The best glycolic acid products can help you get your glow back. “Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy-acid derived from sugars,” says Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “It works by breaking up the bonds between skin cells and encourages them to slough off and shed. This can have a variety of benefits like a smoother, softer and more even skin tone, plus decreased fine lines and wrinkles,” she says.
No two glycolic acid products are the same though, and the ingredient itself comes in different forms, from cleansers, to face wash, toners, creams and serums. Here, we’re breaking down the very best ones after chatting with dermatologists and putting over a dozen to the test. Our top pick overall is the The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, because it managed to keep our skin clarified and blemish-free the longest and is suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.
The best glycolic acid products, at a glance
We tested glycolic acid skincare products by evaluating ingredients, formats, and overall efficacy. The ones that made the cut came in toner or serum form which made them easy to incorporate into our skin care routines, and had between 5-10% moderate strength glycolic acid. We found this range to be ideal for normal skin types, gentle enough for drier skin types, but potent enough to help clarify and decongest acne-prone and oily skin types. We applied glycolic acid products and evaluated whether they absorbed into the skin easily, helped clarify dark spots, acne scars, or hyperpigmentation. The ones on this list helped minimize pimples, redness and inflammation on areas of active breakouts. Over time, they helped our skin look brighter, clarified, and more even-toned.
Best Overall: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Original video from Jazmin Gathers testing The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
This exfoliating toner made it to the top of our list because it’s gentle on all skin types and managed to clear up our tester’s acne after just a few uses. “5-10% glycolic acid is a moderate strength that’s good for most people for regular exfoliation,” says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. It’s tolerable enough for daily use, and can help stimulate collagen, smooth lines and minimize inflammation and acne. This solution is also a favorite of Angela Lamb, MD, an associate professor at Mount Sinai Hospital’s department of dermatology in NYC. “Glycolic acid gently exfoliates dead skin cells so they can’t mix together with the excess oil on the skin and create acne,” she says. It can also reduce the appearance of sun spots and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
- Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, plant extracts
- Glycolic concentration: 7%
- Size: 8 fl. oz
- Fragrance: None
“This toner is probably my favorite one I’ve ever tried. As someone who has oily skin, I usually have hormonal acne during my time of the month. The Ordinary toner literally made my pimple disappear within 24 hours—and that’s a first. It doesn’t have a strong alcohol smell like most toners, which made me feel like it was less harsh. It also didn’t feel like it was completely stripping my skin or drying it out. If you’ve got oily skin or sensitive skin, I’d definitely recommend this toner for everyday use,” says Glamour’s senior social media manager Jazmin Gathers.
Best Toner: Pixi Glow Toner
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Pixi Glow Toner
This cult-favorite drugstore toner is one you might recognize from your FYP—and we’re here to tell you that it’s worth the hype. It’s gentle on all skin types (even if your skin is going through a bout of dryness), and helps clarify areas of acne and blemishes with a few swipes. It also contains aloe vera and ginseng to help calm redness and inflammation.
- Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, aloe vera, ginseng
- Glycolic concentration: 5%
- Size: 8.5 fl. oz
- Fragrance: None
“I’ve been using Pixi toners for years now, and they never fail to keep my skin looking brighter, less congested and soft. Glow Tonic is my go-to for when my skin is feeling particularly dull, and I’m in need of something that’ll help get rid of excess makeup and dirt. I like to use it at night and in the morning to reap its full benefits of brightness,” says Glamour’s commerce writer, Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
Best for Acne: Peter Thomas Roth Even Clearer Max Complexion Correction Pads
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Peter Thomas Roth Goodbye Acne Complexion Correction Pads
Dr. Lamb is also a fan of these peel pads, especially if you have acne-prone skin. They blend glycolic acid and salicylic acid to thoroughly cleanse and decongest pores, and have the ability to shrink pimples (even deep, cystic ones) overnight.
- Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid
- Glycolic concentration: 10%
- Size: 60 pads
- Fragrance: Peach bellini scent
“These potent pads are a nice match for my combination-oily skin and they help suck up extra makeup and dirt that I missed while cleansing. I love to spot treat pimples with them, too, and every time I use them, I see a huge difference in the size and redness of my blemishes by the next day. They have a strong alcohol-like scent that also has a touch of peach Bellini—something to get used to, but they’re absolutely great for when you need a deep clean. They’re not for the weak, and may cause some stinging on sensitive skin types, so I’d proceed with caution and use them sparingly until your skin builds up tolerance,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best for Fine Lines and Wrinkles:Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Serum
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Serum
Since glycolic acid helps remove old skin cells, it essentially promotes collagen production and more plumpness. As a result, this helps address fine lines and wrinkles. This gentle glycolic serum has salicylic acid (which exfoliates), and raspberry fruit extract (which soothes skin and protects it from free radicals). This one can feel a little tingly upon application, so we recommend using it at night to avoid sun sensitivity.
