What the science says about Glycolic Acid
Peer-reviewed research on Glycolic Acid, summarised in plain language. Every study links to its record on PubMed so you can read it yourself.
Glycolic Acid for acne
Some evidence for acne- Most of these studies found it helped clear acne
- It often reduced blackheads and whiteheads, and some studies also found fewer red, sore spots
- It cleared acne more than a placebo in some studies
- It worked about as well as some other acne peels and creams in several studies
- The most common side effects were peeling and other early skin irritation
22 studies
Efficacy of alpha hydroxy acid combined with intense pulsed light in the treatment of acne vulgaris: A meta-analysis.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2022Meta-analysis1,435 participantsPositive
In a large review of 1435 people with acne, alpha hydroxy acids used with intense pulsed light cleared acne better than alpha hydroxy acids alone or intense pulsed light alone.
Topical azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulphur, zinc and fruit acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) for acne.
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews2020Meta-analysis40 participantsNeutral
In a clinical trial of 40 people with acne, a glycolic acid peel worked about as well as a salicylic-mandelic acid peel.
A comprehensive systematic review on the efficacy, safety, tolerability, and relapse rates of modern procedural therapies for inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne vulgaris.
Lasers in medical science2025Systematic review8,121 participantsPositive
In a large review of 8121 people with acne, glycolic acid peels improved acne, but the abstract reports results for peel types rather than glycolic acid alone.
Evidence-based topical treatments (azelaic acid, salicylic acid, nicotinamide, sulfur, zinc, and fruit acid) for acne: an abridged version of a Cochrane systematic review.
Journal of evidence-based medicine2020Systematic review3,880 participantsNeutral
In a large review of 3880 people with acne, glycolic acid put on the skin showed no clear difference from salicylic-mandelic acid for acne improvement.
Chemical peels for acne vulgaris: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials.
BMJ open2018Systematic review387 participantsMixed
In a large review of 387 people with acne, glycolic acid peels beat a placebo in one trial but worked about as well as some other peels overall.
The efficacy and safety of non-pharmacological therapies for the treatment of acne vulgaris: A systematic review and best-evidence synthesis.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV2018Systematic review10-40%Positive
A large review of clinical trials found glycolic acid peels helped clear acne, but the authors said the overall study quality limited clear conclusions.
Comparative study of buffered 50% glycolic acid (pH 3.0) + 0.5% salicylic acid solution vs Jessner's solution in patients with acne vulgaris.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2018RCT20 participants50% glycolic acid + 0.5% salicylic acidPositive
In a 20-person clinical trial over 2 treatment sessions, a peel with glycolic acid and salicylic acid cleared acne about as well as Jessner's solution and caused fewer side effects.
Clinical evaluation of glycolic acid chemical peeling in patients with acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face comparative study.
Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]2014RCT26 participants40%Positive
In a clinical trial of 26 people with moderate acne, 40% glycolic acid peels cleared acne better than a placebo over 10 weeks.
Comparison of clindamycin 1% and benzoyl peroxide 5% gel to a novel composition containing salicylic acid, capryloyl salicylic acid, HEPES, glycolic acid, citric acid, and dioic acid in the treatment of acne vulgaris.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2013RCTPositive
In people with acne, a skin treatment that included glycolic acid worked about as well as clindamycin with benzoyl peroxide.
A 10% glycolic acid containing oil-in-water emulsion improves mild acne: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2011RCT120 participants10%Positive
In a 90-day trial of 120 people with mild acne, 10% glycolic acid used on its own cleared acne more than a placebo.
Glycolic acid peels versus amino fruit acid peels for acne.
Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology2010RCT24 participantsPositive
In a 6-month trial of 24 people with acne, glycolic acid peels reduced blackheads, whiteheads, and later red, sore spots.
Comparison of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid chemical peels in the treatment of mild to moderately severe facial acne vulgaris.
Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]2008RCT20 participants30%Positive
In a clinical trial of 20 people with facial acne, a 30% glycolic acid peel cleared acne about as well as salicylic acid, but caused more early side effects.
Efficacy and safety of 0.1% retinaldehyde/ 6% glycolic acid (diacneal) for mild to moderate acne vulgaris. A multicentre, double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled trial.
Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland)2005RCT6%Positive
In a 3-month clinical trial in people with mild to moderate acne, glycolic acid used together with retinaldehyde helped clear acne better than a placebo.
[Comparative study of the efficacy and tolerance of 12% glycolic acid cream and 0.05% retinoic acid cream for polymorphic acne].
