Type of Ingredient:
- Exfoliant
- Hydrator
- Anti-Aging
Benefits of Glycolic Acid:
- Anti-Aging
- Evens Skin Tone
- Smooths Bumpy Skin
Best For:
- Oily Skin
- Dry Skin
- Normal Skin
- Combination Skin
- Sensitive Skin
What is Glycolic Acid?
- Glycolic Acid is a type of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that, like other AHAs, can be used as a water-binding agent and, when used in concentrations of 5% or more, as an exfoliant. While there are a lot of different types of AHA, Glycolic Acid is the one that has the most research to back it up.
- In its role as an exfoliant, it can help get rid of dead skin to make the surface of the skin look new. This can help with sun damage, uneven tone, rough, flaky patches of skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. These benefits can be had by using a leave-on AHA exfoliant that has 5–10 percent Glycolic Acid when it is the only Acid that is used to remove the skin. It must also be made with a pH between 3 and 4, which is where the best exfoliation happens.
- Also, research shows that Glycolic Acid has a big impact on the hydration of the skin. It helps the skin make things like mucopolysaccharides, which help the skin stay hydrated by increasing its own supply of hyaluronic Acid, which makes the skin more resilient and improves its texture.
- One good thing about Glycolic Acid: New research shows that it may also help protect the skin from sun damage (in addition to reducing its harmful effects), but more research needs to be done. Sunscreen is still important, and Glycolic Acid can't be used instead. If you use a lot of AHA products, you should know that they usually have a warning about sun exposure. This is because the way AHAs exfoliate makes new skin more vulnerable to sun damage.
- Glycolic Acid is found naturally in sugar cane. It is most effective when it is made in a lab, where its potency and concentration are just right for skin care. It is possible to get Glycolic Acid from plant sugars like sugar maple, but the bulk of the research is done to make sure that the Glycolic Acid products are safe and effective, as well as pure, stable, and pH-balanced.