What are the best Glycolic Acid exfoliants? Pixi Tonic and The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution have put this exfoliating acid on the map – to the point where everyone wants to use it, no matter their skin type! I have clients with oily, acne-prone skin that think they’re missing out if they use Salicylic Acid instead (a much better option for your skin type) and clients with sensitive skin who believe they’re doomed to wrinkles forever because this acid is too strong for them…
Glycolic acid is a great exfoliant for dry skin and dark spots. If that’s what you’re dealing with, and you want to know what the best Glycolic Acid exfoliants are to get a clear, smoother, brighter complexion, I’ve got you covered. After testing hundreds of products, here are my favourite picks.
- Glycolic Acid Benefits
- What To Look For In Glycolic Acid Exfoliants
- Best Glycolic Acid Exfoliants
- Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum ($65.00)
- Paula’s Choice Resist Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA ($39.00)
- Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum ($90.00)
- Tula Secret Solution Pro-Glycolic 10% Resurfacing Toner ($46.00)
- The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution ($13.00)
- Cosrx AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid Treatment ($22.00)
- Mad Hippie AHA Exfoliating Peel ($29.99)
- Paula’s Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA ($29.00)
- The Verdict
Glycolic Acid Benefits
Glycolic Acid is the smallest member of the Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), a family of exfoliants that works by dissolving the glue that holds skin cells together, so they can slough off faster.
What sets Glycolic Acid apart from other exfoliants, to the point everyone feels they’re missing out if they’re not using it? Most exfoliants are one trick ponies. They get those dead skin cells off your body and that’s it.
Glycolic Acid goes THREE steps further:
- It exfoliates skin, fading dark spots and imperfections
- It hydrates skin
- It boosts the production of skin-firming collagen (when used in 10% or higher concentrations)
Show me another exfoliant that can do all that. Told ya!
What To Look For In Glycolic Acid Exfoliants
So, you want to know if that Glycolic Acid exfoliant has what it takes to do the job? Here are three things to look out for in the best Glycolicm Acid Exfoliant, before you take that bottle home:
- Concentration: Opt for products that have between 5% and 10% Glycolic Acid. Go lower and there may not be enough to do the job. Go higher and you’ll likely deal with a bad case of dryness and irritation. If a product does NOT tell you how much Glycolic Acid it has, look at the ingredient list. If it’s not in the top 5 ingredients, leave it on the shelf.
- pH: Look for products that have a pH between 2.8 and 4. Too low and it’ll burn your skin. Too high and Glycolic Acid gets deactivated. Unfortunately, brands don’t usually tell you the pH of a product, so you’ll have to do some digging here (or just get one of the options I’m recommending below).
- Other acids: It’s totally ok to use exfoliants that only contain Glycolic Acid. But if your skin can take it, use something that includes other acids, like lactic acid (super hydrating!) and salicylic acid (great to unclog pores and fight acne).
FAQ ABOUT GLYCOLIC ACID EXFOLIANTS
What can Glycolic Acid exfoliants do?
Glycolic acid exfoliants… exfoliate skin. Dermatologist Dr Whitney Bowe shares that it dissolves “that glue that holds the sticky cells together, the dead cells, on the uppermost layer of your skin. And that’s why it can help with the texture, it can make your skin feel a lot smoother, a lot softer.” This process also helps lighten dark spots, help prevent acne, and enhance the penetration of skincare ingredients, so they work better and faster.
What can’t Glycolic Acid exfoliants do?
Glycolic Acid can’t unclog pores and treat acne. While removing dead cells from the surface of your skin can prevent new acne from forming, an exfoliant needs to penetrate your pores to get rid of blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. Glycolic Acid can’t do that.
Who should use Glycolic Acid exfoliants?
Thanks to its hydrating properties, Glycolic Acid is the best exfoliating choice for dry skin. It’s also a great option for anyone with dark spots.
Who should NOT use them?
Sensitive skin. It’s too harsh for you. Also, if you have acne, including blackheads and whiteheads, you’re better off with Salicylic Acid (BHA). Check out my fave Salicylic Acid exfoliants here.
Can I use Glycolic Acid exfoliants if I have sensitive skin?
No. They’re too drying and irritating for your skin type. Opt for Lactic Acid instead. You can find my fave Lactic Acid exfoliants here.
