Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is the most potent of the alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). It has the smallest molecular size in the AHA family, which allows it to penetrate the skin quickly and deeply - producing faster, more noticeable exfoliating results than gentler acids like lactic or mandelic. For users who are comfortable with active ingredients and want to address texture, dullness, and uneven skin tone with visible results, glycolic acid is one of the most effective tools available. What glycolic acid does: it dissolves the bonds holding dead skin cells on the surface, accelerating cell turnover to reveal fresher, smoother skin underneath. Used consistently, it stimulates collagen production — improving the appearance of fine lines and skin firmness over time — and reduces the concentration of surface pigment responsible for post-acne marks and sun-induced discolouration. Who should use glycolic acid carefully: because it penetrates quickly, glycolic acid has a higher irritation risk than mandelic or lactic acid, particularly on darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick III–VI) and sensitive skin types. Irritation — even mild redness — can itself trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in melanin-rich skin. If you have darker skin or a history of PIH, consider starting with mandelic acid and introducing glycolic slowly, at lower frequency, once your skin has built tolerance to exfoliation.   Best suited for: normal to oily skin, skin with resilient tolerance to actives, and those primarily targeting texture refinement, dullness, and mild ageing concerns. Not recommended during pregnancy.   How to use it: Apply to clean, dry skin in the evening. Start 2–3 times per week. Do not combine with other AHAs, BHAs, or retinol in the same application. Apply SPF every morning without fail — glycolic acid significantly increases photosensitivity and any unprotected UV exposure will counteract the brightening work.   Frequently asked questions: Can I use glycolic acid and retinol together? Not in the same routine application. Use one or the other on alternating evenings, or allow full absorption of one before applying the other. Many users keep these on completely separate nights to avoid over-exfoliation. How quickly does glycolic acid work? Texture improvements are often noticeable within 2–3 weeks. Pigmentation and fine line reduction requires 6–12 weeks of consistent use with daily SPF protection. Glycolic vs mandelic acid - which should I choose? If you are newer to acids, have darker skin, or are primarily targeting dark marks, start with mandelic. If you are experienced with actives and targeting texture and dullness on oily or resilient skin, glycolic delivers stronger, faster results.