Glycolic Acid Vs. Salicylic Acid: Which Is Better For Your Skin

What Is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is an organic compound that belongs to the group of alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). This compound is commonly found in sugary and acidic fruits such as sugarcane, lemons, and melons. These acids are water-soluble and are used as exfoliants. The benefits of alpha hydroxy acid for your skin are vast, which include reducing age signs and rejuvenating your complexion effectively.

Trivia

Auguste Laurent, a French chemist, coined the name “glycolic acid” in the year 1848.

What Is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is also an organic compound found in willow bark and vegetables like broccoli, cucumber, and mushrooms. It belongs to the beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) group. BHAs are oil-soluble acids that can also be used as exfoliants. However, it is crucial to understand how to use Salicylic acid and its side effects for better results.

Did You Know?

Salicylic acid contains esters and salts that are known as salicylates.

Glycolic Acid Vs. Salicylic Acid- Use Case For Skin Conditions

Given that glycolic acid is water-soluble and salicylic acid is oil soluble, certain skin conditions may favor one ingredient over the other.

• Acne Treatment

Glycolic acids possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the inflammation caused by acne and alleviate its symptoms (1). Salicylic acid also helps in treating acne as it unclogs your pores by removing the excess dirt (2). While both seem to do the job, studies suggest that salicylic acid is better in treating acne if you have oily and acne-prone skin (3). In a study, participants with acne were treated with glycolic acid and salicylic acid. The group which was treated with salicylic acid saw a 74% reduction in acne in comparison to a 70% reduction with those treated with glycolic acid (3). You can use a salicylic acid-based exfoliant to help with your acne.

Glycolic acid can be used to treat acne if you have dry skin. Using skincare products such as glycolic acid cream and glycolic acid cleanser might prove to be beneficial in treating acne (1).

• As A Chemical Peel

Both glycolic acid and salicylic acid-based peels are beneficial for exfoliation. However, glycolic acid-based chemical peels have an edge over their counterparts as they can be used on all skin types, while salicylic acid peels are suitable mainly for oily skin types. In addition, glycolic acid-based peels also help in maintaining the moisture of your skin by regulating its pH level (4).

• Keratosis Pilaris Treatment

Salicylic acid is a keratolytic agent (prevents excess keratin formation) that permeates deep into the pores and unclogs the dirt. Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition that causes excess production of keratin that blocks the hair follicles and pores. Studies suggest that salicylic acid exfoliants and peels can help break down keratin and can be used to treat this condition (2). In this case, salicylic acid is better suited to treat this condition.

• Treatment Of Sun Damaged Skin

Sun-damaged skin can be treated by using skincare products that contain either glycolic acid or salicylic acid. Glycolic acid can help prevent UV-induced conditions and salicylates (derivatives of salicylic acid) are often used in sunscreens (2),(4). However, salicylic acid-based products are a better choice as glycolic acid-based products can increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight and heat and may cause you discomfort (5). For this reason, you should also avoid salicylic acid before and after getting any kind of laser or light treatment for your skin.

These are some of the skin conditions that can be treated using glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Let us look at some of the other benefits of these ingredients.

Benefits Of Glycolic Acid And Salicylic Acid

Hydroxy acids such as glycolic and salicylic acid have been used in skincare treatment for nearly a few centuries. Present-day cosmetics and skincare products use these as active ingredients. That being said, here are a few shared benefits of these ingredients.

• May Help In Anti-aging

Studies suggest that anti-aging skincare products that have glycolic acid or salicylic acid as active ingredients may help reduce wrinkles and fine lines. The exact science behind this is not known, however, there is a working theory that has been popularly accepted. According to this theory, these ingredients help in removing calcium ions that are deposited in the skin due to aging. Removal of this excess calcium helps promote cell growth. This helps in making the skin appear younger and wrinkle-free (6). Salicylic acid peels help improve skin texture, making it appear smooth, and may also improve the appearance of fine lines (2).

• May Help Lighten Skin Tone

Glycolic acid may help in reducing the size of the pores on your skin, thereby improving its texture and leaving it brighter and lighter. Studies suggest the use of creams that contain glycolic acid and glycolic acid peels may also help reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation that causes dark spots (1).

