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Glycolic Acid Skincare

Introducing glycolic acid, the smallest member of the AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) family, yet still a force to be reckoned with. Often dubbed as the miracle acid for dry skin, this compound has rocketed in popularity and can now be found in the majority of your favorite skin care products.

See our glycolic acid guide to answer your questions like what does glycolic acid in beauty do and what is glycolic acid.

Brands With Glycolic Acid Products

  • PIXI
  • First Aid Beauty
  • Murad
  • The INKEY List
  • Alpha-H
  • Paula's Choice
  • NIP+FAB
  • Mario Badescu

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135 products found
-33%
PIXI Glow Tonic
PIXI Glow Tonic
$19.67 $29.00
-18%
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
$16.98 $20.46
-13%
Murad Hydrating AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Murad Hydrating AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
$46.25 $52.86
The Ordinary The Bright Set
The Ordinary The Bright Set
$47.08
-18%
PIXI Glow Tonic To-Go Pads
PIXI Glow Tonic To-Go Pads
$17.87 $21.54
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
$11.66
-18%
Alpha-H Liquid Gold
Alpha-H Liquid Gold
$43.87 $52.86
-18%
First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads
First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads
$31.32 $37.74
-16%
Dermalogica Daily Brightness Boosters Skin Kit
Dermalogica Daily Brightness Boosters Skin Kit
$53.19 $62.58
-18%
PIXI Glow Mud Cleanser
PIXI Glow Mud Cleanser
$19.67 $23.70
-18%
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub With 10% AHA
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub With 10% AHA
$10.70 $12.90
-18%
Alpha-H Clear Skin Daily Face & Body Wash With 2% Salicylic Acid & Tea Tree
Alpha-H Clear Skin Daily Face & Body Wash With 2% Salicylic Acid & Tea Tree
$42.57 $51.30
-16%
Dermalogica Daily Glycolic Cleanser
Dermalogica Daily Glycolic Cleanser
$38.55 $45.36
-13%
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel
$42.47 $48.54
-13%
Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum
Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum
$89.72 $102.54
-13%
Paula's Choice Calm 1% BHA Lotion Exfoliant
Paula's Choice Calm 1% BHA Lotion Exfoliant
$36.80 $42.06
REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask
REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask
$51.78
-18%
Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum With 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum With 10% Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
$49.24 $59.34
REN Perfect Canvas Clean Jelly Oil Cleanser
REN Perfect Canvas Clean Jelly Oil Cleanser
$31.26
-13%
Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer
Paula's Choice Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer
$39.63 $45.30
-13%
Nuxe Very Rose Radiance Peeling Lotion
Nuxe Very Rose Radiance Peeling Lotion
$23.57 $26.94
-26%
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Extreme Night
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Extreme Night
$17.20 $22.95
-18%
Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser Aloe Vera
Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser Aloe Vera
$33.11 $39.90
-18%
PIXI Overnight Glow Serum
PIXI Overnight Glow Serum
$26.84 $32.34
-18%
PIXI Glow Peel Pads
PIXI Glow Peel Pads
$26.84 $32.34
-18%
Alpha-H Essential Hydration Cream
Alpha-H Essential Hydration Cream
$44.76 $53.94
-18%
Alpha-H Vitamin B Serum With 5% Niacinamide
Alpha-H Vitamin B Serum With 5% Niacinamide
$49.24 $59.34
-18%
Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm
Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm
$40.28 $48.54
-18%
Alpha-H Reusable Bamboo Cotton Pads
Alpha-H Reusable Bamboo Cotton Pads
$16.08 $19.38
-18%
PIXI Rose Ceramide Cream
PIXI Rose Ceramide Cream
$24.64 $29.70
-18%
PIXI GLOW Glycolic Boost Sheet Mask Pack Of 3
PIXI GLOW Glycolic Boost Sheet Mask Pack Of 3
$10.30 $12.42
-18%
PIXI Clarity Concentrate
PIXI Clarity Concentrate
$29.52 $35.58
-18%
PIXI Clarity Lotion
PIXI Clarity Lotion
$29.52 $35.58
-18%
PIXI Glow Tonic Cleansing Gel
PIXI Glow Tonic Cleansing Gel
$19.67 $23.70
-18%
PIXI Glow Tonic Serum
PIXI Glow Tonic Serum
$25.99 $31.32
-18%
PIXI Clarity Cleanser
PIXI Clarity Cleanser
$19.67 $23.70
-18%
First Aid Beauty Bye Bye Bumps Kit
First Aid Beauty Bye Bye Bumps Kit
$26.44 $31.86
-15%
Kérastase Blond Absolu Cicaflash Treatment
Kérastase Blond Absolu Cicaflash Treatment
$37.18 $43.74
-13%
Paula's Choice Resist Daily Smoothing Treatment With 5% AHA
Paula's Choice Resist Daily Smoothing Treatment With 5% AHA
$39.63 $45.30
-13%
STARSKIN VIP Fab Feet Fast Instant Foot Peeling Treatment
STARSKIN VIP Fab Feet Fast Instant Foot Peeling Treatment
$28.29 $32.34
-13%
Murad Replenishing Multi Acid Peel
Murad Replenishing Multi Acid Peel
$80.27 $91.74
-13%
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel
$36.80 $42.06
-13%
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads
