The 9 Best Glycolic Acid Skincare Products for Every Skin Type

Nov 01, 2024

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Reveal smoother skin without breaking the bank.

Real Simple / Marcus Millán

Glycolic acid is a major skincare multitasker. It’s an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that acts as a chemical exfoliant to deeply cleanse pores, remove dead skin cells to encourage cell turnover, and reveal brighter, smoother skin. Glycolic acid addresses a range of skin concerns, including hyperpigmentation, dullness, rough or flaky skin, acne, and aging.

The word “acid” doesn’t have to be scary. Glycolic acid is ideal for a variety of skin types, says Dr. Rachel Westbay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City. Because glycolic acid penetrates the deepest of all the acids, it can “increase skin thickness by stimulating the production of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin”—all essential elements of a glowing, bouncy, youthful-looking complexion.

It’s a great choice for mature skin types because it reduces wrinkles, fine lines, and photodamage. Dry skin types can also benefit from glycolic acid, as it draws moisture to the skin, helps prevent transepidermal water loss, and increases hyaluronic acid levels, Dr. Westbay says.

If you read all that and thought, “I need to incorporate a glycolic acid into my routine ASAP,” you’re definitely not alone. It’s one of the most popular—if not the most popular—skincare acids for a reason, and there are plenty of glycolic acid products to try, including daily toners and weekly peels.

And you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get a celebrity-worthy glow—there are plenty of accessible acids to try. Ahead, discover the best glycolic acid products for sensitive skin, dry skin, and everything in between.

This two-step peel is packed with AHAs, but is gentle enough for beginners.

The peel packets create more waste than a serum or cream.

There’s a reason these at-home peel pads are beloved by beauty editors, dermatologists, and skincare enthusiasts: They do everything they say they will—and they do it fast. Each packet contains two peel pads. The first is an exfoliating and smoothing peel, made with a blend of five AHAs, including glycolic, lactic, and salicylic, to help speed up cell turnover for an almost instant glow. Over time, the peel helps visibly even skin tone and exfoliates to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The second step is an anti-aging neutralizer with retinol and green tea extract.

The pads couldn’t be easier to use and are ideal for newbies who have never peeled before, either at home or in a spa. (There’s also an extra-strength version.) You simply swipe the first pad across your skin until the cloth dries out, then wait two minutes before proceeding with the anti-aging neutralizer. The result? Brighter, fresher, more radiant-looking skin.

Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, retinol | Size: 5, 30, 60 pack | Skin Type: Combination, normal | Scented: Yes

This daily toner is not only effective, but also under $15.

Some may experience a tingling sensation when using this product.

Ringing up under $15, this daily toner from the Ordinary is effective and accessible. The brand built its name on creating high-quality skincare formulations at a wallet-friendly price, and fans love the Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner not just for its inexpensive price tag, but also for its smoothing, brightening benefits. Plus, it reduces discoloration and visible texture over time.

This product is a water-based, alcohol-free formula ideal for daily use, especially with its slightly lower concentration of glycolic acid. Simply apply with a cotton pad after cleansing and before the rest of your routine to balance skin tone and texture. Tasmanian pepper berry and aloe help calm and reduce potential irritation. As an added bonus, this toner can also be used on the scalp to fight dryness.

Ingredients: Glycolic acid, ginseng root, Tasmanian pepper berry, aloe vera | Size: 3.38 or 8 ounces | Skin Type: All | Scented: No

This gentle daily toner is a great way to try glycolic acid.

Sensitive noses may not appreciate the fragrance.

This rose gold-tinted liquid isn’t just pretty—it’s powerful! Pixi’s Glow Tonic is formulated with five percent glycolic acid and is meant to be used like a daily toner to cleanse and minimize pores, exfoliate and purify skin, and encourage cell renewal for the titular glow.

With its lower concentration of glycolic acid and its accessible price point, not to mention the fact that it’s alcohol-free, Glow Tonic is a smart “starter” glycolic for newbies who want that radiant, glassy look but are worried about overdoing it and stressing their skin. It can easily be incorporated into a simple skincare routine.

Ingredients: Glycolic acid, ginseng, aloe | Size: 8.5 ounces | Skin Type: All | Scented: Yes

The gel formula is lightweight and comfortable on the skin.

Sensitive skin types may find the formula irritating.

If you prefer a gel formula versus a runny liquid serum or thick, creamy moisturizer, try Paula’s Choice 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant. The brand is one of the most popular, trusted go-tos for all skin types, and this gel exfoliant with eight percent glycolic acid gets to work fast to slough away dead skin at the skin’s surface and reveal brighter, fresher skin underneath. Over time, it also makes skin feel firmer.