La Tunisie medicale2001RCT40 participants12%Positive
In a 45-day trial of 40 people with facial acne, 12% glycolic acid cream improved acne about as well as retinoic acid cream.
Glycolic acid versus Jessner's solution: which is better for facial acne patients? A randomized prospective clinical trial of split-face model therapy.
Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]1999RCT26 participants70%Positive
In a clinical trial of 26 people with facial acne, a 70% glycolic acid peel improved acne and worked about as well as Jessner's solution, with less peeling.
Efficacy and safety of azelaic acid and glycolic acid combination therapy compared with tretinoin therapy for acne.
Clinical therapeutics1998RCTPositive
In a 12-week clinical trial in people with mild-to-moderate facial acne, glycolic acid used with azelaic acid worked at least as well as tretinoin and caused less irritation.
Efficacy and safety of 5% glycolic acid-based Gel essence in the treatment of mild to moderate acne.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2022Clinical trial27 participants5%Positive
In a 4-week trial of 27 people with mild to moderate acne, 5% glycolic acid used on its own improved acne and skin redness.
Efficacy of peeling during different periods of the menstrual cycle on acne.
Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology2017Clinical trial30 participants50%Positive
In a 3-month trial of 30 women with acne, a glycolic acid peel improved acne, with the biggest change when done around ovulation.
Significant improvement in mild acne following a twice daily application for 6 weeks of an acidic cleansing product (pH 4).
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2014Clinical trial60 participantsPositive
In a 6-week trial of 60 people with mild acne, a glycolic acid cleanser used on its own improved acne.
Rapid treatment of mild acne with a novel skin care system containing 1% salicylic acid, 10% buffered glycolic acid, and botanical ingredients.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2014Clinical trial25 participants10% buffered glycolic acidPositive
In a 6-week study of 25 people with mild acne, a skin care regimen containing glycolic acid used with other ingredients reduced pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.
Side effects assessment in glicolyc acid peelings in patients with acne type I.
Bosnian journal of basic medical sciences2011Clinical trial90 participantsdifferent concentrationsNeutral
In an 8-week study of 90 people with acne, glycolic acid peels were generally well tolerated, but this abstract did not report how well acne improved.
Evaluation of self-treatment of mild-to-moderate facial acne with a blue light treatment system.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2011Clinical trial33 participants5%Positive
In an 8-week study of 33 people with acne, a cleanser with glycolic acid used together with blue light and other ingredients was linked to fewer pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not any one product.
How we grade research for acneGlycolic Acid for anti-aging
Strong evidence for anti-aging- Most studies found glycolic acid helped with signs of aging
- It often improved fine lines, roughness, and overall skin texture
- Some studies found it also helped discoloration and age spots look better
- It often worked about as well as other anti-aging treatments, though not always better
- The most common side effects were stinging, burning, and irritation
22 studies
Comparative efficacy of topical interventions for facial photoaging: a network meta-analysis.
Scientific reports2025Meta-analysis3,905 participantsPositive
A large review of 3,905 people found glycolic acid reduced rough skin but had a higher risk of side effects.
Wrinkles.
BMJ clinical evidence2008Systematic reviewNeutral
This review included glycolic acid among treatments for wrinkles, but its abstract gives no results for it.
Synergistic Effects of Intense Pulsed Light and Glycolic Acid on Photoaging and the Involvement of CD26 in Photoprotection.
Lasers in surgery and medicine2026RCT20 participantsPositive
In a study of 20 people with photoaged skin, adding a glycolic acid peel to light treatment improved spots and red areas sooner than light alone.
Antiaging efficacy of a retinaldehyde-based cream compared with glycolic acid peel sessions: A randomized controlled study.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2018RCT55 participants20%, 50%, and 70%Positive
In 55 women with photoaged skin, glycolic acid peels reduced wrinkles about as well as a cream but caused more side effects.
Superior Efficacy of an Herbal-based Cosmeceutical Compared With Common Prescription and Cosmetic Antiaging Therapies.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2016RCT110 participantsNegative
The herbal skincare regimen worked better than several anti-aging treatments, including glycolic acid, in trials on photoaged skin.
An Evaluation of Efficacy and Tolerability of Novel Enzyme Exfoliation Versus Glycolic Acid in Photodamage Treatment.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2015RCT4% and 8%Positive
Glycolic acid treatments improved fine lines, skin clarity, roughness, and dark spots, but caused more stinging and burning than the enzyme cream.
Randomized clinical efficacy of superficial peeling with 85% lactic acid versus 70% glycolic acid.
