Today’s best dermatologist-approved glycolic acid toners, serums, peels and more at LovelySkin

Facing issues like acne, rough skin texture, discoloration or signs of aging? Consider glycolic acid your ally in the journey towards rejuvenated skin. This powerhouse skin care ingredient, known for its gentle yet effective exfoliation, is a game-changer in renewing complexions and restoring vibrancy.

At LovelySkin, we’ve curated today’s best selection of glycolic acid products, trusted and approved by dermatologists. From face washes to body treatments, our range is designed to deliver tangible results, enhancing your skin's health and appearance.

Shop today’s best glycolic acid serums, creams, and other popular skin care essentials for your unique skin type and beauty goals, and always from industry-trusted brands like Glytone, SkinCeuticals, Replenix, and GlyDerm.

What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It's known for its small molecular size, which allows it to penetrate the skin easily. In skin care, glycolic acid is valued for its exfoliating properties. It helps to remove dead skin cells from the skin's surface, promoting a more radiant and even skin tone.

Glycolic acid benefits: What does glycolic acid do for skin?

Glycolic acid is commonly used in various skin care products, including toners, cleansers and peels, to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, acne and hyperpigmentation. It's also known for its ability to improve skin texture and hydration.

Incorporating glycolic acid into anti-aging and acne-fighting skin care routines is highly recommended by LovelySkin founder and CEO Dr. Joel Schlessinger for one simple reason:

As a chemical exfoliant, glycolic acid for skin helps gently remove the top, dead layer of the epidermis without stripping the skin of its natural oils. With fresh, clean skin revealed, skin care products are more easily penetrable, improving their effectiveness and reducing the appearance of acne, rough skin texture, large pores, dark spots, skin dryness and signs of aging.

When to use glycolic acid vs. retinol

Wondering whether you should use Glycolic Acid vs. Retinol for your skin care goals? Glycolic acid and retinol are both powerhouse skin care ingredients, but they work in different ways and are suited for different skin concerns.

Glycolic acid exfoliates the skin by removing dead skin cells on the surface, making it ideal for addressing issues like uneven texture, oiliness, and clogged pores. It's generally milder and can be a great starting point for those in their twenties or those with sensitive skin.

Retinol, a form of vitamin A, works deeper within the skin to boost collagen and elastin production, making it particularly effective for preventing and treating fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage. It's typically introduced in your thirties when signs of aging start to appear.

If you're dealing with surface-level issues, glycolic acid may be the right choice, whereas retinol is better suited for deeper concerns related to aging. If you're considering using both, it's best to alternate their use to avoid irritation.

Glycolic acid solutions for every step of your skin care routine

Need help determining which glycolic acid products best suit your skin or how to best incorporate this all-star skin care ingredient into your routine? We’ve broken down the basics for the most popular glycolic acid product offerings to help you make an informed decision:

Glycolic acid toners

Glycolic acid toners help to balance the skin's pH, providing gentle exfoliation and prepping the skin to absorb subsequent products more effectively.

Glycolic acid serums

Serums with glycolic acid offer a concentrated treatment to target specific skin concerns like aging and discoloration. They penetrate deeply, providing intense rejuvenation.

Glycolic acid face wash

Start your skin care routine with a glycolic acid face wash. It helps to cleanse the skin thoroughly while starting the exfoliation process, setting the stage for a more effective beauty regimen.

Glycolic acid peels

For a more intense treatment, glycolic acid peels offer deeper exfoliation. These peels can help dramatically improve the skin's texture and tone but should be used as directed to avoid irritation.

Glycolic acid creams

Glycolic acid creams are perfect for nightly use, providing consistent exfoliation and hydration. These creams often help smooth skin texture and reduce signs of aging.

More ways to today’s best shop glycolic acid products

In addition to shopping by product type, you can further personalize your search for your ideal glycolic acid skin care products when you filter your search by your skin type, top skin concerns, application area, product preferences and features, key ingredients, star rating and even price range. This way, you only shop for the best glycolic acid products for your skin type and beauty goals.

Shop today’s best glycolic acid products at LovelySkin

Find the perfect glycolic acid product for your skin at LovelySkin. Whether you're looking for a toner, serum, face wash, peel, or cream, our collection has everything you need to enhance your skin care routine. Plus, you’ll earn rewards points toward future purchases when you shop LovelySkin!

For more advice on using glycolic acid products, visit the LovelySkin Blog. Have more questions? Contact our knowledgeable Customer Care team today!

Browse more products

• Body Exfoliators
• Under Eye Creams
• Anti-Aging Skin Care