What it is
Benefits
Concerns
Glycolic Acid is arguably the most famous AHA with research to back up its benefits. Its main role is to peel the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.
Glycolic Acid has shown to boost collage production, a protein that helps skin stay firm. Overall, Glycolic Acid helps with improving uneven tone, rough patches of skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. It also increases skin hydration by playing a role in creating molecules that create hyaluronic acid naturally.
When applying Glycolic Acid, it is normal to feel slight stinging. The pH value and concentration of glycolic acid play a role in the effectiveness of the product.
Recent studies have shown Glycolic Acid may protect the skin against UV damage. However, you should always wear SPF, especially when using exfoliants.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Glycolic Acid is a rare cosmetic ingredient, with about 4.2% of the products in our database containing it.
Community Data
466 people from our community have liked or disliked this ingredient.
Users who like it 💖
Often have the following skin types:
Usually have one or more of the following skin concerns:
Users who dislike it 💔
Often have the following skin types:
Usually have one or more of the following skin concerns:
Where it's used
Glycolic Acid is most often found as ingredient number 8 within an ingredient list.
Of the 12 products in our database that have a known concentration of Glycolic Acid, we've seen concentrations from 4% to 17% specified within their ingredient lists.
These are the categories of products that use Glycolic Acid the most:
References
Products with Glycolic Acid
CosIng Data
- CosIng ID: 34147
- INCI Name: GLYCOLIC ACID
- EC #: Â 201-180-5
- All Functions: Buffering
