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From brighter-looking skin to smoother texture, glycolic acid is one of the most popular exfoliating ingredients in skincare. But how does it work, how often should you use it and which ingredients can you pair it with?

Here’s everything you need to know about adding glycolic acid to your skincare routine.

What Is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, also known as an AHA. It chemically exfoliates dead skin cells from the skin’s surface to help reveal smoother, brighter-looking skin.

Unlike physical exfoliants, which manually buff away dead skin cells, glycolic acid works by loosening the bonds between them to encourage more even exfoliation. This makes chemical exfoliation a popular choice for concerns such as dullness, uneven texture and pigmentation, while physical scrubs can feel more abrasive if overused.

You’ll find glycolic acid in a range of skincare formulas, including glycolic acid toners, liquid exfoliants, masks and exfoliating pads.

What Does Glycolic Acid Do For Your Skin?

Brightens dull-looking skin: By lifting away built-up dead skin cells, glycolic acid can help reveal a fresher, more radiant-looking complexion. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner is a popular option for targeting dullness and uneven texture.

Smooths rough and uneven texture: Regular exfoliation can help refine the skin’s surface, leaving it feeling smoother and softer.

Evens skin tone: Encouraging surface cell turnover can support a more even-looking complexion over time.

Fades post-blemish marks: Consistent exfoliation may help improve the appearance of marks left behind after breakouts.

Helps keep pores clearer: By reducing the build-up of dead skin cells, glycolic acid can help support clearer-looking pores. COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid is particularly suited to whiteheads, congestion and uneven texture.

Supports skin renewal: Over time, regular use can help improve overall skin clarity and soften the appearance of fine lines and uneven texture.

Who Is Glycolic Acid Suitable For?

Dull or uneven skin: Removing surface build-up can help reveal a smoother, brighter-looking complexion.

Pigmentation and post-blemish marks: Regular exfoliation can help improve the appearance of uneven tone and marks left behind after breakouts.

Oily and combination skin: Glycolic acid can help reduce surface build-up and support clearer-looking skin.

Congestion and visible pores: For those dealing with blackheads or congestion, exfoliation can help prevent dead skin cells from building up around pores. Medicube Zero Pore Blackhead Mud Mask combines AHA, BHA and PHA exfoliation with purifying clays to target excess oil, blackheads and visible pores.

Dry skin: Glycolic acid can still be used, but pairing it with hydrating and barrier-supporting skincare can help keep skin comfortable.

Sensitive or beginner skin: Lower-strength formulas may be easier to introduce. Beauty Of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner contains 2% glycolic acid alongside 0.5% salicylic acid, offering a lower glycolic concentration than stronger 7% formulas.

How To Use Glycolic Acid

Ease It Into Your Routine

If you’re new to glycolic acid, try using it once or twice a week in the evening and adjust the frequency depending on how your skin responds.

Choose A Suitable Formula

Glycolic acid comes in different strengths and formulas. Beauty Of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner contains 2% glycolic acid, while The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner and COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid contain 7%. Percentage is only one part of the formula, so always follow the individual product directions.

Follow With Hydration

After a leave-on treatment, apply hydrating skincare and moisturiser to help keep the skin comfortable.

Always Wear SPF

Exfoliating acids can increase sun sensitivity, making daily SPF an essential part of your routine.

Glycolic Acid For Beginners: A Simple Routine

If you’re building a beginner glycolic acid routine, keep the rest of your skincare simple while your skin gets used to exfoliation.

Morning

Gentle cleanser
Hydrating or brightening serum
Moisturiser
SPF

Evening

Cleanser
Glycolic acid toner or treatment
Hydrating serum
Moisturiser

Start by using your glycolic acid step once or twice a week rather than every evening. A lower glycolic concentration such as Beauty Of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner can be a good place to start.

What Can You Use With Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic Acid + Hyaluronic Acid

Yes, glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid can be used together. Hyaluronic acid adds hydration without increasing exfoliation, making it a useful pairing if your skin feels dry after using acids. Q+A Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner combines both ingredients in one formula.

Glycolic Acid + Niacinamide

Glycolic acid and niacinamide can also be used within the same routine. While glycolic acid focuses on exfoliation, niacinamide helps support hydration and the skin barrier. Medicube Red Succinic Acid Peeling Pads combine glycolic acid with niacinamide, alongside salicylic and succinic acids.

Glycolic Acid + Ceramides

Ceramides are a useful partner for glycolic acid as they help support the skin barrier after exfoliation. Follow your treatment with a ceramide-rich moisturiser to help keep skin comfortable and hydrated.

What Should You Avoid Using With Glycolic Acid?

Can You Use Glycolic Acid With Retinol?

