Glycolic Acid
乙醇酸
Also known as: AHA, Alpha Hydroxy Acid
What it does
- Chemical exfoliation
- Improves texture
- Brightens
- Stimulates collagen
Effective concentration
Daily Use 5-10% Peels 20-70%
Evidence
Strong evidenceSkin types
Well suited for: Normal Oily Combination
Use with caution: Sensitive Dry Rosacea
Interactions
Use with care Retinoids
Can cause significant irritation together. Alternate.
Irritation potential
Medium To High
Comedogenic rating
0 / 5
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe during pregnancy
Good to know
Smallest AHA = deepest penetration. MUST use sunscreen.
References
Compound data from PubChem (U.S. National Library of Medicine).
Further reading
- Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)-based microneedles for drug delivery across different biological barriers — Int J Pharm (2026)
- The Effectiveness of Topical Keratolytics (Alpha Hydroxy Acids/Beta Hydroxy Acids/Urea) in Treating Keratosis Pilaris: A Review of the Literature — Cureus (2025)
Selected peer-reviewed reviews on this ingredient, indexed by Europe PMC. Provided as background, not proof of any specific claim.
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Analyze a productEducational information only — not medical advice. Always patch test and consult a dermatologist for skin concerns.