16 Best Glycolic Acid Products That Exfoliate The Skin – 2024
Look younger, fresher, and brighter in an instant with this almost-magic skincare ingredient.
Donna Kay Parrish is a licensed esthetician and an oncology certified reiki practitioner based out of Oxford, North Carolina. She worked as an operating room radiologic technologist at a Level I trauma center for 18 years before opening her own practice full time in esthetics.
Read full bio of Donna Kay Parrish
Experience: 3 yearsKrati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Image: Shutterstock
Using glycolic acid products is the best way to exfoliate the skin without irritating it. You don’t need to splurge on pricey face treatments or suffer through painful deplaning procedures. Rather, you can spend your money on the best glycolic acid products. Glycolic acid is a natural exfoliator that is safe, gentle, and effortlessly removes dead skin cells, making it a must-have for anyone with dull, dry, tired, or aging skin.
In This Article
So, What Does Glycolic Acid Do?
Glycolic acid is fiercely tough on dead skin cells but gentle on the skin. It scrapes off the dull and dry upper layer to make way for softer, glowing, and younger-looking skin. And adding to that, it boosts collagen production as well, which means you can fight both early signs of aging and deep-set wrinkles with these gems in your skincare routine. Now, are you curious to try one? We bet you won’t be disappointed!
So, who’s ready to shed that extra gunk on your skin effortlessly? Scroll on to check out our list of the 16 best glycolic acid products for you.
Read on to know more!
Top 16 Glycolic Acid Products To Restore Your Youthful Glow (Buying Guide)
1. Best Gentle Formula:Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Prep Cleanser
To rage war on wrinkles, you must start with the right cleanser! Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Prep Cleanser has glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and micro-exfoliants to exfoliate all the dead skin cells thoroughly but gently. Promising visible changes in just 1 week, this wrinkle-repair cleanser for dry skin is also dermatologist-tested, making it one of the most trusted brands on the market. Yep, ready to go anti-wrinkle with this super-gentle formula? Then test it out now and thank us later!
- Exfoliates gently
- Preps skin for retinol
- Improves texture and eliminates dry skin
- Leaves skin smooth, soft, and radiant
- Non-comedogenic, non-stripping, and oil-free
- Soap-free, paraben-free, and free from plastic microbeads
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
Quick Tip2. Best For Hyperpigmentation:Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser
Get rid of the excess oil without feeling stripped! A must-try for oily skin, acne-prone skin, and sensitive skin users, this mild exfoliator will cleanse all the dirt, impurities, and oil build-up while moisturizing your skin intensely. Ideal for men, ladies, and teenagers dealing with cystic acne, its organic blend of shea butter, bamboo, tea tree extract, and glycolic acid ensures multiple benefits with every use. From preventing breakouts, greasiness to countering dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles, consider your skin renewed and refreshed after every wash with this cleanser. Indulge in this beautiful and hydrating product to witness a difference in your dull and tired skin!
- Exfoliates intensely
- Eliminates makeup residue
- Reduces blemishes and redness
- Leaves skin brighter, softer, and smooth
- Improves texture and treats hyperpigmentation
- Sulfate-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free
- 100% organic with peppermint, lavender, willow bark, and more
- Not suitable if you are sensitive to smell
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 2,626 great reviews on Amazon.
3. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Obagi Clinical Blue Brilliance Triple Acid Peel
The Obagi Clinical Blue Brilliance Triple Acid Peel incorporates three strong acids to exfoliate, smooth, and enhance the skin’s texture for a more glowing complexion. Salicylic acid, an exfoliant, is present and helps reduce the appearance of pores. Glycolic acid aids in the exfoliation of the top layer of skin for a brighter-looking complexion while lactic acid helps enhance the appearance of dull and uneven skin while moisturizing and soothing it. The product is suitable for all skin types and revitalizes your skin to offer a younger-looking appearance.