Does Glycolic Acid have any side effects?
Glycolic Acid is a powerful weapon. Like all powerful weapons, it can backfire. Dr Maryam Zamani, facial aesthetics doctor and oculoplastic surgeon at The Clinic explains, says: “Overusing glycolic acid can leave the skin red, dry and more sensitive to the sun. This can cause premature ageing, thinning of the skin and heightened risk of pigmentation.”
How often should you use Glycolic Acid exfoliants?
No more than every other night. I don’t care if the exfoliant you picked claims you can use it every other day. Glycolic Acid can irritate and dry out if used too often. Don’t overdo it!
How do you use Glycolic Acid exfoliants?
Start with a small concentration twice a week and build up both dose and frequency gradually (for the best way to use it, check out my Complete Guide To Glycolic Acid).
What should you NOT use Glycolic Acid exfoliants with?
Glycolic Acid is a powerful active, so do not use with other powerful actives, like 15% Vitamin C or retinoids (unless they’re in the same product, formulated to be gentle on the skin). Mixing and matching these actives on your own can results in over exfoliation and irritation.
Can Glycolic Acid cause purging?
If Glycolic Acid makes you breakout, it’s likely a purge. In other words, you already had pimples forming under the surface of your skin. By removing dead cells, those pimples came to the surface sooner. Do NOT stop exfoliating. Purging removes all the gunk at once, so you can have clear skin afterwards. A purge shouldn’t last more than six weeks, often less than that. If it lasts longer, there likely is something in the product that makes you breakout, so stop using it.
Best Glycolic Acid Exfoliants
Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum ($65.00)
I usually don’t recommend you use Glycolic Acid and retinol together. Glycolic acid exfoliates skin. Retinol speeds up the skin’s natural exfoliating process. You’re basically exfoliating twice and that can cause dryness and irritation. Said that, this is formulated to make it gentler on the skin, so you can enjoy the exfoliating benefits of both with the collagen-boosting properties of retinol. In other words, it makes skin softer, minimises wrinkles, and lightens dark spots. Only use it if you’re a seasoned glycolic acid and retinol user – and even then, no more than any other day.
Available at: Beauty Bay, Dermstore, Peter Thomas Roth, Sephora, Skin Store, and Ulta
Active Ingredients: 15% Glycolic Acid Complex (this means that Glycolic Acid is mixed with other ingredients, so you’re not getting straight 15% Glycolic Acid) and 1.5% Time-Released Microencapsulated Retinol (it gets released over a long period of time instead of hitting your skin all at once – it makes it much gentler on your skin).
Benefits: Exfoliates, fades away dark spots, and minimises wrinkles.
Side effects: Can be drying and irritating, if you use it too much too often.
Skin type: Dry and mature skin that’s used to Glycolic Acid and retinol.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Related: The Best Skincare Routine For Dry Skin
Paula’s Choice Resist Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA ($39.00)
Paula’s Choice is my go-to brand for exfoliant. She has several Glycolic Acid in different textures (gel, lotion, liquid) to please every taste. My fave is Paula’s Choice Resist Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA for two reasons. First, I lightweight, milky texture that sinks in quickly, making it a pleasure to use for anyone. Two: it has a 10% mix of AHAs and BHA acids (Glycolic, Lactic, Manic, and Salicylic) to exfoliate both the surface of your skin and your pores. If you’re dealing with acne and dry skin/dark spots, this is ideal. Plus, it has its fair share of antioxidants to prevent wrinkles. Any skin type, apart from sensitive, can use it.
Available at: Cult Beauty, Paula’s Choice, and SpaceNK
Active Ingredients: Glycolic, Malic, Lactic, and Salicylic Acids, shea butter, and antioxidants.
Benefits: Exfoliates, brightens skin, treats and prevents acne.
Side effects: Can be drying and irritating, if you use it too much too often.
Skin type: Any skin type bar sensitive.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum ($90.00)
If you got dry skin with blackheads, whiteheads, and the occasion pimple, you need Salicylic Acid. It’s an exfoliant that can get inside your pores and remove all excess oil and other gunk that’s clogging them up. Bye bye breakouts! But that doesn’t mean you can’t let Glycolic Acid join in on the fun. You just need an exfoliant that has both.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum fits the bills to a T. It has 1% Salicylic Acid to keep your skin blemish-free and 12% Glycolic Acid to deal with wrinkles, dark spots and sun damage. Plus, it’s also loaded with anti-irritants that can soothe the redness Glycol Acid sometimes causes. Ands, antioxidants to keep wrinkles away. It literally has everything your skin needs.