$18.19 $20.79
-13%
Paula's Choice Clear Extra Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution
Paula's Choice Clear Extra Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution
$36.80 $42.06
-13%
Murad Hydro Dynamic Quenching Essence
Murad Hydro Dynamic Quenching Essence
$89.72 $102.54
-13%
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Serum
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Serum
$21.25 $24.30
-13%
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Extreme Bubble Mask
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Extreme Bubble Mask
$7.51 $8.59
-13%
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Scrub
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Scrub
$13.69 $15.66
-13%
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Cleanser
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Cleanser
$11.80 $13.50
-13%
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Scrub Extreme 6%
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Scrub Extreme 6%
$15.82 $18.09
REN Micro Polish Cleanser
REN Micro Polish Cleanser
$32.34
Pestle & Mortar Exfoliate Toner
Pestle & Mortar Exfoliate Toner
$17.28
Isle of Paradise Over It Magic Self Tan Eraser
Isle of Paradise Over It Magic Self Tan Eraser
$24.30
-50%
NIP+FAB Charcoal + Mandelic Acid Fix Serum
NIP+FAB Charcoal + Mandelic Acid Fix Serum
$12.39 $24.78
-26%
Benefit Pore Routine Roundup Pore Care Set
Benefit Pore Routine Roundup Pore Care Set
$34.42 $45.90
-25%
Glow Hub The Glow Giver AHA Toning Pads
Glow Hub The Glow Giver AHA Toning Pads
$12.92 $17.22
-18%
PIXI Clarity Acid Peel
PIXI Clarity Acid Peel
$29.52 $35.58
-18%
Bioderma Sebium Night Peel Smoothing Concentrate Gel
Bioderma Sebium Night Peel Smoothing Concentrate Gel
$16.98 $20.46
-18%
Alpha-H Vitamin A Serum With 0.5% Retinol
Alpha-H Vitamin A Serum With 0.5% Retinol
$49.24 $59.34
-18%
Alpha-H Hyaluronic 8 Super Serum With PrimalHyal Ultrafiller
Alpha-H Hyaluronic 8 Super Serum With PrimalHyal Ultrafiller
$53.73 $64.74
-18%
Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturizer SPF 50+ With Vitamin E
Alpha-H Daily Essential Moisturizer SPF 50+ With Vitamin E
$40.28 $48.54
-18%
Alpha-H Clear Skin Tonic With 2% BHA Salicylic Acid
Alpha-H Clear Skin Tonic With 2% BHA Salicylic Acid
$42.97 $51.78
-18%
Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel
Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel
$71.65 $86.34
-18%
Alpha-H Generation Glow Daily Resurfacing Essence
Alpha-H Generation Glow Daily Resurfacing Essence
$53.73 $64.74
-18%
Alpha-H Triple Action Cleanser With Thyme
Alpha-H Triple Action Cleanser With Thyme
$34.01 $40.98
-18%
Alpha-H Micro Super Scrub For Face & Body
Alpha-H Micro Super Scrub For Face & Body
$44.76 $53.94
-18%
Bellamianta Glycolic Body Scrub
Bellamianta Glycolic Body Scrub
$15.18 $18.30
-18%
Alpha-H Golden Haze Face Oil
Alpha-H Golden Haze Face Oil
$44.76 $53.94
-18%
Bellamianta Glycolic Glow Pads
Bellamianta Glycolic Glow Pads
$17.87 $21.54
-18%
Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum With 1% Ceramide Complex
Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum With 1% Ceramide Complex
$49.24 $59.34
-18%
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Firming Eye Cream With Lime Pearl AHAs
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Firming Eye Cream With Lime Pearl AHAs
$64.48 $77.70
-18%
Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily Moisturizer SPF 50+ With Pomegranate Seed Oil
Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily Moisturizer SPF 50+ With Pomegranate Seed Oil
$42.97 $51.78
-18%
Q+A Apple AHA Exfoliating Gel
Q+A Apple AHA Exfoliating Gel
$8.47 $10.21
-17%
Q+A AHA Exfoliator Body Scrub
Q+A AHA Exfoliator Body Scrub
$8.07 $9.72
-15%
Dermalogica Liquid Peelfoliant
Dermalogica Liquid Peelfoliant
$70.68 $83.15
-13%
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Body Scrub
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Body Scrub
$14.13 $16.14
-13%
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Body Cream
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Body Cream
$14.13 $16.14
-13%
Stila Lingerie Souffle Skin Perfecting Color
Stila Lingerie Souffle Skin Perfecting Color
$33.02 $37.74
-13%
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant
$36.80 $42.06
-13%
STARSKIN Glowstar Foaming Peeling Perfection Puff
STARSKIN Glowstar Foaming Peeling Perfection Puff
$9.40 $10.75
-13%
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Skin Veil Treatment Primer
NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Skin Veil Treatment Primer
$18.42 $21.06
Benefit The Porefessional Tight N Toned Toner
Benefit The Porefessional Tight N Toned Toner
$22.68
-39%
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
$9.25 $15.01
-33%
The INKEY List Niacinamide
The INKEY List Niacinamide
$7.99 $11.83
-30%
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Lotion
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Lotion
$28.69 $40.98
You've viewed 90 of 135 productsShow Me More
Glycolic Acid