The gel itself isn’t heavy or sticky but weightless and comfortable for daily use—an essential aspect given that you leave it on the skin instead of washing it off like a mask. Make sure to apply sunscreen before any sun exposure, as glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Ingredients: Glycolic acid, green tea, AHA | Size: 0.5 or 3.3 ounces | Skin Type: All | Scented: No

The AHA and BHA combo gets pores squeaky clean and works well for oily skin types.

The price point is higher than others on this list.

Deep-clean your pores as you sleep and start fresh in the morning with Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum. With its instantly recognizable bright pink cap, it’s a powerful combo of AHAs and salicylic acid to deeply exfoliate and unclog pores.

Because of the addition of salicylic acid, Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum is a smart choice for acne-prone skin. It cleanses the pores of dead skin and buildup to help reduce breakouts and fights oiliness while refining texture, which can be an issue for people with acne-prone skin.

“The benefit of glycolic acid for people with acne is that the peeling results in less ‘gunk’ that clogs the pores,” Dr. Westbay says. “With less to clog the pores, the skin can clear, and you’ll usually have fewer breakouts.”

Ingredients: Glycolic acid, citric acid, salicylic acid | Size: 1 or 1.7 ounces | Skin Type: All | Scented: No

It includes moisturizing glycerine and hyaluronic acid.

The price point is high for a drugstore product.

This at-home, overnight peel is a breeze to use just before bed. Simply swipe it across your face with a cotton pad, let it soak in, and apply moisturizer before drifting off to sleep. Then, wake up to soft, smooth, glowing skin. That’s all there is to it!

Hydro Boost+ Glycolic Acid Overnight Peel is formulated with 10 percent glycolic acid—a high concentration for a drugstore product—plus hyaluronic acid and glycerin to hydrate skin and replenish lost moisture levels while the peel does its exfoliating and brightening work. What a product is formulated without is also important, and this at-home nighttime peel is fragrance-, paraben-, phthalate-, and dye-free, so it's an ideal option for sensitive skin.

Ingredients: Glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Size: 3.2 ounces | Skin Type: All | Scented: No

Sweet almond oil keeps skin hydrated all day.

The thick cream may be difficult to work into the skin.

While glycolic acid is recommended for all skin types, it may be too harsh for super dry skin. That’s why dry skin types should look for formulas that blend acid with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides. Glytone’s Rejuvenating Cream 10 is a nourishing daily moisturizer to exfoliate and hydrate normal to dry skin. Glycolic acid, the hero ingredient in many of Glytone’s products (hence the brand name!), works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as discoloration and photodamage.

Because glycolic acid can penetrate so deeply into the skin, it stimulates collagen production for a more youthful, hydrated glow. Rejuvenating Cream 10 is formulated with 10 percent glycolic acid and sweet almond oil, which provides deep, all-day hydration for dry skin. Glytone is often recommended by dermatologists for use at home between in-office treatments.

Ingredients: Glycolic acid, sweet almond oil | Size: 1.7 ounces | Skin Type: Normal, dry | Scented: No

This product delivers instant results for clearer, brighter skin.

The glycolic acid formula is harder to find in stores than the original.

You’re probably familiar with Sunday Riley’s Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment, but did you know there’s a glycolic acid version, too? Dr. Westbay recommends this glycolic-based treatment for oily skin types, saying it “utilizes tiny glycolic acid molecules that sink deep into the skin to break apart pore-clogging debris, revitalizing the appearance of dull, congested skin, and enlarged pores.” Good Genes can be used as a serum or like a mini mask to clear congestion and clogged pores and absorb excess oil.

Sunday Riley uses what they call an “ultra-pure” glycolic acid in this formula. It’s formaldehyde-free and infused with prickly pear extract to soothe skin after a deep exfoliation. Like the original, the glycolic acid-based Good Genes also contains lactic acid, and the hardworking combo gives you more radiant, clearer-looking skin in just one use.

Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, prickly pear extract | Size: 1 or 1.7 ounces | Skin Type: All | Scented: Yes

This drugstore formula is suitable for sensitive skin and is fragrance-free.

The price point is high for the size.

Yes, sensitive skin types can use a glycolic acid serum, too—and this option from beloved French skincare brand La Roche Posay was developed to do just that. Dr. Westbay is a fan of Glycolic 10% Serum, which she recommends because of the inclusion of vitamin B5 for added hydration. “It’s a must-have for those who are prone to dryness,” she says.