Available at: Cult Beauty, Sephora and SpaceNK
Active Ingredients: 12% Glycolic acid and 1% Salicylic Acid.
Benefits: Exfoliates, fades away dark spots, and unclogs pores.
Side effects: Can be drying and irritating, if you use it too much too often.
Skin type: Dry, combination, and oily skin.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Related: Why Salicylic Acid Is The Key To A Blemish-Free Complexion
Confused about The Ordinary? Click on the image below to subscribe to my newsletter and get “The Ordinary Products Guide” Cheatsheet. It’ll help your choose the right Vitamin C serum, the right retinoid serum, and more from this affordable brand:
Tula Secret Solution Pro-Glycolic 10% Resurfacing Toner ($46.00)
If you have dry skin, you’re in for a treat. Not only this toner has 10% Glycolic Acid to smoothen out the complexion and brighten skin, but it’s super hydrating. Enriched with probiotics and Hyaluronic Acid, it infuses skin with moisture, plumps wrinkles, and helps you better tolerate the exfoliating process. Did I mention it’s loaded with antioxidants to fight premature aging? Tula has really thought of everything.
Available at: SpaceNK and Ulta
Active Ingredients: 10% Glycolic acid, probitotics, Hyaluronic Acid, and antioxidants.
Benefits: Exfoliates, fades away dark spots, prevents wrinkles, and hydrates skin.
Side effects: Can be drying and irritating, if you use it too much too often.
Skin type: Dry skin.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Related: Myths About Hydroquinone, Debunked!
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution ($13.00)
Who said you need to spend a small fortune to get your exfoliating fix? The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is dirty cheap but packs a powerful punch. It has enough Glycol Acid to do the job well and is packed with soothings agents to tame the irritation that sometimes comes along with Glycolic Acid. Did I mention it’s a dupe for Pixi Glow? If you’re on a budget, you can’t go wrong with this.
Available at: Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, Look Fantastic, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Ordinary, and Ulta.
Active Ingredients: 7% Glycolic acid.
Benefits: Exfoliates, smoothens the complexion, and helps fade away dark spots.
Side effects: Can be drying and irritating, if you use it too much too often.
Skin type: Dry skin.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Related: Are They Dupes?: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution VS Pixi Glow
Cosrx AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid Treatment ($22.00)
This little Korean gem is proof that simple formulas often work best. You obviously know it has enough Glycolic Acid to exfoliate skin and brighten the complexion. The rest of the formula is a simple concoction of hydrators, like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, and little else. There’s nothing extra that doesn’t belong here. It’s simple. It’s fragrance-free. And it just gives you brighter, softer skin without breaking the bank.
Available at: Beauty Bay, Cosrx, Dermstore, Look Fantastic, Stylevana, Ulta, and Yes Style
Active Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid.
Benefits: Exfoliates, brightens and hydrates.
Side effects: Can be drying and irritating, if you use it too much too often.
Skin type: Dry skin.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Mad Hippie AHA Exfoliating Peel ($29.99)
If you’re looking for natural skincare based on science that works without irritating skin, Mad Hippie is where it’s at. This lightweight peel uses 9% glycolic acid mixed with 1% lactic acid to exfoliate skin, smoothen out rough patches, and give your complexion a brighter glow. But it’s the rest of the formula that makes it shine. It’s loaded with antioxidants, including niacinamide and white tea, that prevent premature aging and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and plump up skin. It has all the goodies without fragrances and other irritants.
Active Ingredients: 9% Glycolic Acid, 1% Lactic Acid, antioxidants, and Hyaluronic Acid.
Benefits: Exfoliates, brightens, hydrates, and prevents wrinkles.
Side effects: Can be drying and irritating, if you use it too much too often.