- Smooths dull skin
- Enhances glow
- Reduces uneven skin tone
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
None
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Prep Cleanser Best Gentle Formula | Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser Best For Hyperpigmentation | Obagi Clinical Blue Brilliance Triple Acid Peel Best For Acne-Prone Skin | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Oily, Dry | Acne Prone,Oily,Sensitive | Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal |
| Dimensions | 1.7 x 2.21 x 7.7 inches | - | 1.25 x 5.09 x 2.62 inches |
| Weight | 2.47 Ounces | - | 3.53 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 237 | 2,626 | - |
| Price | $19.35 | $24.9 | $145 |
4. Best For Dull Skin:Perfect Image Glycolic 50% Gel Peel
Get softer, healthier, and radiant-looking skin with the Perfect Image Glycolic 50% Gel Peel. Enriched with botanical extracts of potent ingredients such as green tea, chamomile, cucumber, comfrey, and retinol along with 50% glycolic acid, this chemical peel works wonders on dull skin.
This potent formula evens out the skin tone, reduces the signs of wrinkles and fine lines, enhances skin texture, and boosts natural radiance. It helps in eradicating hyperpigmentation, stubborn adult acne, age spots, scars, uneven texture, along with large open pores. With consistent use, this glycolic acid chemical helps in maintaining a clearer and even complexion by removing dull surface layers of the skin. It deeply penetrates the epidermal layers of your skin to stimulate cellular activity, moisturize your skin from within, and enhance the tone. This is one of the best options for travel lovers to keep their skin fresh and glowing, garnering praise from reviewers online.
- Enhances skin tone
- Boosts hydration
- Botanical formula
- Eliminates hyperpigmentation
- Reduces stubborn adult acne
- Diminishes signs of aging
- SLS-free
- Paraben-free
- Gluten-free
None
5. Best For Dry Skin:The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Toners are so underrated. And this one with 7% glycolic acid will make you regret not having bought it earlier. Clarifying leftover residue post-cleansing and making your skin look refreshed and brighter, it also exfoliates dead skin cells and clogged pores effortlessly. So, if you are dealing with dull, dry, tired, or dehydrated skin, this exfoliating toner can be your ultimate redeemer. You can also check this YouTube video featuring the tester’s experience for a complete idea about the product.
- Exfoliates intensely
- Improves skin tone and texture
- Gives a smoother complexion and radiant skin
- Brightening effect
- Suitable for dry skin
- Not suitable for sensitive or broken skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 8,734 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
6. Best For Daily Use: L’Oreal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum
Trust Loreal Paris to be your age-defying weapon with this serum infused with 10% pure glycolic acid. Lightweight and gentle, so you don’t have to worry about your skin being irritated, this serum is also dermatologist-tested. Targeting dark spots, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone, it also contains aloe that ensures intense hydration. The brand claims to offer visible results after 1 week of use.
- Exfoliates dead skin cells
- Minimizes pores
- Wrinkle reduction
- Ensures results in 2 weeks
- Leaves skin firmer and younger-looking
- Paraben-free, fragrance-free, and dye-free
- Ideal for daily use and suitable for all skin types
- Applying too much may turn skin sticky
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 8,318 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
7. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Body Merry Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser
What’s special about this anti-aging face cleanser? It deeply cleans in every wash! Eliminating the impurities thoroughly, this enriching blend pulls out dirt from clogged pores and leaves your skin nourished and revitalized. And to those wondering what’s in the formula? It’s all oils and botanical extracts! It contains jojoba oil, willow bark, olive oil, rosehip oil, and tea tree oil along with MSM, kojic acid, jojoba beads, and 20% glycolic acid. Is your cleanser as enriching as this one?
