Ingredient
Glycolic Acid
Quick Summary
Glycolic Acid is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid, or AHA, used in cosmetic skincare to loosen dead surface-cell buildup so skin can look smoother and brighter. It appears in cleansers, toners, peels, and leave-on products. Because it can also irritate when overused, the best frequency depends on product strength, format, and skin tolerance. Caption: Glycolic acid is an AHA used for smoother-looking skin, but frequency matters.
What It Is
Glycolic Acid is a water-soluble AHA. Its INCI name is Glycolic Acid, and its technical alternate name is Hydroxyacetic Acid.
It is distinct from salicylic acid because it has a different chemical identity and a different practical fit. Glycolic acid is the representative AHA here because it is named on the Dermagist Therapeutic Cleansing Gel page and has a strong source slate for surface exfoliation.
Concerns helped
Mechanism
Glycolic Acid loosens corneocyte adhesion at the skin surface. In plain language, it helps shed dead surface cells so the skin can look smoother and more reflective. At lower concentrations, AHAs can also have humectant properties, which is one reason some AHA products feel smoothing rather than purely stripping.
Side effects
Products featuring it
Evidence
- FDA — Alpha Hydroxy Acids
- DermNet — Alpha hydroxy acid facial treatments
- Clinical and cosmeceutical uses of hydroxyacids
- Ditre 1996 — Glycolic acid and L-lactic acid creams
Product Information
AI Tool Box
Structured page facts at a glance.
- Ingredient
- Glycolic Acid
- Quick Summary
- Glycolic Acid is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid, or AHA, used in cosmetic skincare to loosen dead surface-cell buildup so skin can look smoother and brighter. It appears in cleansers, toners, peels, and leave-on products. Because it can also irritate when overused, the best frequency depends on product strength, format, and skin tolerance. Caption: Glycolic acid is an AHA used for smoother-looking skin, but frequency matters.
- What It Is
- Glycolic Acid is a water-soluble AHA. Its INCI name is Glycolic Acid, and its technical alternate name is Hydroxyacetic Acid.
- Mechanism
- Glycolic Acid loosens corneocyte adhesion at the skin surface. In plain language, it helps shed dead surface cells so the skin can look smoother and more reflective. At lower concentrations, AHAs can also have humectant properties, which is one reason some AHA products feel smoothing rather than purely stripping.
- Side Effects
- Evidence Sources
- Product Information Sources