Skin type: Dry skin.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Paula’s Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA ($29.00)
Glycolic Acid ain’t just for your face. Your body needs its fix, too. Even in winterwhen your body is covered under layers of clothing. YOU will still see it every day. If your skin gets too rough and dull, answer its cry for help and exfoliate it. When summer rolls around again, your skin will be ready. 🙂 Not to mention, if you use a self-tanner, exfoliation will make it go on much more smoothly. Sadly, there aren’t too many Glycol Acid exfoliants for the body out there. Paula’s Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA is one of the few options – and a great one at that! It’s also loaded with Shea Butter to moisturise, antioxidants to prevent wrinkles and soothing agents to calm down inflammation. It’s like 3 products in 1!
Available at: Dermstore and Paula’s Choice
Active Ingredients: 10% Glycolic Acid, shea butter, and antioxidants.
Benefits: Exfoliates, prevents wrinkles, and smoothens out dry patches.
Side effects: Can be drying and irritating, if you use it too much too often.
Skin type: Dry skin.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
The Verdict
There you have it, the best Glycolic Acid exfoliants to smoothen out wrinkles, brighten the complexion, and even help unclog pores. They’re effective, gentle, and have the right pH to make sure you get results. Just don’t go overboard! Use them with caution.
Love these products! I’m using Paula’s Choice 5% daily AHA, my skin is reacting well to it. Should I switch it over to the 8%? Is it better to exfoliate once or twice a week at a higher concentration or 3-4 time at a lower one? Thank you!! 🙂
Maya, I love both exfoliants. I always recommend people start with the 5% a couple of times a week and switch to the 8% after a couple of months if they don’t experience any problems. You can start again with once or twice a week and then build up to 3/4,
Great post! I am a big fan of paula’s choice best products by far!
http://www.libertylife.me
Liberty, I totally agree!
Alpha Skin Care Revitalizing Body Lotion Is a good aha body lotion. 12% glycolic acid and it’s sold at Ulta!
Amy, thanks for the recommendation. 🙂
Amy & Gio, I like so many of the Alpha Skin Care products. They also have a glycolic acid & hydroquinone cream. Less $$ than Paula’s Choice. The Ordinary 7% glycolic is a winner, too!
The ordinary is now very popular in thailand also. all of product from the ordinary is now boom in thailand. but i haven’t try any item of them yet.
Kate, you should. They’re very good and so cheap. 🙂
I love the Drunk Elephant Framboos Glycolic serum but not the price. My skin is on the oily side, any other suggestions?
Kathy, I hear ya! I love Drunk Elephant but I wish it were cheaper too. The reason I recommend it for oily skin is because it’s one of the few products I know that has both glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Imo, if you have oily skin and have to choose between the two, go with salicylic. But if you want to use both, you can buy two separate products. The Ordinary Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Toning Solution are a cheap way to incorporate both into your skincare routine.
Hmm Gio, I know this is an old post, but I still have some questions about glycolic acid. I am an 18 y/o trying to improve her skin texture, so I have been thinking of chemical exfoliants (I have normal to combination skin). I am quite worried about using glycolic acid because I heard it can only thicken skin and boost collagen production (not that I really care for this quality at the moment) when it’s concentration is above 10%. So I’m scared that if I use any lower than that I’m going to thin my skin (having thin, photosensitive skin is a nightmare if you live in a tropical country like myself even if you wear sunscreen) without any long term benefits. Can you help to clarify this matter for me?
Sha, glycolic acid thins shin at the beginning and thickens it in the long run. That’s why it’s recommended to wear sunscreen every single day if you use glycolic acid. Most exfoliants will thin your skin at first though as they work by removing a layer of dead cells. Just use once or twice a week (at your age, you don’t need much more) and wear sunscreen in the morning and you’ll be fine.
I’m 28 and starting to see fine lines around my eyes and mouth. They don’t bother me yet but I’d love to keep them from getting more noticeable and very interested in starting to use glycolic acid as an exfoliant. I was looking at the 7% Ordinary Toning Solution but I read somewhere that glycolic acid needs to be 10% free to be effective to boost collagen? Is this true and if so what does the “free” part mean?
Echo, yes it’s true you need 10%. That’s a very difficult concentration to find in skincare products – especially because the concentration on the packaging isn’t always the right one.
Glycolic acid is pH dependant. The Ordinary uses 7% glycolic acid at a ph of 3.5-3.7. This means that 4.4% survives at this pH. This is what they mean with free.
Glycolic acid is a good exfoliant, but if you want it to boost collagen, you’re better off going for peels at your dermatologist every 3/4 months.