Anais brasileiros de dermatologia2013RCT9 participants70%Positive
Over three months, glycolic acid peels reduced fine wrinkles beside the eyes.
A controlled multi-center study evaluating the efficacy of Vivité skin care in the treatment of photoaging of the face, eye and mouth.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2010RCT36 participantsPositive
People using the glycolic-acid skin-care system noticed better texture and fewer fine lines, but doctors found no clear difference from the moisturizer group.
Clinical tolerance and efficacy of capryloyl salicylic acid peel compared to a glycolic acid peel in subjects with fine lines/wrinkles and hyperpigmented skin.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2008RCT44 participants20-50%Positive
In a 12-week study, glycolic acid peels reduced facial lines and dark spots, with results similar to another peel.
Combined retinol-lactose-glycolic acid effects on photoaged skin: a double-blind placebo-controlled study.
International journal of cosmetic science2008RCT40 participantsPositive
In a 12-week study of 40 women, a cream with glycolic acid, retinol, and lactose improved signs of sun damage, skin texture, and moisture compared with a placebo.
A prospective study of anti-aging topical therapies using a quantitative method of assessment.
Plastic and reconstructive surgery2005RCT30 participantsPositive
In a study of 30 women, glycolic acid reduced the number and width of fine skin lines, but did not improve overall roughness.
The effects of an estrogen and glycolic acid cream on the facial skin of postmenopausal women: a randomized histologic study.
Cutis2003RCT65 participants15%Positive
In a 6-month study of 65 postmenopausal women, glycolic acid cream improved signs of facial skin aging.
A double-blind randomized clinical trial on the effectiveness of a daily glycolic acid 5% formulation in the treatment of photoaging.
Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]1998RCT5%Positive
In a 3-month trial, daily glycolic acid cream improved skin texture and discoloration, while wrinkle improvement was not statistically significant.
Glycolic acid peels in the treatment of melasma among Asian women.
Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]1997RCT10 participants10% cream; 20–70% peelsNeutral
In a 26-week study of 10 women, a glycolic acid and hydroquinone cream improved melasma and fine wrinkles; adding glycolic acid peels did not significantly improve results further.
Effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on photoaged skin: a pilot clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural study.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology1996RCT25%Positive
After about 6 months, lotions with alpha-hydroxy acids made photoaged forearm skin thicker and improved several signs of skin aging.
Comparative effect of short-term topical tretinoin and glycolic acid on mechanical properties of photodamaged facial skin in HRT-treated menopausal women.
Maturitas1996RCT6%Negative
After one month, facial skin was less elastic with glycolic acid than with tretinoin in women taking hormone therapy.
Topical 8% glycolic acid and 8% L-lactic acid creams for the treatment of photodamaged skin. A double-blind vehicle-controlled clinical trial.
Archives of dermatology1996RCT8%Positive
In a 22-week trial, glycolic acid cream improved signs of sun-damaged skin on the face and forearms compared with a placebo.
Comparative study of 15% trichloroacetic acid peel combined with 70% glycolic acid and 35% trichloroacetic acid peel for the treatment of photodamaged facial skin in aging women.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2020Clinical trial40 participants70%Mixed
A combined peel improved hydration and reduced skin darkening more than a stronger trichloroacetic acid peel in 40 women.
Open-label evaluation of the skin-brightening efficacy of a skin-brightening system using decapeptide-12.
Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology2012Clinical trial13 participantsPositive
In a 24-week study, a skincare system containing glycolic acid improved facial sun damage, but researchers tested several products together.
A polyhydroxy acid skin care regimen provides antiaging effects comparable to an alpha-hydroxyacid regimen.
Cutis2004Clinical trialPositive
Over 12 weeks, glycolic acid products improved signs of skin aging about as well as gluconolactone products, but caused more irritation.
The efficacy of glycolic acid for treating wrinkles: analysis using newly developed facial imaging systems equipped with fluorescent illumination.
Journal of dermatological science2001Clinical trial35%, 50%, or 70%Positive
Glycolic acid peels reduced wrinkle length, with no clear difference between strengths.
Clinical improvement of photoaged skin with 50% glycolic acid. A double-blind vehicle-controlled study.
Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]1996Clinical trial50%Positive
In a 4-week study, glycolic acid peels reduced roughness and fine wrinkles and slightly lightened age spots.
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not any one product.
