Table of Contents:
- What Is Glycolic Acid?
- What Does Glycolic Acid Do?
- Glycolic Acid Benefits For Skin
- How Often Should You Use Glycolic Acid?
- What Should You Look for in Glycolic Acid Products?
- Glycolic Acid Products
- Glycolic Acid Serums
- Glycolic Acid Face Wash
- Glycolic Acid Toner
- Glycolic Acid For Feet
- Glycolic Acid Moisturiser
- Glycolic Acid Makeup Remover
- FAQs On Glycolic Acid
Self-proclaimed skincare experts often swear by glycolic acid, and who can blame them? There are just so many incredible benefits of using glycolic acid for your skin! From hyperpigmentation to acne issues, glycolic acid has proved to be an antidote for so many skin concerns. However, if you’re feeling a little lost, don’t worry – we’re here to break it down.
What Is Glycolic Acid?
Before delving into why and how to use glycolic acid, let’s first understand what exactly it is. One of the most well-known and popularly used AHAs (alpha hydroxy acid) in the beauty industry, glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane. Lactic acid, citric acid, and tartaric acid are some other well-known AHAs. The reason why glycolic acid scores more than the other AHAs is its molecule size, which is very small. This makes it easier for glycolic acid to penetrate the skin and work its magic!
What Does Glycolic Acid Do?
Glycolic acid penetrates into your skin and exfoliates the top layer from within. It helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage. Not only does it accelerate collagen production in your skin, but it also helps maintain the skin’s ability to retain moisture. This antibacterial solution also helps reduce acne-related inflammation and scars.
Glycolic Acid Benefits For Skin
From glycolic acid soaps to glycolic acid peels, shelves are lined up with products that contain this magical ingredient. So, let’s look at the several skincare benefits of glycolic acid
- For starters, glycolic acid is an exfoliator. It can effectively shed dead cells, making your skin appear more youthful, bright, and rejuvenated.
- A great reason to use glycolic acid for your face is that it can penetrate the skin and boost collagen production. An increase in collagen helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Thereby, having an anti-ageing effect on the skin! Isn’t that what dreams are made of?
- Glycolic acid is also one of the best acids for hyperpigmentation.
- Many people use glycolic acid to lighten acne scars. In addition to this, glycolic acid also helps to keep your pores clean, which prevents acne breakouts and blackheads.
- If your skin tends to dry out easily, you can use glycolic acid to ensure a hydration boost. Glycolic acid can help retain moisture in the outer layer of the skin.
- Glycolic acid also helps other skincare products penetrate the skin more deeply.
How Often Should You Use Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is a strong and effective alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates and brightens your skin from within. If the formulation you are incorporating in your skincare routine has only 1–2% glycolic acid then you can use the product every day. But if you are opting for a glycolic acid peel, then go for a formulation with 10–15% glycolic acid, for a few minutes, once in 4–6 months. We recommend consulting a dermatologist before choosing a higher concentration. In any case, starting with a mild formulation and slowing your way up is ideal for your skin. Before applying any product, do a patch test to see if the formulation suits your skin.
What Should You Look for in Glycolic Acid Products?
There are so many brands and products to choose from when it comes to glycolic acid. We recommend looking at the concentration of the acid. For sensitive skin, opt for a lighter concentration, and for dull, pigmented skin, a higher concentration is the way to go!
Glycolic Acid Products
Wondering how to use glycolic acid regularly? There are just so many ways!
Glycolic Acid Serums
1. L'Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright Serum With 1% Glycolic Acid & Niacinamide, Reduces Dark Spots
Including a glycolic acid serum in your skincare routine is the best thing you can do for your skin. With the L'Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright Serum With 1% Glycolic Acid & Niacinamide, you get the best of both worlds that combine two skincare superpowers— glycolic acid and niacinamide. Together, this duo can do wonders by deeply penetrating the skin to treat hyperpigmentation, and dead skin cells, and reduce dark spots and acne issues.
2. O3+ Professional Vitamin C Serum Glow with Glycolic Acid
Packed with the exfoliating benefits of glycolic acid and antioxidants derived from vitamin C, this face serum is a godsend for those with combination skin. Use this vitamin C and glycolic acid serum to get a healthy, fresh look. It also treats signs of ageing.
