6 Glycolic Acid Products For Every Step In Your Skin Care Routine

Glycolic acid is a crowd-favorite chemical exfoliator that works to polish away dead skin cells and reveal brighter, smoother skin. Oily and combination skin types will benefit most from glycolic acid to help reduce excess shine, congestion and acne. The ingredient is included in a variety of skin care products, from cleansers to toners and even moisturizers, making it beneficial for each step of your skin care routine. Ahead, we break down how to incorporate glycolic acid into all of these steps of your routine, plus the best L’Oréal Paris products with glycolic acid to try.

Glycolic Acid Cleanser

Glycolic acid cleansers work to help resurface and smooth the texture of your skin.

Our Pick: L’Oréal Paris 3.5% Glycolic Acid Cleanser: This formula removes dead skin cells and reduces the appearance of large pores. It also contains salicylic acid to address acne plus aloe extract to leave your skin hydrated without feeling stripped. 

If you want to try a glycolic acid cleanser with a little more exfoliation power, try the L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Scrub Cleanser, which contains fine micro-pearls to mechanically exfoliate the skin as well. It helps give the skin a visibly brighter, more even and radiant finish.

Glycolic Acid Toner

You can incorporate glycolic acid into your routine post-cleansing or in lieu of an exfoliating cleanser. They work to wipe away dirt, congestion and excess oil.

Our Pick: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 5% Pure Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner: This powerhouse formula exfoliates, clarifies and brightens the skin. It contains 5 percent glycolic acid to tighten pores and leave you looking matte. 

Glycolic Acid Serum

To kick glycolic acid up a notch in your routine, a serum is the way to go because it will have a high concentration of ingredients that penetrates beyond the skin’s surface.

Our Pick: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum: It addresses dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles in as little as one week of usage. Not to mention, it contains aloe to help soothe the skin and counteract drying effects of glycolic acid.

Glycolic Acid Moisturizer

If you’re new to glycolic acid and want to dip your toe in the ingredient, we recommend trying a moisturizer infused with the beta hydroxy acid to get you started. 

Our Pick: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30: It contains glycolic acid to help chemically exfoliate, plus vitamin C for protection and pro-retinol to address wrinkles. This moisturizer also has SPF so it can be applied in the morning before makeup.

Glycolic Acid Treatment

Glycolic acid lovers, if you want to take your regimen to the next level, incorporate a glycolic acid peel into your routine every week.  

Our Pick: L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Peel Pads: Simply swipe these glycolic acid soaked pads all over your face to exfoliate dead skin cells and revitalize your complexion. 

Next: What’s the Difference Between Mechanical and Chemical Exfoliation

Photo Design: Sarah Duvivier