- Eliminates oil buildups
- Improves cellular turnover
- Cleanses thoroughly
- Good for blemish-prone skin
- Prevents premature aging
- Combats dull, tired, and dry skin
- Fades sunspots, dark spots, age spots, and acne scars
- Ideal for makeup removal
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Suitable for acne-prone and oily skin
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 2,241 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
8. Best Vegan Formula:Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner
Tighten up with this toner that claims to soften fine lines and wrinkles! Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner with glycolic acid, grapefruit extract, and aloe vera will exfoliate the impurities, hydrate intensely and leave the skin looking refreshed and firmer. Just the toner you need to tame and control those unwanted lines, give this anti-aging formula a try if you haven’t already.
- Mild formula
- Suitable for skin resurfacing
- Good for breakout prevention
- Refines and diminishes pores
- Soothes and smoothens the skin
- Improves the skin’s texture and tone
- Ensures younger-looking complexion
- Suitable for combination and dry skin
- Gluten-free, alcohol-free, and vegan
- It may irritate sensitive skin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 4,956 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
9. Best Dermatologist-Recommended:Reviva Labs 10% Glycolic Acid Creme
The Reviva Labs 10% Glycolic Acid Creme provides mild exfoliation. Glycolic acid and botanical extracts accelerate cell turnover, resulting in noticeable improvements for wrinkled, sun-damaged, or blotchy skin. The blend of glycolic acid and buffered glycolic acid maintains the pH balance of the skin, offers mild exfoliation, and minimizes the risk of allergic reactions. Apply this cream daily at night before bed and achieve radiant, clear, and smooth skin.
- Paraben-free
- Phthalates-free
- Sulfates-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Petroleum-free
- Dermatologically tested
- Botanical ingredients
- Effective formulation for acne-prone skin
- Gentle on skin
- Prevents acne and breakouts
- Diminishes sunspots and hyperpigmentation
- Slightly expensive
10. Best For All Skin Types:Yeouth Glycolic Acid 30% Gel Peel
This bottle may look small, but do not underestimate its powerful formula! Softening the look of the fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, dark spots, and minimizing pores, it’s like an age-reversing tonic in a bottle! Leaving your skin refreshed and hydrated (all thanks to the infused hyaluronic acid), the formula also contains green tea, retinol, and 30% glycolic acid. These ingredients help retain the optimal moisture for your skin to look supple, hydrated, and plump. One of the best glycolic acid peel products, try it to witness the glow up! But, remember to perform a patch test to check for skin irritation.
- Boosts collagen
- Exfoliates clogged pores
- Corrects uneven skin tone
- Ensures a healthy complexion
- Prevents acne and breakouts
- Diminishes sunspots and hyperpigmentation
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free
- Suitable for all skin types
- Pricey
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 4,021 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
11. Best Hydrating:Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% Aha Gel Exfoliant
Moisturizer but with exfoliating power! Watch your skin renew and refresh back to its glowing days with this one. Dryness can lead to the accumulation of dead skin cells. Loosening and clearing the dead skin cells and making way for softer, healthier, and new skin, this anti-wrinkle exfoliant is a must-try for those dealing with skin discoloration too. And the best part, the formula is anything but harmful! Along with 8% glycolic acid, the gel contains green tea and chamomile to soothe your skin and soften stubborn fine lines as well. Also, are you looking for paraben-free glycolic acid products? Then Paula’s Choice is the one for you!
- Lightweight gel
- Hydrates intensely
- Corrects uneven skin tone
- Exfoliates and refines pores
- Leaves skin healthy and radiant
- Improves complexion and repairs sun damages
- Gentle and fragrance-free
- Suitable for normal, dry, oily, and combination skin
- Not sensitive skin-friendly
12. Best For Combination Skin:Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Dryness, dullness, and rough skin stand no chance against this triple-action exfoliator! Claiming to cleanse intensely but gently enough to not irritate, watch the dullness and dryness fade like a charm with Murad. Powered with not one but three acids— glycolic, salicylic, and lactic, it leaves your skin with no choice but to break free from dullness and appear brighter and younger again. Don’t believe us? Try it!
