Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsFunctionBenefitsScarsWhere to Find ItGuide to ChoosingSafety
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Function
Benefits
Scars
Where to Find It
Guide to Choosing
Safety
Glycolic acid is a water-solublealpha hydroxy acid (AHA)made from sugar cane. It is one of the most widely used AHAs in skincare products.
AHAs are natural acids that come from plants. They consist of tiny molecules that are very easy for yourskinto absorb. This makes them ideal for smoothing fine lines, improving skin texture, and other anti-aging uses.
This article takes a closer look at what glycolic acid is and how it can help your skin. It also includes tips on how to choose the right product and use it safely.
Olga Rolenko / Getty Images
How Glycolic Acid Works
Glycolic acid has the smallest-sized molecules of all the AHAs.This allows it to absorb into the skin andexfoliateit better than other AHAs.
Glycolic acid triggers your skin to make morecollagenas well.Collagen is the protein that makes skin firm, plump, and elastic. It also gives your bones and connective tissues their strength.
Your skin makes less collagen as you age. Collagen is also destroyed when you spend too much time in the sun. Using glycolic acid each day can help prevent the breakdown of collagen.
Glycolic acid helps to clear pores, smooth fine wrinkles, improve skin tone, fade dark patches and sun damage, and hydrate skin for a more youthful appearance.
5 Things to Know Before You Try Liquid Collagen
What Does Glycolic Acid Do for the Skin?
Glycolic acid is a very popular treatment for many reasons, including:
A Word From Verywell
—CASEY GALLAGHER, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Does Glycolic Acid Treat Scars?
A better treatment for scars is either a professional strength glycolic acid peel or a different scar treatment altogether.
Where to Find Glycolic Acid
If you’re looking for glycolic acid, you have lots of choices. This skincare darling can be found in many over-the-counter (OTC) products.
Try your local drug store, market, or skin spa. You will find plenty of cleansers, masks, toners, and moisturizers that contain glycolic acid. OTC glycolic acid products tend to come in strengths up to 10%.
Even though glycolic acid is made from sugar cane, the sugar you buy at the store is not quite the same. Rubbing your face with sugar can exfoliate the skin and leave it feeling smoother. But it’s not going to give you the same results as glycolic acid treatment.
Choosing the Right Skin Treatment
The glycolic acid treatment you choose depends a lot on your skin type and your end goals.
Take these elements into consideration:
A dermatologist can also advise you on the best type of glycolic acid for your needs.
How to Use Glycolic Acid Safely
In general, glycolic acid is very safe for your skin and works well. To keep your skin safe, though, there are a few things to know before using glycolic acid:
Most importantly, if you’re under a dermatologist’s care, make sure you get their OK before using any glycolic acid product or having a peel done.
Don’t use glycolic acid, even OTC products, if you are currently usingtopical retinoids, likeRetin-A(tretinoin) or Differin (adapalene), isotretinoin, or any products that rapidly exfoliate the skin.
Summary
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that comes from sugar cane. As it absorbs into the skin, it promotes cell turnover. This makes glycolic acid a great exfoliant that gives the skin a healthier, more glowing look.
Glycolic acid is a common ingredient in many OTC and professional skin care products, especially anti-aging products. It also supports collagen production, protects the skin against sun damage, and prevents pores from getting blocked.
A Word From VerywellThough glycolic acid can be a great addition to many skin care regimens, it’s important to use it carefully since it can be irritating, especially for people with sensitive skin. Start slowly, using products with glycolic acid only once or twice a week. If your skin can tolerate that, then you can gradually increase the frequency of application.—CASEY GALLAGHER, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Though glycolic acid can be a great addition to many skin care regimens, it’s important to use it carefully since it can be irritating, especially for people with sensitive skin. Start slowly, using products with glycolic acid only once or twice a week. If your skin can tolerate that, then you can gradually increase the frequency of application.—CASEY GALLAGHER, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Though glycolic acid can be a great addition to many skin care regimens, it’s important to use it carefully since it can be irritating, especially for people with sensitive skin. Start slowly, using products with glycolic acid only once or twice a week. If your skin can tolerate that, then you can gradually increase the frequency of application.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information.Glycolic acid.Tang SC, Yang JH.Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin.Molecules. 2018 Apr;23(4):863. doi:10.3390/molecules23040863U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Alpha hydroxy acids.Minimally invasive free acid glycolic acid peels improve a wide range of inflammatory, pigmentary and aging skin conditions. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2015;72(5):AB18. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.02.084Al-Talib H, Al-Khateeb A, Hameed A, Murugaiah C.Efficacy and safety of superficial chemical peeling in treatment of active acne vulgaris.An Bras Dermatol. 2017;92(2):212–216. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20175273
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information.Glycolic acid.Tang SC, Yang JH.Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin.Molecules. 2018 Apr;23(4):863. doi:10.3390/molecules23040863U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Alpha hydroxy acids.Minimally invasive free acid glycolic acid peels improve a wide range of inflammatory, pigmentary and aging skin conditions. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2015;72(5):AB18. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.02.084Al-Talib H, Al-Khateeb A, Hameed A, Murugaiah C.Efficacy and safety of superficial chemical peeling in treatment of active acne vulgaris.An Bras Dermatol. 2017;92(2):212–216. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20175273
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information.Glycolic acid.Tang SC, Yang JH.Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin.Molecules. 2018 Apr;23(4):863. doi:10.3390/molecules23040863U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Alpha hydroxy acids.Minimally invasive free acid glycolic acid peels improve a wide range of inflammatory, pigmentary and aging skin conditions. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2015;72(5):AB18. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.02.084Al-Talib H, Al-Khateeb A, Hameed A, Murugaiah C.Efficacy and safety of superficial chemical peeling in treatment of active acne vulgaris.An Bras Dermatol. 2017;92(2):212–216. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20175273
National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information.Glycolic acid.
Tang SC, Yang JH.Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin.Molecules. 2018 Apr;23(4):863. doi:10.3390/molecules23040863
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Alpha hydroxy acids.
Minimally invasive free acid glycolic acid peels improve a wide range of inflammatory, pigmentary and aging skin conditions. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2015;72(5):AB18. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.02.084
Al-Talib H, Al-Khateeb A, Hameed A, Murugaiah C.Efficacy and safety of superficial chemical peeling in treatment of active acne vulgaris.An Bras Dermatol. 2017;92(2):212–216. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20175273
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