Yes, both can form part of the same wider routine, but layering them together may feel too intensive for some skin types. Alternating evenings is a simple way to reduce the risk of dryness, irritation or over-exfoliation.

Can You Use Glycolic Acid With Vitamin C?

Glycolic acid and vitamin C can be used within the same routine, but if sensitivity is a concern, try vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid in the evening. Some formulas are specifically designed to combine both, such as Carbon Theory SupaVIT-C Vitamin C & 5% Glycolic Acid Facial Toner.

Can You Use Glycolic Acid With Salicylic Acid?

Yes, but both are exfoliating acids, so layering separate strong formulas can increase the risk of irritation. They can work well together when already combined within a balanced formula, such as Beauty Of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner or Medicube Red Succinic Acid Peeling Pads.

Glycolic Acid vs Salicylic Acid

Glycolic acid: Better suited to dullness, uneven surface texture, pigmentation and post-blemish marks.

Salicylic acid: Better suited to oily skin, blackheads, congestion and clogged pores.

Some formulas combine both to target surface texture and pore congestion at the same time.

Best Glycolic Acid Toners And Products To Try

The best glycolic acid product for you will depend on your skin type, main concern and experience with exfoliating acids.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner: A popular 7% glycolic acid toner for dullness and uneven texture.
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid: A 7% glycolic acid treatment suited to whiteheads, congestion and uneven-looking skin.
Beauty Of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner: Contains 2% glycolic acid alongside 0.5% salicylic acid and is a useful lower-strength option for those introducing glycolic acid.
Q+A Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner: Combines exfoliating glycolic acid with hydrating hyaluronic acid.
Medicube Red Succinic Acid Peeling Pads: A multi-acid option combining glycolic, salicylic and succinic acids alongside niacinamide.

If you’re looking for the best glycolic acid toner, consider your skin’s tolerance and the strength of the overall formula rather than choosing based on percentage alone.

Glycolic Acid FAQs

Is Glycolic Acid Good For Acne?

For blemish-prone skin, glycolic acid may help by removing built-up dead skin cells and improving the appearance of post-blemish marks. If excess oil, blackheads and clogged pores are your main concern, salicylic acid may be the more suitable exfoliating acid.

Does Glycolic Acid Help With Acne Scars?

It can help improve the appearance of post-blemish marks, uneven tone and some superficial texture left behind after breakouts. However, deeper indented or raised acne scars are unlikely to be removed by an at-home glycolic acid product and may require professional treatment.

Does Glycolic Acid Help With Dark Spots?

By encouraging surface cell turnover, glycolic acid can help improve the appearance of dark spots and post-blemish marks over time. Consistent use is key, alongside daily SPF to protect the skin and help prevent pigmentation from becoming more noticeable.

What Percentage Of Glycolic Acid Should Beginners Use?

Lower concentrations can be easier to introduce, but the overall formula, frequency of use and your skin’s tolerance are just as important as percentage. Beauty Of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner contains 2% glycolic acid, making it a great option for beginners looking to introduce glycolic acid gradually.

A higher percentage does not automatically mean better results, so choose a formula that suits your skin rather than focusing on strength alone.

Can You Use Glycolic Acid Every Day?

Some glycolic acid products are designed for frequent use, but daily exfoliation will not suit every skin type. The right frequency depends on the formula, strength and your skin’s tolerance. If you notice dryness, irritation or increased sensitivity, reduce how often you use it.

Is Glycolic Acid Suitable For Sensitive Skin?

It can be, depending on your skin and the formula. Patch test first, choose a lower-strength option where appropriate and reduce use if your skin becomes persistently red, sore or irritated.

Glycolic Acid vs Lactic Acid: What’s The Difference?

Both glycolic acid and lactic acid are AHAs that exfoliate the skin’s surface. Glycolic acid is often chosen for concerns such as uneven texture, dullness and pigmentation, while lactic acid tends to offer a gentler exfoliating experience and can be a good option for dry or sensitive skin.

How Long Does Glycolic Acid Take To Work?

Skin may start to feel smoother after the first few uses, while concerns such as uneven tone, dark spots and post-blemish marks usually require consistent use over a longer period. Results will vary depending on the formula, frequency of use and your individual skin.

Can You Use Glycolic Acid On Your Body?

Yes. Glycolic acid can also be found in body washes, lotions and exfoliating treatments designed to help smooth rough or uneven-looking skin. Avoid applying exfoliating acids to broken, irritated or freshly shaved skin.

Find The Right Glycolic Acid For Your Routine

Ready to add glycolic acid to your skincare routine? Explore glycolic acid skincare at Justmylook, from glycolic acid toners and liquid exfoliants to targeted treatments and masks.

Whether you’re looking to brighten dull skin, smooth uneven texture or target post-blemish marks, there’s a formula to suit different skin types, concerns and experience levels.