- Boosts cell turnover
- Ensures a polished look
- Improves the skin’s texture
- Suitable for combination, oily, normal, and dry skin
- It’s not fragrance-free.
13. Best Oil-Free Formula:Touch KP Exfoliating Body Wash
Why settle for a regular body wash when Touch KP Exfoliating Body Wash guarantees a healthy glow from head to toe? Switch now to this body cleanser with glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, salicylic acid, aloe vera, and Gotu Kola as it promises to make your skin look healthy and hydrated always. Also, it claims to deep-clean your skin without drying and is a must-try for those with keratosis pilaris, body acne, dullness, uneven texture, tone, and more. Why miss it?
- Oil-free formula
- Stimulates collagen
- Retains and boosts moisture
- Soothes and reduces redness
- Eliminates bumps, roughness, and sebum
- Cruelty-free and FDA-registered
- Non-irritating, non-drying, and 3.5 pH balanced
- Free from drying alcohols, dyes, phthalates, parabens, sulfates, and more
- Not ideal if you are sensitive to smell
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 453 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
14. Best Fragrance-Free:Glycolix Elite Glycolic Acid Facial Cream
This exfoliating cream packed with pure crystalline glycolic acid feels nothing but luxe on the skin. Unfurling the experience of a rejuvenating spa as you apply, the infused antioxidants make sure your skin is thoroughly exfoliated and pampered in the process. And if you are wondering what makes it so premium, it’s the power-packed formula that contains 20% glycolic acid, vitamin C, A, E, and green tea for visible improvement. Now, who’s ready to say goodbye to discoloration, fine lines, wrinkles, and skin damages with this one?
- Anti-aging formula
- Skin resurfacing treatment
- Improves texture and tone
- Protects from free radicals
- Leaves skin healthy and younger-looking
- Non-comedogenic and oil-free
- Fragrance-free, paraben-free, and gluten-free
- Suitable for dry, normal, and combination skin
- Expensive
15. Best Deep Cleansing:Anthony Glycolic Facial Cleanser
All eyes on this one, because exfoliation is a must for your skin! Get rid of the dirt, oil buildups, pollution, and impurities with this ultra-creamy yet sulfate-free face wash. A great option to use pre-shave to soften hair, this clinically-proven cleanser targets dead skin cells, razor bumps, ingrowths, and clogged pores as well. Guaranteeing the deepest clean with every wash, it is infused with 4.2% glycolic acid, vitamin C, A, E, and aloe vera. Do you know a better combo of exfoliation and nourishment than this? Tell, we’ll wait.
- Non-foaming cleanser
- Retains moisture and soothes skin
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Protects against free radical and environmental damages
- Dermatologist-tested, research-backed, allergy-tested, and cruelty-free
- Free from parabens, triclosan, phthalates, GMOs, gluten, and more
- Suitable for oily, combination, and normal skin
- Not ideal if you prefer rich lather
16. Best For Sensitive Skin:purlisse Watermelon Energizing 2 Minute Polishing Peel
Saving the bliss for the last— this professional-grade fruity face mask will make your skincare routine utterly delightful (especially if you are a fruit lover!). High on watermelon, glycolic acid, lychee, beet, and purple carrot, it’s like a refreshing and healthy juice for your skin to stay supple, healthy, and hydrated. Moisturizing while exfoliating the dead skin cells, we don’t know about you, but your skin will definitely enjoy the benefits of this fruity-scented face mask. Try it as a weekly treatment!
- Ensures fast results in 2 minutes
- Easy-to-use
- Softens and smoothes skin
- Brightens and repairs damages
- Leaves skin polished and glowing
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Not suitable if you are sensitive to smell
Exfoliating skin at home now looks easy-peasy! There you go, those were the 15 best glycolic acid products that you must check out this season. And, if you need assistance with choosing the right ones, we’ve listed some tips in the buying guide below.
