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This exfoliating ingredient can lead to smooth, radiant skin.
Byrdie / Kevin Liang
Its one of the most potent alpha-hydroxy acids that help toexfoliatesuperficially while also stimulating deepercollagenproduction, explainsDr.
Shereene Idriss, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
you could find this ingredient in everything from masks toserumsto moisturizers, but glycolic acid-based cleansers offer unique benefits.
PHOTO: Dermstore
It will work on all skin types but it’s especially great for oily and acne-prone skin.
The runny consistency takes a bit of getting used to, but we think the payoff is worth it.
We love that it’s also fragrance-free and allergy-testedwhich our sensitive-skinned friends will appreciate.
PHOTO: Amazon
The namesake ingredients help retexturize and smooth the skin.
In related news, its also sulfate- and fragrance-free.
Meet your new BFF.
PHOTO: Amazon
It can be a bit drying, especially if your skin is already on the dry side.
If that sounds like you, we suggest using this product every other day or every few days.
Collectively, they can help exfoliate, cleanse, and even minimize the look oflines and wrinkles.
PHOTO: Amazon
The only negatives we saw were some reviewers didn’t vibe with the scent.
After all, you need your skin barrier to function properly.
This means that you’re able to see a noticeable difference with regular use.
PHOTO: Amazon
This makes glycolic acid especially good for oily and blemish-prone skin that’s congested.
The frequency of use depends upon your individual skin bang out, advises Dr. Chantrey.
The active strength of the acid is another key variable which will influence tolerability.
PHOTO: Sephora
(Most glycolic acid concentrates start from 5% and go up to 20%).
Unnati Desai, an aesthetic doctor and dermatologist at Edition Clinic.
Products that have an acid microencapsulated into them are much more skin-friendly and less likely to cause irritation.
PHOTO: Amazon
“Likewise, you wouldnt use glycolic acid on very red and angry-looking skin.
Most people, however, can tolerate glycolic acid in their routine every day.
Meet Our Experts
Experts interviewed for this article include:
Why Trust Byrdie?
PHOTO: Sephora
Catherine Huftonhas been a contributing writer for Byrdie since 2022.
2019;38(3_suppl):6S-22S.
doi:10.1177/1091581819883820
Tang SC, Yang JH.
PHOTO: Amazon
Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin.Molecules.
2020;2020:1-15. doi:10.1155/2020/9571490.
PHOTO: SEPHORA
PHOTO: Sephora
PHOTO: Sephora
