Glycolic acid is a key ingredient in skincare for its ability to smooth, brighten, and improve skin texture. Extracted from sugarcane, it’s known for gently exfoliating and revealing fresher, healthier-looking skin. Whether you’re dealing with acne, dark spots, or signs of aging, adding glycolic acid to your routine can make a noticeable difference.
Read on as we explore the main benefits of using glycolic acid, and how it can enhance your skincare routine along with a few of our favourite glycolic acid-infused products from our collection.
1. Exfoliation for Smoother Skin
One of the primary benefits of glycolic acid is its exfoliating power. It works by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be easily sloughed away. This gentle exfoliation reveals the fresh, new skin underneath, giving your complexion a smoother and more refined texture. Unlike abrasive physical exfoliants, glycolic acid provides a deeper, more even exfoliation without causing micro-tears on the skin, making it suitable even for those with sensitive skin when used properly.
2. Improves Skin Texture and Tone
Over time, dead skin cells can accumulate on the surface of the skin, leading to dullness and a rough texture. By removing these cells, glycolic acid helps to reveal a more radiant, youthful complexion. It also promotes even skin tone by fading hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and acne scars. Regular use can lead to a noticeable improvement in overall skin brightness and clarity.
3. Anti-Aging Benefits
Glycolic acid plays a key role in combating the signs of aging. As we age, the skin’s natural exfoliation process slows down, leading to a buildup of dead cells, which can make wrinkles and fine lines more apparent. By promoting cell turnover, glycolic acid helps smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, glycolic acid stimulates collagen production—a critical component for maintaining firm, youthful-looking skin. With consistent use, glycolic acid can help reduce the depth and visibility of wrinkles and keep your skin plump and resilient.
4. Unclogs Pores and Reduces Acne
If you struggle with acne or clogged pores, glycolic acid can be a game-changer. Its exfoliating properties help clear away the dead skin cells that can block pores and lead to breakouts. By keeping pores clean and reducing the buildup of oil and debris, glycolic acid can prevent acne flare-ups and reduce the severity of existing breakouts. It also minimizes the appearance of post-acne scars by encouraging faster skin regeneration and fading pigmentation.
5. Hydrates and Smooths the Skin
Although glycolic acid is known for its exfoliating effects, it also has hydrating benefits. It’s a humectant, which means it attracts water molecules from the environment into the skin, improving its hydration levels. Proper hydration is essential for keeping the skin barrier healthy and preventing dryness or irritation. This dual action—exfoliating while also hydrating—makes glycolic acid an excellent choice for achieving soft, supple, and radiant skin.
6. Prepares Skin for Other Skincare Products
One often-overlooked benefit of glycolic acid is its ability to enhance the effectiveness of other skincare products. By removing the layer of dead skin cells, glycolic acid allows serums, moisturizers, and treatments to penetrate deeper into the skin. This means your favorite active ingredients, such as vitamin C or hyaluronic acid, can be absorbed more efficiently, boosting their overall impact on your skin.
7. Reduces the Appearance of Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation, including dark spots, sun spots, and melasma, can be difficult to treat. Glycolic acid helps to fade these pigmentations by accelerating the shedding of pigmented skin cells. Over time, with consistent use, it promotes a more even skin tone and reduces discoloration, revealing a more uniform and balanced complexion.
8. Versatile and Available in Various Forms
Glycolic acid is a versatile ingredient available in a wide range of skincare products, from cleansers and toners to masks, peels, and creams. This means it’s easy to find a formulation and concentration that works for your specific skin type and needs. Beginners can start with low concentrations (around 5-10%) in toners or serums and gradually increase their usage to more potent treatments, such as glycolic acid peels, as their skin becomes accustomed to the ingredient.
Here are few of our top Glycolic Acid infused products from our skincare collection;
L'Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright Instant Glowing Serum 
This serum offers an immediate boost of radiance with 1% glycolic acid. Its lightweight formula penetrates deeply, helping to brighten your skin and reduce dark spots. With continued use, you’ll notice a smoother, more luminous complexion. Ideal for those dealing with dullness and pigmentation.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution 
A cult favorite, this 7% toning solution gently exfoliates the skin's surface to improve clarity and even skin tone. Its inclusion of Tasmanian Pepperberry helps to calm potential irritation. Be cautious if you have sensitive or compromised skin, as this formula can be quite potent.
Swisse Skin Care Glycolic 10% Resurfacing Night Serum 
Perfect for nighttime use, this serum combines 10% glycolic acid with pro-vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid to provide both exfoliation and hydration. Over time, it smooths skin texture, reduces dark spots, and evens out skin tone, while the hydrating ingredients keep your skin balanced and refreshed.
Soap & Glory In The Glow How 5% Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Tonic
A great option for daily use, this 5% glycolic acid tonic brightens and smooths your skin without irritation. The added chamomile helps to soothe while clearing pores, making it a fantastic choice for all skin types. It’s also vegan-friendly!
L'Oreal Paris Night Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Resurfacing Serum 
With 10% pure glycolic acid, this serum visibly reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. It also contains aloe for added soothing benefits. Use it nightly for smoother, more youthful skin, but don’t forget to apply sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from sun sensitivity.
Tips for Safely Using Glycolic Acid
While glycolic acid offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to use it correctly to avoid potential side effects like irritation, redness, or sensitivity to the sun. Here are a few tips to ensure safe and effective use:
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Start Slowly
If you’re new to glycolic acid, start with a lower concentration and use it 1-2 times a week. Gradually increase the frequency as your skin builds tolerance.
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Moisturize
For some users, glycolic acid may cause dryness therfore always follow
up with a moisturizer to maintain a healthy skin barrier.
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Sun Protection
Glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from UV damage.
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Patch Test
Perform a patch test before applying glycolic acid to your entire face to ensure your skin doesn't react negatively.