Buying Guide
How To Choose The Best Glycolic Acid Products?
Look out for the following features in the product before buying:
- Skin type: First and foremost, no matter what product you choose, it should be suitable for your skin type if you want to enjoy the maximum benefits and witness desirable results.
- Percentage of glycolic acid: Yep, don’t just look for glycolic acid; inspect the percentage of glycolic acid in the formula to know how intensely it will act on your skin. Those with visible fine lines, wrinkles, dead skin cells, or dryness issues must opt for up to 15% glycolic acid, or consult your dermatologist before applying.
- Non-drying & non-irritating: Many exfoliation products end up drying or stripping the natural oils in the process, which is a big no if you want to restore your natural glow. Hence, pick a formula that guarantees non-drying and non-irritating exfoliation for the best experience.
- Anti-aging benefits: Why settle for exfoliation only when products with glycolic acid offer anti-aging benefits as well? Hence, inspect whether the product can deal with fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and hyperpigmentation.
- Nourishing formula: Other than glycolic acid, look at other ingredients like calendula and vitamins C and E, and how beneficial they are for your skin. The more nourishing, moisturizing, and hydrating the formula is, the quicker your skin will heal and radiate.
Infographic: Glycolic Acid: How To Use & Precautions
Glycolic acid can be one of the best additions to your skin care regimen. It brightens and smoothens the skin, revealing a natural glow. However, to get the most out of this ingredient, you must take precautions and not go overboard to avoid damaging your skin. Check out the infographic below to understand how to use glycolic acid the right way. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
If you aim for smoother, softer, and more radiant skin, glycolic acid products must be in your skin care regimen. Glycolic acid is a great exfoliator. Glycolic acid products can help you get rid of skin conditions without paying large sums of money at the dermatologist’s office. If you are looking for cleanser with anti-aging benefits, the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Prep Cleanser is the best for you, while the Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution offers gentle exfoliation and brightening. But if you are seeking a powerful exfoliating treatment that revitalizes skin, try Obagi Clinical Blue Brilliance Triple Acid Peel. These products can also eliminate premature signs of aging to provide you with younger-looking skin. Glycolic acid products can repair wrinkles, dark spots, and fine lines while improving the skin texture and eliminating dullness. Choose a product with positive reviews from skin care enthusiasts and remember to conduct a patch test before application.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Krati Darak, is a hair and beauty enthusiast who stays updated with the latest skin care products. For this article, she conducted a thorough research of product specifications and user feedback before curating the list. She considered parameters such as the ingredients, skin type, and anti-aging formula for a better experience. The recommended glycolic acid products are chemical-free, non-comedogenic, and add a healthy glow to the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is glycolic acid good for your skin?
If your skin is looking dull, dry, rough, or dealing with stubborn aging lines, then face products with glycolic acid will fight all these problems for you. Besides these, it exfoliates intensely to unclog pores and helps with skin renewal as well.
Are products with glycolic acid safe during pregnancy?
Yes, topical usage of glycolic acid is safe during pregnancy. However, we recommend you consult your doctor before using pregnancy-safe glycolic acid products.
Does glycolic acid make your skin glow?
Yes, absolutely! Glycolic acid is a natural exfoliant that sheds all the dead skin cells effortlessly, thus making way for newer, healthier, and glowing skin to the surface.
Is it OK to use glycolic acid every day?
It depends on your skin type. Ideally, products with up to 15% glycolic acid are safe to use once a day, daily.
Can I leave glycolic acid overnight?
To enjoy the maximum benefits of glycolic acid, you can use it overnight as it helps the skin recover without any interference of skin-damaging radicals or other topical applications.
Is retinol or glycolic acid better?
It depends on your skin condition. If dull, dry, or tired skin is a concern for you, then glycolic acid is a better option as it is milder than retinol.
Read full bio of Donna Kay Parrish
Read full bio of Krati Darak
Read full bio of Medha Deb
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.