Frequently Asked Questions about Glycolic Acid products

What does glycolic acid in beauty do?

Glycolic acid is the holy grail when it comes to exfoliation – think of it like Pacman. When it comes into contact with the skin's surface, it eats up all the excess oils and breaks down the bonds that hold together dead cells so that you can reveal a radiant glow.

What is glycolic acid?

Totally natural and effortlessly effective, glycolic acid was first derived from plants such as sugar cane, pineapple and sugar beets, but it is now also synthetically manufactured. It's one of the most commonly used AHAs (others include lactic, citric and malic acid), and not to mention, one of the safest to use if you want to dabble in some DIY skin care.

What are the skin care benefits of glycolic acid beauty products?

Unlike BHAs, glycolic acid is a lot more gentle on the skin and also water-soluble, meaning its ability to hold moisture is second to none. As a result, it's ace for revealing a brighter, smoother complexion that's healthy and hydrated. It's even used to combat scarring, skin discolouration and signs of aging, so you can wave goodbye to those pesky fine lines and wrinkles.

Where can I find glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid is most commonly found in chemical peels, but since it's taken the skin care spotlight, you can find it in daily products such as face washes, cleansers, moisturizers and face pads. If you're not sure where to start, NIP + FAB are one of our favorite brands for a complete easy-to-use glycolic acid skin care collection.

Can I use other acids with glycolic acid?

It's best to use glycolic acid on it's own. If you start cooking up a cocktail of ingredients, they're bound to counteract one another. Glycolic acid doesn't tend to play well with vitamin C or retinol, if you combine the two you'll be in a for a red and peel-y treat.

Who should use glycolic acid beauty products?

Glycolic acid is the perfect option for those with dry or sensitive skin. When used in low concentrations, it can transfer water molecules from the air and inject them into the skin tissue. And, because it doesn't penetrate the skin deeply, it's less likely to cause irritation.

How do I use glycolic acid beauty products?

All skin types react differently, so it's always a good idea to test the waters before going full throttle.Begin with low strengths (between 5 - 8%) before progressing to higher concentrations (but never go above 50%), and always be sure to do a skin patch test first. It's best to apply glycolic acid at night or accompanied with a suitable sun cream as it can make your skin sensitive to the sun.

What should I expect after using glycolic acid beauty products?

It's not uncommon to experience a slight tingling or warming sensation at first – it's nothing to worry about, it's just the glycolic acid getting to work on sloughing away skin cells.

You might also notice that your face is red in appearance but this should fade after a few hours. The key is to be patient – skin can feel dry and dusty to begin with, but it'll soon shed and reveal an even-toned complexion.

Hannah Liddle

Written by Hannah Liddle, Beauty Editor

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