Fighting Acne or Wrinkles? Let Us Introduce You to Glycolic Acid

So, you’ve read “glycolic acid” on countless labels in your bathroom cabinet, but do you actually know what it does? This chemical exfoliator offers a slew of benefits, and the right one can make a world of difference for your complexion.

To help you learn everything worth knowing about glycolic acid, we interviewed three board-certified dermatologists about the efficacy of this popular skincare ingredient. To help simplify your shopping process, we researched 15 of the best glycolic acid products of all time that are aligned with their expert guidance.

Best Glycolic Acid Products

• Best Drugstore: L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum
• Best Derm-Approved: SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator Replenishing Serum
• Best Budget: The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner
• Best for Dark Spots: Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Night Cream
• Most Professional-Grade: Goop Beauty GOOPGLOW 15% Glycolic Overnight Glow Peel
• Best for Acne: Rodial Glycolic 10% Booster Drops
• Best Toner: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser
• Best Underarm Treatment: Surface Deep Anti-Odorant Pads
• Best for Dry Skin: Biossance Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Mask

What Is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid — a type of alpha hydroxy acid — is a chemical exfoliator that battles both acne and wrinkles. Plus, this skincare hero is also effective at reducing dark spots and evening out skin tone.

Dr. Kavita Mariwalla, M.D., of Mariwalla Dermatology, says that you may be familiar with this particular ingredient if you get chemical peels, since it's the main ingredient in the clarifying treatment. “As a chemical, it dissolves the bonds between skin cells, which allows them to desquamate or shed more easily,” she says. “This is what creates a characteristic ‘peel’ that occurs when using high-concentration glycolic acids in a chemical peel. This peeling effect sheds those cells to reveal the clearer, smoother skin underneath.”

What Does Glycolic Acid Do for Your Face?

Glycolic acid promotes exfoliation by dissolving the “glue” that holds the outermost layer of skin cells together, according to Dr. Audrey Kunin, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of skincare line DERMAdoctor. “This helps dislodge debris from clogged pores, even skin discoloration, soften fine lines and wrinkles, smooth away dry, rough, bumpy skin, and allow for better penetration of skincare actives,” she says.

It also attracts water — similar to hyaluronic acid — which can help plump skin for an anti-aging effect, notes board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sheila Farhang, M.D. Kunin adds that many experts believe that glycolic acid can also help stimulate dermal collagen production.

Can Anyone Use Glycolic Acid?

While glycolic acid sounds amazing, it's not for everyone. If you have dry skin, you should be careful with how often you use glycolic acid, notes board-certified dermatologist Dr. Loretta Ciraldo, M.D.

“Glycolic acid will also strip skin of the healthy skin oils that trap in moisture, and since it’s an acid, you have to be careful not to apply it on skin that is red, peeling, or inflamed because it can worsen these conditions,” she explains. Also, anyone with strawberry or blueberry allergies should avoid incorporating this ingredient into their skincare routine, advises Farhang.

How to Use Glycolic Acid

Incorporating glycolic acid into your skincare routine is relatively simple, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind:

1. Read the labels: If the product you're using is a higher strength solution, use it sparingly: On the other hand, lower strength products can be used daily. For example, exfoliants can generally be used once per week, Farhang suggests. Remember, however, that when you use a higher strength product often, it could lead to irritation, sun sensitivity, hyperpigmentation, and what is essentially a chemical burn.
2. Don't skip sunscreen: Since you'll possibly experience sun sensitivity while using glycolic acid, Farhang stresses that you shouldn't skip sunblock. (We have your SPF needs covered with our guides to mineral sunscreen, sunscreens available on Amazon, tinted sunscreen, and even sunscreen for melanin-rich skin.)

Now that you're armed with everything you need to know about glycolic acid, read on for more insight and our 15 favorite glycolic acid skincare picks.