Glycolic acid

Products with this ingredient

Glycolic acid appears on 4 product ingredient lists, most often around number 2; its highest position is number 1 of 24.

Studies and results

1. 1 Skin effect
   Comparative study of buffered 50% glycolic acid (pH 3.0) + 0.5% salicylic acid solution vs Jessner's solution in patients with acne vulgaris

   In a prospective, randomized, evaluator-blind, split-face trial of 20 patients with acne vulgaris, two 50% glycolic acid + 0.5% salicylic acid peels significantly reduced total lesion count (P<0.001) and produced fewer side effects than Jessner's solution.

   Human trial · 2018 · 20 people · patients with acne vulgaris · Patients with acne vulgaris receiving two 50% glycolic acid + 0.5% salicylic acid peels 2 weeks apart (one side vs Jessner's solution on the other). · Small sample (20) and a combination peel (glycolic + salicylic acid); this is a procedural peel.

   PMID 29164826

   Read the full finding →
   Source:Comparative study of buffered 50% glycolic acid (pH 3.0) + 0.5% salicylic acid solution vs Jessner's solution in patients with acne vulgaris
2. 2 Skin effect
   Shake-Induced Temporary Ion-Pairing Between Lecithin and Glycolic Acid for Enhanced Exfoliation in a Novel Biphasic Serum: Comparative Ex Vivo and in Vivo Randomised Studies

   In a 2-week double-blind split-face study of 37 participants, a biphasic serum with 10% glycolic acid delivered 45.52% greater exfoliation (p<0.001) and improved skin brightness, texture and hydration versus the comparison side.

   Human trial · 2026 · 37 people · participants in a split-face study · Healthy participants using a 10% glycolic acid biphasic serum on one side of the face for 2 weeks. · Short duration (2 weeks) and a single product formulation; the study measured exfoliation and cosmetic parameters.

   PMID 41987370

   Read the full finding →
   Source:Shake-Induced Temporary Ion-Pairing Between Lecithin and Glycolic Acid for Enhanced Exfoliation in a Novel Biphasic Serum: Comparative Ex Vivo and in Vivo Randomised Studies
3. 3 Skin effect
   The effect of physically applied alpha hydroxyl acids on the skin pore and comedone

   In 23 women, a single application of a 4% alpha-hydroxy acid solution combined with negative-pressure physical action significantly reduced whitehead and blackhead counts at 1, 2 and 4 weeks, and reduced pore area and number at week 1, compared with AHA peeling alone.

   Human trial · 2015 · 23 people · healthy women (mean age 30) · Healthy women receiving a single in-clinic application in a randomised split-face design, assessed at 1, 2 and 4 weeks. · The intervention was a single in-clinic chemical peeling plus negative-pressure physical action.

   PMID 26032934

   Read the full finding →
   Source:The effect of physically applied alpha hydroxyl acids on the skin pore and comedone

Skin concerns this ingredient has been studied for

The people in each study had that concern.

Common questions

What does Glycolic acid do in skincare?

Glycolic acid is the smallest alpha hydroxy acid (AHA, also called fruit acid) and the most common member of that family in exfoliating products and chemical peels; it loosens the bonds between dead surface cells.

Where does Glycolic acid sit in these formulas?

Glycolic acid appears in 4 products; highest on the list is number 1 of 24, in AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution.

Which products contain Glycolic acid?

Products that contain Glycolic acid: AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% AHA, Effaclar Ultra Concentrated Anti-Acne Serum.

How strong is the evidence behind Glycolic acid?

3 findings on Glycolic acid; the strongest is a 2018 human trial of 20 patients with acne vulgaris.

What did the study on Glycolic acid measure?

2018 · 20 people · patients with acne vulgaris · PMID 29164826 · Small sample (20) and a combination peel (glycolic + salicylic acid); this is a procedural peel.

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