Dermatology studies also suggest that using a chemical peel containing salicylic acid can also help reduce hyperpigmentation and can have a whitening effect on the skin (7).

• May Prevent Pimples

Both glycolic and salicylic acids can help in preventing pimples and maintaining healthy, radiant skin. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that over 90% of patients experienced significant improvement in their acne after using glycolic and salicylic acids for 2 weeks. Additionally, 70-80% of patients reported smoother skin texture (8).

While using skincare products with these ingredients are great for your skin’s health and are a good addition to your skincare routine, which is the right one for your skin type? Let us find out in the next section.

What Skin Type Is It Suitable For

With any skincare product, it is vital to take your skin type into consideration as different products will produce varied results based on your skin type. For a more in-depth understanding of exfoliating acids, check out this skin care acids guide to determine which best suits your skin.

Glycolic acid-based products are ideal for use if you:

• have non-oily skin or dry skin.
• have uneven skin tone or want to reduce hyperpigmentation.
• want to reduce the signs of aging skin.
• want to alleviate symptoms of acne.

On the other hand, salicylic acid-based products are ideal for use if you:

• have oily skin.
• have clogged pores.
• want to reduce the signs of aging skin.

Hopefully, with this knowledge, you may be able to choose the right skincare products with any of these two active ingredients based on your skin type. Let us look at how and when you need to use these products. The best way to know which of these ingredients is better suited to your skin type is to reach out to a dermatologist.

Glycolic Acid Vs. Salicylic Acid – When And How To Use

Both glycolic acid and salicylic acid-based skincare products can be used in the form of creams, serums, toners, cleansers, face masks, and peels. They can be used during the night and day as well. Some products may be formulated to be used as overnight creams, peels, or masks. Products like serums and cleansers can be used at any time to remove dead skin cells and clean clogged pores. Certain salicylic acid-based products may not be recommended for daytime use as they can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight (5).

Both glycolic and salicylic acids can help improve your skin health. But can they be used together? Find out in the next section.

Can You Use Glycolic Acid With Salicylic Acid?

Yes, glycolic and salicylic acids go well together. However, it is important to do so carefully. Introduce these acids gradually and in lower concentrations into your skin care routine. Use them on alternate days or use one in the morning and the other one at night to reduce the risk of skin irritation. Ensure that you apply sunscreen before stepping out as these acids can make your skin sensitive to the sun.

References

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Glycolic and salicylic acids are organic compounds used as exfoliants and to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. While various skin care products contain these, they are also found in certain fruits and vegetables. In the infographic below, we have listed these natural sources of glycolic and salicylic acids. Take a look.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is salicylic acid or glycolic acid better for blackheads?

Salicylic acid is a stronger option as a blackhead removal because it penetrates deeper into the skin to remove impurities from your pores. It is these impurities that clog the pores of your skin and lead to blackheads and whiteheads.

Does glycolic acid darken skin?

It is generally believed that overuse of glycolic acid and other AHAs on dark skin can stimulate melanocytes (melanin-producing cells) and lead to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Glycolic acid is more effective in removing dead skin cells from scars and dark spots to even out skin tone.

Can I use salicylic acid in the morning and glycolic acid at night?

Yes. Skin experts recommend using salicylic acid in the morning to unclog pores and avoid acne, and glycolic acid at night for pore cleansing, reducing, and exfoliating as well as for dead skin cell removal.

Confused about which ingredient is best for your skincare routine? Dive into this informative video about glycolic acid and salicylic acid and discover which one suits your skin needs best.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Schwarzburg MD

 

Dr. Schwarzburg is a leading authority in the field of minimally invasive cosmetic and laser medicine in New York City. He is an Ivy League school graduate with 7 years of experience in cosmetic dermatology and regenerative medicine.

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Reevan Vishwas RegoBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Reevan holds a master's degree in mass communication and journalism and is a certified skincare coach. He is also a photographer by hobby and a part-time teacher by passion and has an innate ability to tell stories through visuals.

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Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

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