Allure/Clara Hendler
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, 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. However, if you have sensitive skin, it's best to err on the side of caution and check with your dermatologist before using the ingredient at all.
No matter what the season, using glycolic acid will keep your skin clear and bright year-round. Ahead, we've gathered up 16 of the best glycolic acid treatments — 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.
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If you're new to the ingredient, 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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Hartman also 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.
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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 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.
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Before you catch some ZZZs, board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, who is based in New York City, recommends slathering on this SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream. It's formulated with alpha hydroxy acids — including glycolic and lactic acids, along with vitamin A — to boost collagen production, combat fine lines, and improve your skin's overall tone and texture. You can also count on a combination of vitamins C, E, and coenzyme Q10 in the cream to help neutralize damaging free radicals. "It is a dermatologist favorite for good reason as it boosts collagen, combats fine lines, and improves tone and texture," says Murphy-Rose.
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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 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.
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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 another of Murphy-Rose's favorites. 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.
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"Charlotte Tilbury's Super Radiance Resurfacing Facial Treatment revamps dull skin, making it appear more radiant," says board-certified dermatologist Jeannette Graf, 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," Graf adds.
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"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 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.
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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.
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A little bit of this potent No7 Laboratories Resurfacing Peel 15% Glycolic Acid goes a long way in vanishing dirt, pollutants, and other grime to reveal a gorgeous glow. Sounds like a win-win for skin.
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Searching for a drugstore pick that works as effectively as its pricier counterparts? L'Oréal Paris' 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.
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Dr. Dennis Gross' best-selling Alpha Beta Pads have earned their spot as one of the best glycolic acid treatments around. The two-step peel system uses a trio of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids to help you achieve professional-level results at home. All three acids work in harmony to reduce signs of aging, unclog pores, support collagen production, and help with cellular turnover. Sign us up.
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This one-minute, one-step M-61 Power Glow Peel exfoliates to help you achieve your best glow yet. Using both glycolic and salicylic acid, it'll give you a whole slew of benefits (like improving the skin's texture, tone, and clarity) without any redness, thanks to soothing chamomile and lavender.
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A multi-acid blend of salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acids team up for the Pixi Clarity Acid Peel to grant us some major exfoliation deep within the skin. Bamboo stem powder in the product also smoothes away roughness on the skin's surface — leaving behind radiant, luminous skin.
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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.
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Make the most of your beauty sleep with Acure's Resurfacing Overnight Glycolic Treatment. Glycolic and lactic acids refine and resurface the skin, while true unicorn root works in tandem to boost your skin's glow. Avocado and jojoba seed oils replenish moisture that may have been lost in the sloughing process.
Keywordsskin careskinskin-care routineacneglycolic acidglycolic peelsshoppingshopping guidethe ordinaryAcureSkinCeuticalspaula's choiceGlytonePixiDr. Dennis Gross SkincareLa Roche-PosayL'OrealCharlotte TilburyISDINDrunk Elephantmario badescu