Chemical exfoliants are in it to win it! In the game of brightening skincare, we have another powerful contestant – glycolic acid. This AHA is in charge of shedding dead skin cells so you can walk out the door with smoother, clearer skin. It also does wonders by encouraging collagen production. Whether you’re trying to reduce acne, hyperpigmentation, or signs of aging, you can always count on this key ingredient to help get the job done. Get your glow on with any of these must-have glycolic acid skincare products. As always, start small and SPF it up!
8Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser
Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser
$34 from Glow Recipe
Infused with some sweet blueberries and you get yourself this K-beauty exfoliating cleanser. The AHA and hyaluronic acid formula helps to tackle blemishes while creating a hydrating experience. Tip: Use this as a makeup remover or 5-minute mask for rejuvenating, bouncy results.
7Brightening Toner
$18 from Ulta
Can’t talk glow without including this classic exfoliating toner. Key ingredients include 5% glycolic acid, aloe vera, ginseng, and botanical extracts for extra nourished skin. Seep this lovely blend into a cotton pad and apply after cleansing for a glow like no other.
6Affordable Glycolic Acid Toner
The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner
$10.99 from Sephora
Desperate times calls for this budget-friendly, no-fuss glycolic acid toner. With 10% glycolic acid and a touch of witch hazel, it helps to reduce the appearance of pores, excess sebum, and more. Apply during your nighttime routine, followed by your serums and moisturizers.
5Glowing Anti-Aging Serum
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Anti-Aging Pore Minimizer Face Serum
$44.99 from La Roche-Posay
Reap the multiple benefits of glycolic acid with this AHA serum for oily skin. Not only does it help to visibly brighten your skin, it targets signs of aging and enlarged pores. It even incorporates lipo-hydroxy acid to gently exfoliate. Potent yet gentle enough for all our sensitive skin folks.
4Renewing Night Serum
Bliss Renew & Smooth Night Glycolic Acid Serum
$25 from Bliss
End your PM routine with this serum. It’s formulated with a blend of fruit acids and glycolic acid to renew skin overnight. There’s also a gentler chemical exfoliant in the mix – PHA. Apply onto clean skin and watch your complexion gradually get brighter and smoother.
3AHA + BHA Powerhouse
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum
$90 from Sephora
This cult-favorite glycolic night serum is quite pricy, but so worth the splurge. It’s packed with 12% AHA and BHA to help unclog pores and lift dead skin cells for a radiant-looking complexion. Try using this as a spot treatment for targeted results.
2Dry Skin Moisturizer
Mario Badescu Glycolic Skin Renewal Complex
$35 from Ulta
Tackle dry, dull skin with this glycolic acid moisturizer. It’s also made with fruit extracts and oils to give your skin the nourishment and youth it deserves. Apply as the last step of your AM/PM routine and watch the transformation begin.
1All-in-One Facial
Biossance Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Facial
$68 from Biossance
Experience both physical and chemical exfoliation with this all-in-one glycolic facial. It uses mineral spheres, as well as exfoliating acids, to polish and reduce dark spots. To top, it leaves your skin plump and hydrated with added squalane. Leave it on for 3-10 minutes before rinsing – no more than twice a week.
Head over to more information and product recommendations: youtube.com/c/BeautyWithin
Alpha h liquid gold is hands down the best glycolic acid toner ! I wonder why you guys never mention it ?
Hi Pearl!
Thank you so much for this product mention! We love hearing about new skincare from you guys, so we’ll definitely check it out for our next toners article.