skin yet. With each use, the wash helps remove dead skin cells to reveal a healthy, revitalized complexion while balancing your skin's pH level — which is why it's a top choice for Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell in New York City. This formula has an acid level of 4.7 — making it an ideal choice for daily use and well-suited for more sensitive skin types.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
A trio of glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids in Drunk Elephant's T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum clears congestion from deep within the pores to keep pimples from coming to a head. "This is a great non-retinol serum to gradually reverse sun damage, fine lines, and dark spots," says Dr. Murphy-Rose. Plus, raspberry extract and a combination of citric and tartaric acid work together to gradually reverse sun damage, fine lines, and dark spots.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
The Ordinary's 7% Toning Solution packs a punch by mildly exfoliating to increase brightness and radiance. Over time, it'll also help improve the appearance of skin texture, too, which is why Dr. Hartman is a fan. "However, with its affordable price, the peel could bring a higher risk of irritation and redness that pricier options may avoid with other ingredients to soothe the skin," he notes.
Charlotte Tilbury Super Radiance Resurfacing Facial Treatment
"Charlotte Tilbury's Super Radiance Resurfacing Facial Treatment revamps dull skin, making it appear more radiant," says board-certified dermatologist Jeannette Graf, MD, who is based in New York City. The formula uses three different types of acids: glycolic, of course, which penetrates the skin to brighten from within; salicylic acid, which is a pore-clearing beta-hydroxy acid (BHA); and bio agave acid, a gentle polyhydroxy acid (PHA), that removes dead cells on the skin's surface. "From experience, I have noticed the treatment reduces the appearance of acne bumps and helps remove some inflammation," Dr. Graf adds.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant
Dullness, dry skin, and acne are no match for the mixture of moisturizing hyaluronic and exfoliating glycolic acids that you'll find within the Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant. You can also count on hydrating panthenol and soothing aloe in the formula to keep skin from becoming irritated as the acid goes to work smoothing.
Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser
Dr. Hartman recommends the Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser to his patients because its gel texture makes it really easy to apply. Use the wash as part of a double-cleansing routine when you need to break down makeup or grime on the skin's surface. Or, swap the cleanser in place of your daily wash, one to three times per week for regular maintenance.
L'Oréal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum
Searching for a drugstore pick that works as effectively as its pricier counterparts? L'Oréal Paris's Revatalift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum has you covered. The treatment contains a combination of glycolic acid and aloe, which are ideal for correcting dark spots, evening out your skin tone, and reducing wrinkles — without any irritation whatsoever.
Isdin Night Peel
"This product has a patented, triple-acid (glycolic, lactic, and salicylic) formulation that works together powerfully to address many skin concerns all at once," explains Dr. Graf. In addition to glycolic acid in this Isdin Night Peel, there's also tartaric and malic acid to exfoliate the more superficial layers of dead skin cells. Use the treatment at night when your skin is in its most reparative state, and you'll wake up with skin that's softer, exfoliated, and — thanks to moisturizing glycerin — more hydrated. Plus, each ampoule is resealable, so you don’t have to worry about using the entire portion in one shot. Just use enough to thinly coat your face.
La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum
As implied in the name, La Roche-Posay's Glycolic B5 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum contains a straight, no chaser 10 percent dose of the powerful AHA, plus vitamin B5. The product can be used solo — or, if you're just dipping a toe into the glycolic acid pond, try the treatment as a booster with a moisturizer. Either way, you'll reap its dark spot-diminishing benefits over time.
