GLYCOLIC ACID IS THE ANSWER TO ENDING BOTH ACNE AND WRINKLES

For those of us who are “blessed” with both.

Alright everybody, here’s the thing. We are constantly getting asked for product recommendations, so we thought we would start a new series dedicated to just that: our top picks carefully curated and tested by our team of skincare experts and dermatologists across many different categories including moisturizers, toners, chemical exfoliates, face washes, serums etc.

OUR SKINCARE EXPERTS HAVE EVALUATED OVER 100 OF THE TOP GLYCOLIC CLEANSERS & REVIEWED THOUSANDS OF CUSTOMER REVIEWS

If you’ve been a longtime reader, you know we don’t shy away from calling products garbage if we believe they are. We’ve got no patience for deceptive marketing, especially after years of burning cash on products that only made our skin worse.

With that said, today we’ll be kicking it off with the best glycolic acid products (top 10). But before we get into each product individually, let’s quickly discuss what glycolic acid is and why you would want to use it.

What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant and part of the AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) family. It has the smallest molecular size of all AHAs so it penetrates the skin more easily.

It’s most notable benefits include revitalizing skin tone, reducing wrinkles, clearing acne, increasing the skin’s moisture levels, improving texture and tactile roughness, and fading hyperpigmentation.

As far as acne is concerned, glycolic acid is reasonably effective against whiteheads and inflamed lesions. In higher concentrations it improves atrophic acne scars by increasing collagen production. Collagen being the main structural protein found in skin that keeps it from aging.

Best Glycolic Acid Cleansers 2021

#1- Misumi AHA 10% Skin Perfecting Cleanser

Our dermatologist-favorite go-to glycolic acid product? Misumi’s AHA 10% Skin Perfecting Cleanser. “For my teenage patients, nothing clears breakouts and gives them that tight glowing healthy skin like daily use of this AHA 10% skin perfecting cleanser from Misumi Skincare,” she says. “For my adult patients, it erases fine lines and occasional blemishes that occur from the daily stress of life.”

This tube of magic has 10% glycolic acid, which is much higher than most other products like it. Additionally, it’s a bi-functional serum, meaning it exfoliates and hydrates, so it doesn’t dry out the skin like other acidic products can.

Misumi’s groundbreaking formula is made up of Glycolic acid, Chamomile, Rosehip Oil, Grapefruit, Lemon, Seaweed Extract, and Japanese Plum. Rich in vitamins and natural minerals, these natural ingredients help with everything from clearing acne, fighting premature signs of aging, to battling rosacea, sensitive skin problems, and uneven skin tone. This cleanser is one of the best exfoliators available today, helping to unclog pores and restoring youthful and radiant skin.

Pros

• Removes sweat, oil, and impurities and unclogs pores
• Calms breakouts and reduces redness
• Restores youthful, radiant skin
• Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
• 60 Day Money Back guarantee

#2 – L’Oreal Paris Skincare Revitalift Bright Reveal Facial Cleanser

Best Budget Buy

For a cheaper alternative, Mariwalla swears by L’Oréal’s glycolic scrub. “I really like L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Scrub Cleanser, which can be used a few times a week in the morning,” she says.

Highly effective, derm-recommended, and only around five bucks! What’s not to love?

#3 – SkinMedica GlyPro Antioxidant Serum

Best Splurge

If you’re willing to make an investment in your skin, SkinMedica’s GlyPro serum is one we recommend. It contains a 15% glycolic acid compound that works to battle the signs of aging without stripping the skin of its moisture. This one also contains soothing aloe vera to further nurture the skin as the glycolic acid works its magic.

#4 – The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Beloved by celebs including Kim Kardashian, The Ordinary consistently knocks it out of the park with their effective and affordable products. This cult-favorite toner, formulated with 7% glycolic acid, offers gentle exfoliation for improved skin brightness.

#5 – Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Solutions Jumbo Peel Swab

Peter Thomas Roth’s Jumbo Peel Swabs are perfect for targeting specific areas of the face if you don’t want to slather glycolic acid onto every inch of your skin. They’re a great option for anyone with combination skin, as you can easily control the product and keep it away from your drier areas!

#6 – Rodial Glycolic 10% Booster Drops

We love Rodial’s new booster drops! The glycolic drops can be added to your regular moisturizer to supercharge its effects, or used on their own as a potent single-ingredient serum. Either way, you’ll experience a smoother, more even complexion.

#7 – Biossance Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Facial

Want to transform your skin overnight? Biossance’s Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Facial works as a peel, exfoliator, and mask to improve your skin texture and tone as you sleep. It’s a clean beauty favorite that’ll leave your complexion brighter by morning!

#8 – Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser

This classic glycolic cleanser from skincare giant Mario Badescu works to unclog congested pores, smooth the skin’s surface, and bring back that glow you love. Formulated with chamomile, marshmallow, and sage, it soothes the skin as the glycolic acid works to exfoliate.

#9 – IMAGE Skincare Ageless Total Resurfacing Masque

If you suffer from severe wrinkles (or acne) and need to break out the big guns, you might want to add a resurfacing mask to your routine. Along with our star ingredient glycolic acid, this microexfoliating mask doubles as a scrub and also features lactic and salicylic acids for the ultimate in brightening and chemical exfoliation.

To further reveal your most radiant skin, it’s enhanced with polishing microcrystals to slough off dead skin.

#10 – Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

We love us some Drunk Elephant. This popular glycolic night serum features a 12% alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy blend that works to improve the tone and texture of your skin as you sleep. It also complements the efficacy of other products as it clears your pores at night to prep for maximum absorption of other products in the morning!

So there you have it! A list of the creme de la creme of all Glycolic Acid products available on the market today. If you’re looking for a product to help with fighting acne or restoring youthful skin while preventing premature signs of aging, try one of the products in our shortlist of best glycolic acid products and let us know your opinion.