In the world of skin-care acids [1], glycolic acid is a star. It's a go-to for many, regarded for its abilities to brighten skin's tone and smooth its texture in no time. No matter what your skin-care goals are — minimising fine lines, boosting collagen, improving texture, fighting acne, restoring radiance — you could probably benefit from incorporating glycolic acid into your routine.
Glycolic acid skin-care products come in many different forms. You can find the ingredient in cleansers, toners, resurfacing masks, serums, and more. While some products are left on to absorb into the skin, like serums, others are washed off, like cleansers, or swiped across the skin, like exfoliating pads or toners.
While the acid isn't the best for those with sensitive skin [2] due to its small molecular size, and therefore its ability to penetrate the skin on a deeper level, you can still incorporate it at lower concentrations if you're worried about skin sensitivities. The highest concentration you can find over the counter is 20 percent.
To help you start incorporating the ingredient into your routine, we rounded up the best products with glycolic acid in them ahead.
— Additional reporting by Wendy Gould and Tori Crowther
Pixi Glow Tonic
For a lot of people, the Pixi Glow Tonic [3] (£18) is how people got into the world of skin care. It's a toner that helps to exfoliate and sweep away dead skin cells leaving a brighter complexion.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
For a nightly pick-me-up, reach for Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum [4] (£76), which has met wide acclaim in the skin-care community. It contains 10 percent AHAs/BHA — including glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric, and salicylic — to exfoliate, brighten, and rid the skin of impurities. It also contains sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, which is the smaller molecule cousin to hyaluronic acid that instantly plumps and reduces lines.
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel
If you want to just dip your toe into the world of glycolic acid to begin with, the Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel [5] (£45) is a great place to start. This slightly foaming cleanser will give you all of the benefits of glycolic acid's powerful exfoliation without irritation. It will clear skin of all grime from the day without being overly stripping or drying.
The Caudalíe Vinoperfect Glycolic Peel Mask
The Caudalíe Vinoperfect Glycolic Peel Mask [6] (£22) is great for people with more sensitive skin types that still want to get the wonderful benefits of glycolic acid. The formula is super creamy and makes an excellent mask to you if you want a quick glow before a special occasion.
Biossance Squalane and Glycolic Renewal Mask
Biossance Squalane and Glycolic Renewal Mask [7] (£37) contains glycolic, lactic, malic, and tartaric acid which work together to give you a near-instant glow. When paired with the mask's blend of squalane and hyaluronic acid, skin gets a boost of hydration whilst being exoliated.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution [8] (£7) is a great option if you're looking for an exfoliating toner on a budget. The seven percent glycolic acid in the solution targets congestion in the skin, revealing a clearer complexion.
The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Toner
The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Toner [9] (£7) is a nighttime facial treatment that helps clear breakouts and improve skin's texture with 10 percent glycolic acid and five percent witch hazel to reduce excess oil.
Glossier Face Exfoliator and Skin Perfector
With three different families of acids in the formulation — AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs — the Glossier Face Exfoliator and Skin Perfector [10] (£19) helps you achieve a soft, smooth, and glowy complexion.
Typology Glycolic Acid Serum
The Typology Glycolic Acid Serum [11] (£22.50) treats blackheads, blemishes, and rough texture with 10 percent glycolic acid. To make it easier to tolerate, it also contains chamomile extract, which helps soothe irritation.