Straight out of the ever-expanding and always cutting-edge Asian beauty market, anti-pollution skin and facial care products were highlighted as one of the biggest trends for skincare in 2018, and the market is now delivering on those promises.

With a stunning 30% market growth in 2017 and skyrocketing consumer interest for pollution combatting skincare products this year, anti-pollution skincare products are scorching hot right now – and for good reason.

Experts estimate that air pollution has steadily increased over the past few decades, and UV rays are stronger than ever. Plus, there’re dozens of other pollutants wreaking havoc on consumers’ complexions on the daily: blue light from cell phones and tablets, iron from train tracks, smoke from cooking indoors, noxious fumes from cigarette smoke, ozone, and all manner of tiny particles of soot and dirt floating around in our air, indoors and out.

When these pollution particles penetrate skin pores, inflammation, dehydration, increased signs of aging, acne breakouts and dull, damaged skin are the subsequent and unfortunate consequences.

While the claims of anti-pollution skincare items are as varied as the current deluge of products raining down on the U.S. market, the most popular skincare items all share a similar super-powered ingredient: glycolic acid. Formulators, influencers, and consumers alike are all singing the praises of glycolic acid’s versatile abilities to combat the negative effects of pollution on the skin by cleansing, exfoliating, and reducing acne breakouts with efficacy, ease, and speed.

Thanks to glycolic acid’s amazing exfoliative abilities, and its talent for deeply penetrating skin cells, the smallest of the Alpha Hydroxy Acids is one of the most common – and most effective –  ingredients found in anti-pollution facial cleansers, gels, and scrubs.

Popular anti-pollution facial cleansers like the Zirh Clean 8.4-ounce Alpha-Hydroxy Face Wash and GOLDFADEN MD Detox Clarifying Wash rely on big doses of glycolic acid to strip away the soot, dirt, and grime accumulated on skin after a day spent on city streets or battling traffic.  Glycolic acid is also found in a host of cult-favorite, anti-pollution exfoliators, like The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, due to its ability to quickly peel off dead, damaged skin cells, induce new, healthier skin cell turnover, and create a brighter, more even tone.

In addition to cleansing and exfoliating pollutants away from the skin, glycolic acid is also a highlight in many new anti-pollution, acne-fighting products. Experts believe the rising levels of air pollution can lead to an increased sebum production, and may be one explanation behind the current epidemic of adult acne around the globe. Skincare devotees looking to combat breakouts are turning to products like the Intelligent Nutrients Detoxifying Glycolic Gel to fight against them and reduce inflammation potentially caused by pollutants.

As air pollution continues as a global concern, especially in developing countries, we can expect to see the anti-pollution skincare movement continue to expand, and products with glycolic acid to lead the charge on cleansing, exfoliating, and protecting skin from the harmful effects of smog and air pollution wherever they occur.