Glycolic Acid for Skin: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, and How to Use It

Glycolic acid can help improve skin texture and cellular turnover, help fade the look of dark spots, ease mild acne, and reduce some signs of photoaging, but frequent use can cause irritation and increase sun sensitivity.

What Is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that can loosen and remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. It is naturally found in some plants such as sugarcane and sugar beets, and is used in skincare products and dermatological treatments for its exfoliating effects.

How Does Glycolic Acid Work on Your Skin?

Glycolic acid works by helping dead skin cells detach from the surface so they can shed, which can improve the texture and appearance of the skin.

All AHAs exfoliate the outer layer of the skin. Glycolic acid, however, can penetrate the top layer of the skin more easily than other AHAs, given its comparatively smaller molecular size.

Which Types of Glycolic Acid Products Can You Use for Your Skin?

Glycolic acid is available in several types of skincare products, such as serums, toners, cleansers and face wash, face masks, and moisturisers. If glycolic acid is new to your routine, start with a lower concentration (5–10%).

It is also essential to conduct a patch test of a new ingredient or a product before using it on the face. That way, you can check how your skin reacts to it and reduce the risk of a more widespread reaction.

You can also start with a glycolic acid face wash or cleanser, so the contact time with your skin is shorter.

To choose the right glycolic acid product for your routine, consider both the form of the product and how much contact it has with your skin. Here are the common options and what to know about each:

• Cleansers and face wash: These provide brief exposure while cleansing and are rinsed off.

• Toners: Leave-on toners can provide longer contact with the skin and exfoliation.

• Serums: These generally contain concentrated active ingredients to target specific skin concerns, which is why they require more careful introduction.

• Masks and peels: These can provide stronger exfoliation; however, peels with concentrations higher than 10% are generally used by dermatologists.

• Moisturisers: Some formulations combine glycolic acid with moisturising ingredients to support skin hydration while exfoliating.

If you use glycolic acid, follow it with a moisturiser. Supporting your skin barrier is particularly important when you are introducing an exfoliating active.

How Should You Add Glycolic Acid to Your Skincare Routine?

A few simple practices, such as starting with a low concentration of glycolic acid, using it at night, and following it up with sunscreen when using it during the day, can make glycolic acid easier for your skin to tolerate.

The following tips outline how to introduce glycolic acid into your routine while reducing the risk of irritation:

• Start slowly:Begin once or twice a week and increase only if your skin tolerates it.

• Use at night:Glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Using it in the evening or at night can make it easier to limit immediate sun exposure after application.

• Apply after cleansing:Use it on clean skin according to the product instructions.

• Moisturise afterwards:Follow with a moisturiser to support the skin barrier.

• Use sunscreen:Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from UV exposure and reduce the risk of sun damage, especially when using glycolic acid.

How Does Glycolic Acid Benefit the Skin?

Glycolic acid is an exfoliant that can help remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, improve the skin’s appearance and texture, and help with better absorption of other products.

Depending on your skin concern and how glycolic acid is used, it can help with the following:

• Promoting smoother skin: Removing excess surface cells can improve rough or uneven texture.

• Brightening the skin: Exfoliation can reduce the buildup of dull surface cells to create a more even, refreshed appearance.

• Fading pigmentation: Glycolic acid may help improve the appearance of some forms of hyperpigmentation (dark patches or spots) by promoting skin renewal.

• Managing acne:AHAs can help mild acne, particularly because they help with exfoliation and clogged pores.

• Reducing fine lines and photoaging: Studies have found that AHAs can improve some features of photoaged skin, including collagen-related changes.

• Reducing ingrown hairs: Regular exfoliation may help reduce the buildup of dead skin cells that can contribute to blocked follicles.

Note:Glycolic acid is not a treatment for every type of pigmentation or acne. Your skin concern and its underlying cause still matter when choosing an active.

Who Should Not Use Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid may not be suitable for every skin type or every stage of a skin condition. If your skin is already irritated, compromised, or particularly reactive, adding a strong exfoliant can make it worse.

You should be particularly cautious about using glycolic acid if you have any of the following skin types or concerns:

• Sensitive or very dry skin

• Eczema or another inflammatory skin condition

• An active skin infection

• An already damaged or irritated skin barrier

If you have one of these concerns, speak with a dermatologist before introducing glycolic acid rather than assuming a lower frequency will make it suitable.

Are There Any Side Effects of Using Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid can cause side effects, particularly when it is used too frequently, applied at higher concentrations, or used on skin that is already sensitive or irritated.