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid
- Glycolic concentration: Not specified, but the formula has a 10% AHA concentration which includes glycolic acid
- Size: 1 fl. oz
- Fragrance: None
“I tried this serum for the first time this past fall, and immediately loved the super lightweight texture and quick absorption. It definitely packs a punch—I used it for a few nights in a row and saw a difference in my fine lines on my forehead—they were less prominent and my skin overall, looked more taught and plump,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best Serum: La Roche-Posay Glycolic Acid Serum
Original video of Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing the La Roche-Posay Glycolic Acid Serum
This glycolic acid serum helps address dark spots, discoloration and more thanks to a potent blend of vitamin B5, kojic acid and glycolic acid. It’s a very lightweight formula that easily sinks into skin and helps reduce the appearance of uneven skin texture too, like acne scars and pock-marks.
- Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, kojic acid
- Glycolic concentration: 10%
- Size: 1 fl. oz
- Fragrance: None
“Glycolic acid is one of those ingredients that has simply changed my skin,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary. “And this serum is one I’ve used on and off for years now, I always come back to it when I’m dealing with stubborn acne marks on my chin, around my nose and mouth. It sinks in quickly, doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue and helps brighten my complexion overall.”
Best for Body: The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick
The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick
Dr. Nazarian says glycolic acid is also particularly good if you’re dealing with body acne or ingrown hairs. “This stick guarantees no mess whatsoever; just rub it along your bikini line. It uses glycolic acid with salicylic acid and shea butter to exfoliate and hydrate,” she says. It also gives you a silky, non-irritated finish.
- Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, shea butter, salicylic acid
- Glycolic concentration: 7%
- Size: 1.5 fl. oz
- Fragrance: None
“I never knew exfoliating could be so easy. Since I really only use body scrub to exfoliate that area, I wanted to start with a gentle exfoliator. This one is great for beginners. I simply glide it over the area, and there’s no stinging or burning. I’ve only used it a few times, but I’ve had no issues around my bikini area,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly does glycolic acid do?
“Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells,” says Dr. King. This can offer a lot of benefits for the skin, including a smoother surface, less discoloration and pigmentation, and it can even unclog pores which helps improve acne and blackheads.
What percentage of glycolic acid is best?
According to the dermatologists we spoke with, the percentage of glycolic acid you use depends on your goal, but the rule of thumb is as follows:
- 2-5%:Gentle for daily use, good for beginners or sensitive skin
- 5-10%: Moderate strength, good for most people for regular exfoliation
- 10-15%: Stronger otc formulation, good for hyperpigmentation and antiaging
- 20-70%: In-office professional chemical glycolic acid peels only
Is glycolic acid safe to use while you’re pregnant?
According to Dr. King, under 10% is generally considered safe in pregnancy because minimal amounts are absorbed systemically, but it’s always important to check with your OBGYN.
What should you never mix with glycolic acid?
Since glycolic acid can be a bit irritating, the dermatologists recommend to avoid mixing it with other irritating or exfoliating skin care ingredients like retinoids, retinol, other AHAs (like lactic acid or citric acid) and BHAs (like salicylic acid and willow bark extract). “Always go based on the advice of your dermatologist on what else to mix and match with chemical exfoliants like glycolic- and always be diligent with use of sunscreen because chemical exfoliation can make you more sensitive to sunlight and sun damage,” says Dr. Nazarian. Always follow your glycolic acid skincare routine with a gentle moisturizer and SPF.
Is glycolic acid good for aging skin and dark spots?
Yes, glycolic acid is good for aging skin and dark spots because it rids of dead, dull skin on the surface, which helps clear a pathway for smooth, rejuvenated skin to rise to the top. “This exfoliating process, in turn, will help stimulate collagen production, smooth skin, eliminate fine lines, improve texture, and increase cell turnover and fade discoloration, which are all antiaging effects,” says Dr. King.
- Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
- Angela Lamb, MD, an associate professor at Mount Sinai Hospital’s department of dermatology in NYC
- Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City