8 Must-Have Glycolic Acid Products for Every Skin Type in 2024

• What is glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliating ingredient that is derived from sugar cane. It is one of the smallest molecules of the alpha-hydroxy acid family, meaning it is water-soluable and penetrates deeply into the skin.

• Benefits of glycolic acid for skin

Glycolic acid penetrates deeply into the skin, “un-glues” dead skin cells and removes them from the skin, making skin brighter and evening out skin tone – all while encouraging new cells to appear,’ Curry explains.

This type of exfoliation addresses numerous skin concerns, including sun damage, uneven tone, rough, flaky patches of skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. In higher concentrations, glycolic acid can even improve the look of deeper wrinkles. Studies also show that glycolic acid significantly increases skin’s hydration. 

• What are the side effects of using glycolic acid?

Depending on your skin type and the formula you use, irritation and redness can be a side effect of using a glycolic acid product. Therefore, when using acids like glycolic, the most important thing to remember is not to overdo things. 

Don't panic, though: so long as you don't exceed the recommended useage on the bottle and introduce this gradually, you'll be golden. In addition, always wear an SPF of 30 or more while using a glycolic acid serum, since the ingredient can make skin photosensitive.

• The Best Glycolic Acid Products for Every Skin Type

| Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser 

($16, up to 5% cashback at Sephora)

Mario Badescu's lathering deep cleanser has the exfoliating power of glycolic acid to break down build-up from the skin's surface, reduce minor discoloration, and minimize clogged pores which can cause pimples. The formula also contains extracts of chamomile, yarrow, sage, and St. John's Wort to soothe and rejuvenate the skin, providing free radical-neutralizing antioxidants. 

Replace your regular cleanser 1-3 times a week (1-2 times for Dry to Combination skin, and 2-3 times for Combination and Oily). 

| Pixi Glow Tonic 

($29/250ml, up to 10% cashback at Pixi Beauty)

Brighten and balance your complexion with the PIXI Glow Tonic. Enriched with 5% glycolic acid, this gentle, exfoliating formula dissolves the bonds binding dulling dead cells to skin's surface, to reveal the 'new' healthy skin cells underneath. Aloe vera, ginseng, and botanical extracts work together to improve the look of dewy luminosity, creating the illusion of a lit-from-within glow that looks soft and smooth to the touch. Suitable for all skin types.

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| The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution 

($8.70, up to 5% cashback at Sephora)

Offering anything but ordinary benefits, this toning solution provides exquisite exfoliation to give your skin a visible boost of radiance and clarity. The concentrated formula boasts a 7% solution of Glycolic Acid, an alpha hydroxyl acid that gently exfoliates the surface layer to restore clarity and visibly improve uneven textures with a balanced pH for maximum efficacy. The additions of plant-derived Tasmanian Pepperberry and Aloe Vera help to soothe any irritations or redness, while Ginseng Root boosts radiance for a healthier looking visage. 

After cleaning, saturate a cotton pad with the formula and sweep across the face and neck. Avoid the eye contour and contact with eyes. This formula should not be used on sensitive, peeling or compromised skin. 

| Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum 

(£76, up to 7% cashback at Cult Beauty UK)

An exfoliating night serum that refines and resurfaces the skin to reveal a smooth, radiant complexion. Smoothing on in the form of a gel, it gets to work immediately, dissolving dead, dull skin cells with a blend of lactic, glycolic, citric and salicylic acids as well as raspberry extracts. It provides an effective chemical exfoliating action which works to diminish fine lines, wrinkles, discolouration, and enlarged pores without causing any redness or drying out the skin.

| L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum 

($21.03 at Amazon)

Validated in partnership with an external panel of dermatologists, 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum absorbs quickly to visibly even skin tone and reduce wrinkles, fine lines & dark spots. This daily use face serum is specially blended with Aloe - a plant-derived/botanical extract, renowned for its soothing benefits. Immediately, after applying face serum skin feels smoother and visibly refined. 

Tested on all skin types, even sensitive. 

| Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Lotion Exfoliant

($29.5, up to 7% cashback at Paula's Choice)

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Lotion Exfoliant specially formulated for dry to very dry skin. It combines 8% glycolic acid with a proven blend of calming, anti-aging antioxidants and nourishing plant oils to soothe, smooth and dramatically soften skin while minimizing multiple signs of aging. The hydrating formula preserves skin's moisture balance as it brightens dull, uneven skin tone. 

| Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel

($88, up to 12% cashback at SkinStore)

A fast-acting, two-step daily treatment for clinical results at home. Glycolic and lactic acids plus salicylic acid diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation while visibly reducing pore size. Antioxidant vitamins A, C and E and green tea extract help to protect the skin against environmental damage. 

Perfect for anyone looking to repair signs of superficial skin damage (from acne scars to sun speckles), these age-reversing pads are suitable for all skin types (including sensitive!).  

Alpha Beta Refining Step 1: Swipe pad over face, from forehead to neck in semi-circular strokes. Apply evenly until pad feels dry. Wait 2 minutes. 

Neutralizing System Step 2: Swipe pad over face with the same technique as Step 1. Apply until pad feels dry.

| Peter Thomas Roth 10% Glycolic Solutions Moisturizer

($45, up to 6% cashback at Peter Thomas Roth)

Rediscover your skin's youthful vitality with the Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Moisturizer; a lightweight, quick-absorbing formula that works to clarify and brighten your complexion. Glycolic Acid provides gentle exfoliating action for smoother skin, Arginine renews the appearance of tired skin, Aloe Vera soothes and moisturises the skin and Vitamin E provides skin with anti-oxidant benefits.

Suitable for all skin types.

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