What makes glycolic acid special in skincare products? Let's find out.
Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). Alpha hydroxy acids are natural acids found in foods. Glycolic acid comes from sugarcane.
Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid work by removing the top layers of dead skin cells. Glycolic acid also seems to help reverse sun damage to the skin.
People use glycolic acid for acne, aging skin, dark skin patches on the face, and acne scars. It is also used for stretch marks and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.
Don't confuse glycolic acid with other alpha hydroxy acids, including citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid. These are not the same.
Possibly Effective for:
Acne. Applying glycolic acid to the skin seems to help reduce acne in people 12 years and older who have mild to moderate acne.
Aging skin. Applying glycolic acid to the skin seems to reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging and sun damage.
Acne scars. Applying glycolic acid to the skin, alone or together with microneedling, seems to reduce acne scars.
Dark skin patches on the face (melasma). Applying glycolic acid to the skin, alone or together with other treatments, seems to reduce mixed-type and epidermal-type melasma. But it doesn't seem to help dermal-type melasma, which occurs in a deeper layer of the skin.
There is interest in using glycolic acid for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Glycolic Exfoliating Toner
Paraben Free / EU Compliant / Vegan / Gluten Free Net Wt. 192 ml / 6.5 fl oz. This gentle exfoliating toner helps remove excess dirt and oil while wiping away dead skin cells. Helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and pores revealing a brighter, smoother complexion. Key Ingredients: Glycolic Acid reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with prolonged use. Aloe soothes the skin. Chamomile is an anti-inflammatory that soothes and clams.
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