Glycolic Acid (Ingredient Explained + Products)

You should know

What it is

AHA

Benefits

Good for Oily Skin

Brightening

Texture

Large Pores

Anti-Aging

Dark Spots

Scar Healing

Concerns

Irritation

Rosacea

Explained

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:

People also like: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Salicylic Acid

People also dislike: Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid

Glycolic Acid is a rare cosmetic ingredient, with about 3.3% of the products in our database containing it.

What it does:

Buffering

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Community Stats

12492 people from our community have liked or disliked this ingredient.

Users who like it 💖

Often have the following skin types:

Combination Oily

Usually have one or more of the following skin concerns:

Seborrheic Dermatitis • Fine Lines • Wrinkles • Dullness

Users who dislike it 💔

Often have the following skin types:

Sensitive Dry

Usually have one or more of the following skin concerns:

Seborrheic Dermatitis • Sensitivity • Redness • Dryness

Where it's used

Glycolic Acid is most often found as ingredient number 8 within an ingredient list.

Of the 25 products in our database that have a known concentration of Glycolic Acid, we've seen concentrations from 0.1% to 17% specified within their ingredient lists.