3. St.Botanica AHA Glycolic Acid 8% + Pro Vitamin B5 Texture Correcting Skin Peel (Face Serum)
For a brighter and even skin tone, use this serum to give yourself an effective glycolic acid peel treatment. In addition to exfoliation, this St.Botanica AHA Glycolic Acid 8% + Pro Vitamin B5 Texture Correcting Skin Peel makes the skin more radiant and corrects the texture. It is infused with sugarcane, olive Leaf, aloe vera, and witch hazel extracts.
4. Dr. Sheth's Gulab & Glycolic Acid Serum
If you are looking for a serum that hosts the power of science and the goodness of nature, this Dr. Sheth's Gulab & Glycolic Acid Serum is a must-try. The glycolic acid and niacinamide fade dark spots and blemishes effectively while the gulab (rose) extract calms & soothes the skin.
5. Pilgrim Salicylic & Glycolic Acid Anti Acne Serum
Treat acne and prevent future breakouts with Pilgrim Salicylic & Glycolic Acid Anti Acne Serum. This serum contains potent and clean chemical ingredients like glycolic and salicylic acid that refine skin texture and clear visible blemishes. It also contains yugdugu or nutmeg extract that detoxifies the skin and helps prevent acne.
Glycolic Acid Face Wash
1. Globus Remedies Glycolic Acid And Salicylic Acid Face Wash
One of the best salicylic acid and glycolic acid face washes out there, the Globus Remedies Glycolic Acid And Salicylic Acid Face Wash is a non-comedogenic face cleanser that prevents acne by keeping your pores unclogged. This glycolic acid face wash also helps reduce acne-related inflammation and eliminate dead skin cells. When combined with the force of salicylic acid, this face wash can be used as a regular and reliable acne-fighting skincare essential.
2. L'Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright Daily Foaming Face Cleanser With Glycolic Acid For Dull Skin
Inspired by dermatalogist peeling process the L'Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright Daily Foaming Face Cleanser With Glycolic Acid For Dull Skin For Dull Skin boosts cellular renewal to improve four dimensions of skin glow. It helps treat dull skin, roughness, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. Say goodbye to dark spots!
3. Minimalist 7% ALA & AHA Brightening Face Wash With Vitamin B5 & Glycolic acid For Glowing Skin
The Minimalist 7% ALA & AHA Brightening Face Wash With Vitamin B5 & Glycolic acid For Glowing Skin is an everyday face wash for skin brightening with 7% alpha lipoic acid and glycolic acid (AHA) that boosts skin turnover and exfoliation to provide radiant and even-toned skin. Vitamin B5 and betaine further hydrate and soothe the skin.
4. Plum Green Tea Pore Cleansing Gel Face Wash With Glycolic Acid - Fights Acne & Oil For Clear Skin
Is excess oil and pimples a hassle? Worry no more! The green tea extract and glycolic acid in the Plum Green Tea Pore Cleansing Gel Face Wash With Glycolic Acid - Fights Acne & Oil For Clear Skin fights pimples and excess oil while gently exfoliating dead skin cells and unclogging pores giving you a healthy, radiant, blemish-free glow!
Glycolic Acid Toner
1. The Derma Co 7% Glycolic Acid Hydrating Toner - with Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid for All Skin Types
The Derma Co 7% Glycolic Acid Hydrating Toner will help you achieve your dream of having clear, smooth skin! Prevention of acne, unclogged pores, and a balanced pH level of the skin are some of the many benefits of using this glycolic acid toner. In addition to providing mild exfoliation, this toner can also soothe skin irritation.
2. Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner
Worried about dull and uneven skin tone? Don’t be! The Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner is here to save the day! This alcohol-free Glycolic Acid toner is infused with grapefruit and aloe vera extracts that help rejuvenate, replenish, and brighten the skin. After cleansing your face with a face wash, apply this toner for balanced, youthful, and radiant skin!
2. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
If less is more is your aesthetic, you are going to love The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution This water-based toner is a good glycolic acid product as it feels so lightweight yet gets the job right. It will make your blackheads, dull skin, and hyperpigmentation disappear with every use. A daily surface exfoliator that smooths skin texture, evens tone, and boosts luminosity.