Glycolic 10% Serum is a great option for anyone who wants a more even skin tone with fewer dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It promises a brighter, more visibly even complexion in just eight weeks. Glycolic acid, kojic acid, and tranexamic acid work in tandem to reduce discoloration, and while this product does offer a high concentration of glycolic acid, vitamin B5 (panthenol) works like a buffer to soothe and hydrate the skin.

Ingredients: Glycolic acid, kojic acid, vitamin B5 | Size: 1 ounce | Skin Type: All | Scented: No

Our top pick for all skin types is Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads, which offer results instantly and over time. We love that it’s packed with AHAs, but is gentle enough for beginners. For a great budget-friendly alternative, we recommend The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner. It’s a water-based, alcohol-free formula ideal for daily use, especially with its slightly lower concentration of glycolic acid, all at a price point under $15.

Pay attention to the ingredient list for maximum benefits, Dr. Westbay says. If you want to brighten a dull complexion, glycolic acid plus vitamin C, niacinamide, and kojic acid will be your go-tos.

For deeper exfoliation, lactic acid and polyhydroxy acids are your must-haves.

Sensitive skin types should make sure their formula of choice also includes soothing, calming ingredients like cucumber and green tea. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant, our pick for best gel product, includes green tea.

There’s truly a glycolic acid product for everyone. Some brands may explicitly call out a specific skin type or texture on their packaging or website, so pay attention while you’re shopping. For sensitive skin types, we recommend the La Roche Posay Glycolic 10% Serum. Dr. Westbay notes that dry skin types can be more sensitive to glycolic acid, so opt for a lower concentration at first.

It may also be worth doing a patch test before you buy. Dr. Westbay recommends applying a small amount of product on your arm, just above the crease of the elbow, and to the forehead to see how your skin will respond.

The sky is really the limit when it comes to glycolic acid products. You can dabble in daily cleansers, peel pads, or sleeping serums, depending on your current routine and your lifestyle.

Frequent travelers may prefer convenient wipes that can be tossed in an overnight bag (like our best overall pick, Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel), and a daily moisturizing cream may be a good pick for someone who doesn’t have a lot of time to focus on skincare.

If you love what glycolic acid does for your complexion, extend its exfoliating powers to your body. Many brands also offer glycolic acid-based body washes for things like body acne.

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (typically referred to as AHA) that “reduces how well dead skin cells stick together, leaving skin smoother, less mottled, and more glowing,” Dr. Westbay says.

Because it has a very small molecular size, it can penetrate deep into the skin and help encourage collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production. It reduces wrinkles, minimizes pores, and fights hyperpigmentation.

AHAs can be more aggressive or harsh than beta hydroxy acids, Dr. Westbay says, and may not be as easily tolerated as a BHA, especially if you have dry skin.

Higher concentrations should be used less frequently than lower-concentration formulas, and it’s never a bad idea to start slow and work your way up to a higher dose or more frequent usage.

“I recommend limiting use to one to two times per week,” she says, adding that those with oily skin may be able to tolerate more frequent application. “Start with a few times per week and work up if you’re able,” she says.

For example, don’t let your acne dictate how often you use the acid; stick with the rules for your general skin type. “If you're acne-prone and oily, you can follow the guidelines for oily skin, and the same if you are acne-prone and sensitive," says Dr. Westbay.

Dr. Westbay advises her patients not to use a glycolic acid product at the same time as other exfoliants, like retinol. If you use retinol and want to incorporate glycolic acid into your routine, be sure to alternate the two. If retinol is used at night, glycolic acid should be used in the morning. If you use glycolic acid in the evening, skip your retinol those nights.

Make sure you’re wearing a daily face sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, as AHAs can make skin more sensitive to the sun. Dr. Westbay also recommends a ceramide or hyaluronic acid-based moisturizer in the morning and a thicker version at night to replenish lost moisture.

Yes! Dr. Westbay says it’s excellent for aging skin, as its small molecular weight means it can penetrate more deeply into the dermis and generate more collagen than other AHAs. It also deeply exfoliates for softer, smoother skin.

Product-wise, Dr. Westbay says that serums are the most concentrated formulations and offer the most benefit. Stick to a concentration of 10 percent or less and don’t be afraid to do a patch test or start low and increase your concentration as your skin adapts. “Higher concentrations are best done under the care of a board-certified dermatologist in an office setting,” she says.

This article was written by Kara Nesvig, a contributing writer at Real Simple who has problem skin and often uses glycolic acid to clear congestion and brighten discoloration. In addition to extensively researching glycolic acid products based on ingredients, skin type, and effectiveness, she also spoke with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rachel Westbay, who practices at Marmur Medical in New York City.