These side effects can affect the skin in different ways, so it is useful to know what to watch for when introducing glycolic acid into your routine:

• Increased sensitivity to sunlight: Glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to UV (ultraviolet) radiation.

Using glycolic acid at night and applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day may help protect your skin.

• Skin irritation: Glycolic acid may irritate the skin, especially when you are new to exfoliating acids or use a stronger formulation. You may experience itching, swelling, redness, or a burning sensation on the skin.

If you experience these symptoms, rinse the product off, stop using it, and consult a dermatologist if the symptoms persist or are severe.

• Skin dryness: Because glycolic acid exfoliates the skin, frequent or excessive use can leave your skin feeling dry or tight. Following it with a moisturiser can help support the skin barrier, while reducing the frequency of use may be necessary if dryness continues.

Clear Ritual’s Perspective on Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid can be useful when your skin needs exfoliation, but it is not a complete treatment on its own for concerns like acne or uneven pigmentation.

At Clear Ritual, we believe skincare works better when you understand why your skin reacts the way it does, rather than simply adding another active to your routine.

You can take the Clear Ritual Skin Test to understand your skin’s needs and identify an approach that is better suited to your specific concerns.

Clear Ritual Skin Test

Understand What Your Skin Needs

Take the free skin test to assess your skin type, sensitivity, barrier concerns, and skincare needs, then build a routine suited to your skin.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is glycolic acid good for oily skin?

A: Glycolic acid can be useful for oily skin because its exfoliating action helps remove excess dead skin cells and may help prevent clogged pores. However, using it too frequently can irritate the skin and may lead to dryness.

Q: Can you apply glycolic acid daily?

A: You can use a lower concentration of glycolic acid daily if your skin has developed a tolerance for it. Some low-strength formulations may be suitable for more frequent use, but follow the product instructions.

Q: How to use glycolic acid on face correctly?

A: To use glycolic acid on your face, apply a low-strength product to clean, dry skin according to its instructions, preferably starting once or twice a week. Follow with moisturiser and use sunscreen during the day.

Q: Can you leave glycolic acid overnight?

A: Yes, you can leave glycolic acid on overnight if the product containing it is a leave-on serum, toner, or cream specifically formulated to remain on the skin, and if your skin has tolerance for it. Wash-off products should be rinsed away as directed.

Q: Can glycolic acid remove dark spots?

A: Glycolic acid can help reduce the appearance of some dark spots by promoting exfoliation and skin renewal. However, the cause of the pigmentation matters, and persistent or unexplained pigmentation should be assessed by a dermatologist.

Q: Can you use glycolic acid on dry skin?

A: Glycolic acid may be too irritating for very dry or sensitive skin, especially at higher concentrations or with frequent use.

Q: Can you use glycolic acid for skin whitening?

A: Glycolic acid does not whiten your natural skin tone; however, it can help improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation and dark spots by exfoliating the outer layer of the skin, which may make your complexion look more even and brighter over time.

References:

• Sharad J. (2013). Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S34029.

• Tang SC, Yang JH. (2018). Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skin. Molecules. DOI: 10.3390/molecules23051135.

• Kornhauser A, Coelho SG, Hearing VJ. (2010). Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S9102.

• Ditre CM, Griffin TD, Murphy GF, et al. (1996). Effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on photoaged skin: a pilot clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural study. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. DOI: 10.1016/S0190-9622(96)80110-1.

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2005). Guidance for Industry: Labeling for Cosmetics Containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids. FDA.

• Narda, M., Trullas, C., Brown, A., Piquero-Casals, J., Granger, C., & Fabbrocini, G. (2021). Glycolic acid adjusted to pH 4 stimulates collagen production and epidermal renewal without affecting levels of proinflammatory TNF-alpha in human skin explants. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 20(2), 513–521. DOI: 10.1111/jocd.13570.

• Tran, D., Townley, J. P., Barnes, T. M., & Greive, K. A. (2015). An antiaging skin care system containing alpha hydroxy acids and vitamins improves the biomechanical parameters of facial skin. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 8, 9–17. DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S75439.

• Zhang, X., Tao, Y., Xie, S., Chen, Y., & Li, W. (2026). Applications of alpha hydroxy acids in cosmetics: A literature review. Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology, 100156. DOI: 10.1016/j.jdsct.2026.100156

Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Consult a qualified dermatologist before using strong exfoliating products or if irritation, swelling, blistering, or a spreading rash occurs.