4. Dot & Key Watermelon & Glycolic Super Glow Pore Tightening Toner For Uneven Skintone
Infused with watermelon extract, glycolic acid, lactic acid, willow bark extract, cucumber, and rosemary extract this Dot & Key Watermelon & Glycolic Super Glow Pore Tightening Toner is a powerhouse for reduced pores and naturally glowing skin. This alcohol-free formulation is a god-sent for oily-skin girlies.
Glycolic Acid For Feet
1. TONYMOLY Shiny Foot Super Peeling Liquid
Using glycolic acid for the face is a tried-and-tested method. however, did you know that glycolic acid peel for the feet works well too? The TONYMOLY Shiny Foot Super Peeling Liquid helps get rid of the outermost layer of dead skin cells on your feet, revealing healthy and bright skin underneath. Apply this glycolic acid cream on your cracked heel until it gets absorbed and prepare to bid adieu to dry and rough patches of skin. You can use this product daily.
2. Butter London So Buff Hand And Foot Polish with Glycolic Acid
Why go to the salon for a mani-pedi when you can give yourself a pampering session at home? This Butter London So Buff Hand And Foot Polish with Glycolic Acid combines the power of glycolic acid with eco-friendly apricot seed powder, sunflower and antioxidant-rich green tea leaf extract for gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and reduces the appearance of dry skin, and age spots and uneven skin tone.
Glycolic Acid Moisturiser
1. Pixi On The Glow Moisturiser Stick
On-the-go sunscreen sticks are all the rage right now. But did you know you can also carry your moisturiser with all the benefits and none of the hassle? This Pixi On The Glow Moisturiser Stick is a one-of-a-kind moisturiser stick formulated with glycolic acid and vitamin D2 that moisturises and renews with a glowy finish.
2. Lakme Glycolic Illuminate Day Cream With Glycolic Acid For Radiant & Even Tone Skin
The more our skin ages, the slower our skin cells rejuvenate. Boost skin cell regeneration and replenish the skin cell barrier with the Lakme Glycolic Illuminate Day Cream With Glycolic Acid. This day cream is going to help you shine bright like a diamond, every day.
Glycolic Acid Makeup Remover
1. Mamaearth Micellar Water Foaming Makeup Remover with Rose Water & Glycolic Acid for Makeup Cleansing
Fortified with glycolic acid, the Mamaearth Micellar Water Foaming Makeup Remover with Rose Water & Glycolic Acid for Makeup Cleansing effectively cleanses your face of makeup without irritating the skin. It is also infused with the gentle goodness of rose water and is a toxin-free formula that exfoliates and moisturizes the skin both at once while also removing makeup. The best part? It’s suitable for all skin types!
FAQs On Glycolic Acid
1. Can salicylic acid and glycolic acid be used together?
Yes, salicylic acid and glycolic acid can be used together as the penetration abilities of both the acids differ. Glycolic acid is great for the topmost layer of the skin, while salicylic acid can work its magic on deeper layers of the skin. An easy way of making both salicylic and glycolic acid a part of your skincare routine is by using salicylic acid and glycolic acid face wash.
2. Which is better for your skin? Glycolic acid or hyaluronic acid?
Glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid are used for different purposes. Glycolic acid is a great option if you wish to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and eliminate dead cells by exfoliation. Glycolic acid is used for lightening acne scars as well. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is great for keeping your skin hydrated by retaining moisture.
3. Does glycolic acid exfoliate skin?
Yes, glycolic acid is the smallest type of AHA that penetrates your skin and exfoliates the outermost layer of your skin from within. This helps in cell rejuvenation and naturally brightening your skin for a healthy, radiant look.
4. Are glycolic acid chemical peels safe?
Yes. While glycolic acid products use a very light concentration in their formulation (around 1-10%), chemical peels can use up to 20%. This is a stronger concentration and we recommend undergoing a chemical peel once in 4–6 months if you have severe hyperpigmentation. Even the best glycolic acid products sometimes can’t give results like a peel.
5. What are some of the best glycolic acid products in India?
Some of the best glycolic acid products in India are toners and serums. Their formulation penetrates the skin better for effective results.
