5 Hot Products Using Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid has traditionally been thought of as a product to treat acne and protect against fine lines and wrinkles. But today, glycolic acid is being touted as the hottest, hippest exfoliant to add into skincare and personal bodycare products.

Personal care products containing exfoliants like coffee, sugar, or sea salt manually rub away dead skin via the small granules.  But these rough particles can sometimes be too harsh and lead to small tears or lacerations on consumers’ skin.

Glycolic acid is a much more effective and gentle exfoliator than external scrubs, thanks to its unique delivery system of dissolving, not ripping way, the bonds between dead skin cells.

Check out these five hot products containing exfoliating superpower glycolic acid, that have all amassed cult-like followings and help consumers reveal brighter, tighter skin everywhere from faces to feet.

Pixi by Petra Glow Peel Pads

The glycolic acid in these pads, sold in the beauty aisles of Target, helps stimulate cell turnover. The pads are a favorite of beauty editors everywhere from Racked to The Cut for their skin-brightening qualities.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate® Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash

Created by celebrity esthetician Kate Somerville (her clients include Jessica Alba, Kate Hudson, and Demi Moore) this uber-popular creamy foaming wash gently reveals fresher, more vibrant skin with an intense dose of glycolic acid.

Jack Black Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser

The personal care line that was designed exclusively for men has become a favorite of women as well with this combo glycolic acid face mask and cleanser. This double-duty, multi-use product can be first applied as a mask and then turns into a gentle exfoliating scrub.

Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash

Boasting 8.8% glycolic acid, Glytone’s Exfoliating Body Wash is heralded by both dermatologists and consumers alike for not only smoothing out rough, patchy skin on notoriously dry areas like elbows and knees, but also for working to reduce acne breakouts.

Baby Foot Exfoliant Foot Peel  

This sought-after foot mask from Japan turns feet “baby soft” by turning over skin cells, via a foot mask containing mega-doses of glycolic acid.

All of these products not only rely on glycolic acid, but their formulators know that the purity of the ingredient is linked to the efficacy of the product. It’s why glycolic acid lines like GlyAcid® are much-sought-after by companies aiming to put the best possible products in the hands of cosmetics consumers.