How we grade research for anti-agingGlycolic Acid for hyperpigmentation
Some evidence for hyperpigmentation- Most studies found glycolic acid helped fade dark spots or patches
- It often worked better when used with other treatments than those treatments alone
- It usually worked about as well as some other peel treatments, but results were mixed against others
- Some studies found it improved melasma and post-acne dark marks while also improving skin texture
- The most common side effects were irritation, discomfort, and short-lived skin reactions, with rare lasting light spots
25 studies
Efficacy and tolerability of chemical peeling as a single agent for melasma in dark-skinned patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative trials.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2020Meta-analysis478 participantsMixed
In a large review of 478 people with melasma, glycolic acid peels improved dark patches more than trichloroacetic acid peels but not more than tretinoin, vitamin C iontophoresis, or amino fruit acid.
Chemical Peels for Melasma: A Systematic Review.
Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]2024Systematic review1,075 participantsPositive
In a large review of 1,075 people, glycolic acid was described as the safest and most effective chemical peel for melasma.
Topical Treatments for Melasma: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2019Systematic reviewNeutral
In a large review of many clinical trials on melasma, glycolic acid was listed as a topical treatment, but the abstract did not report its own result.
Interventions for melasma.
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews2010Systematic review2,125 participantsNeutral
In a large review of 2125 people with melasma, glycolic acid was only mentioned as part of peels used with hydroquinone, and no separate result was reported for it.
Comparative Efficacy of 35 % Glycolic Acid Peel versus 4 % Retinol Peel in Melasma.
Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]2026RCT60 participants35%Positive
In a trial of 60 people with melasma, glycolic acid peels improved dark patches and quality of life over 6 sessions and had fewer side effects than retinol peels.
In Vitro and In Vivo Efficacy and Tolerability of a Non-Hydroquinone, Multi-Action Skin Tone Correcting Cream.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2019RCT52 participantsPositive
In 52 people over 12 weeks, glycolic acid used in a retinoid-based cream reduced uneven skin tone and skin pigment from the start of the study.
Treatment of Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation With a Combination of Glycolic Acid Peels and a Topical Regimen in Dark-Skinned Patients: A Comparative Study.
Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]2017RCT30 participantsPositive
In a 21-week trial of 30 people, glycolic acid peels used with a cream routine reduced facial dark marks more than the cream routine alone, with side effects in both groups.
Combination of glycolic acid peel and topical 20% azelaic acid cream in melasma patients: efficacy and improvement in quality of life.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2017RCT60 participantsPositive
In a 24-week trial of 60 people with epidermal melasma, glycolic acid peels used with azelaic acid cream improved melasma scores and quality of life more than azelaic acid alone.
Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy and Tolerability of Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Mandelic Acid, and Phytic Acid Combination Peels in Melasma.
Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]2016RCT90 participants35%Positive
In a 12-week trial of 90 people with melasma, glycolic acid peels improved dark patches about as well as salicylic-mandelic peels and better than phytic acid peels.
Treatment of melasma in men with low-fluence Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser versus combined laser and glycolic acid peeling.
Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]2015RCT12 participants30%Positive
In 12 men followed for 12 weeks, glycolic acid peel used with laser lightened melasma more at first than laser alone, but one person developed lasting light spots.
An Evaluation of Efficacy and Tolerability of Novel Enzyme Exfoliation Versus Glycolic Acid in Photodamage Treatment.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2015RCT52 participants4%; 8%Positive
In a 12-week trial of 52 people with photodamaged skin, glycolic acid cream improved fine lines, while glycolic acid with citric acid improved skin clarity, roughness, and dark spots.
A comparative study on efficacy of high and low fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and glycolic acid peel in melasma.
Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology2012RCT60 participantsMixed
In a 12-week trial of 75 people with melasma, glycolic acid peel improved dark patches, but it worked less well than low-fluence laser and better than high-fluence laser.
A randomized, observer-blinded, comparison of combined 1064-nm Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminium-garnet laser plus 30% glycolic acid peel vs. laser monotherapy to treat melasma.
Clinical and experimental dermatology2011RCT16 participants30%Positive
In a trial of 16 people, a glycolic acid peel used with laser improved melasma more than laser alone.
Analytic assessment under ultraviolet light of actinic lentigines under bleaching treatment.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2011RCT24 participantsPositive
In a 3-month trial of 24 women, a cream with Glycolic Acid used together with other ingredients lightened age spots on the hands.
Comparison between 1% tretinoin peeling versus 70% glycolic acid peeling in the treatment of female patients with melasma.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2011RCT63 participants70%Positive
In a trial of 63 women, a glycolic acid peel improved melasma about as much as tretinoin peels, but caused more discomfort after treatment.
Glycolic acid peels versus amino fruit acid peels in the treatment of melasma.
Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]2010RCTMixed
Over 6 months, glycolic acid peels improved melasma, but they did not work better than amino fruit acid peels and caused more irritation.
Clinical tolerance and efficacy of capryloyl salicylic acid peel compared to a glycolic acid peel in subjects with fine lines/wrinkles and hyperpigmented skin.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2008RCT44 participants20-50%Positive
In a 12-week trial of 44 women, glycolic acid peels reduced fine lines, wrinkles, and facial dark spots.
Combined 0.1% retinaldehyde/ 6% glycolic acid cream in prophylaxis and treatment of acne scarring.
Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland)2007RCT145 participants6%Positive
In a 3-month trial of 145 people with moderate acne, a cream with glycolic acid and retinaldehyde improved acne scarring more than a placebo, mainly by reducing redness and dark marks.
An open-label, investigator-initiated, single-center, prospective, pilot clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of a skin whitening serum applied twice daily combined with a spot-preventing SPF50+ sunscreen in healthy female subjects with melasma hyperpigmentation.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2022Clinical trial12 participantsPositive
In a 12-week pilot study of 12 women with melasma, a serum with Glycolic Acid used with sunscreen improved dark patches, with no irritation or discomfort reported.
Efficacy of combination of glycolic acid peeling with topical regimen in treatment of melasma.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2013Clinical trial40 participantsPositive
In a 24-week trial of 40 people with melasma, glycolic acid peels used with a cream regimen improved melasma earlier and more than the cream regimen alone.
Open-label evaluation of a novel skin brightening system containing 0.01% decapeptide-12 in combination with 20% buffered glycolic acid for the treatment of mild to moderate facial melasma.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2013Clinical trial33 participants20%Positive
In a 16-week study of 33 women with melasma, a skin care system with glycolic acid and decapeptide-12 reduced the visible look and severity of melasma with no reported side effects.
A single-blinded comparative study between the use of glycolic acid 70% peel and the use of topical nanosome vitamin C iontophoresis in the treatment of melasma.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2012Clinical trial14 participants70%Positive
In a 6-session study of 14 women with melasma, a glycolic acid peel improved melasma, but vitamin C iontophoresis worked better, and side effects were few and short-lived.
Combination of microneedling and glycolic acid peels for the treatment of acne scars in dark skin.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2011Clinical trial60 participants35%Positive
In a study of 60 people, glycolic acid peels used with microneedling improved acne scars, skin texture, and post-acne dark marks more than microneedling alone without more side effects.
Comparative study of trichloroacetic acid versus glycolic acid chemical peels in the treatment of melasma.
Indian journal of dermatology, venereology and leprology2010Clinical trial40 participants20-35%Positive
In a 12-week trial of 40 women with melasma, glycolic acid peels improved dark patches about as well as trichloroacetic acid and caused fewer side effects.
Successful treatment of moderate to severe melasma with triple-combination cream and glycolic acid peels: a pilot study.
Cutis2008Clinical trial20 participantsPositive
In a 12-week pilot study of 20 people with melasma, glycolic acid peels used with a prescription cream reduced dark patches and was well tolerated.
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not any one product.
How we grade research for hyperpigmentationGlycolic Acid for texture/pores
Not proven yet for texture/poresFew or mixed studies. This claim isn't established.
- The results were split, so there is no clear answer yet on texture and pores
- Some studies found glycolic acid improved skin texture, roughness, and skin clarity
- Some studies found it softened fine lines, but one found wrinkle changes were not clearly different
- The most common side effects were stinging and burning, and some studies found more side effects than comparison treatments
5 studies
Antiaging efficacy of a retinaldehyde-based cream compared with glycolic acid peel sessions: A randomized controlled study.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology2018RCT55 participants20%, 50%, and 70%Negative
In 55 women with photoaged skin, glycolic acid peels reduced wrinkles about as well as a cream but caused more side effects.
An Evaluation of Efficacy and Tolerability of Novel Enzyme Exfoliation Versus Glycolic Acid in Photodamage Treatment.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2015RCT4% and 8%Positive
Glycolic acid treatments improved fine lines, skin clarity, roughness, and dark spots, but caused more stinging and burning than the enzyme cream.
A controlled multi-center study evaluating the efficacy of Vivité skin care in the treatment of photoaging of the face, eye and mouth.
Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD2010RCT36 participantsPositive
People using the glycolic-acid skin-care system noticed better texture and fewer fine lines, but doctors found no clear difference from the moisturizer group.
A prospective study of anti-aging topical therapies using a quantitative method of assessment.
Plastic and reconstructive surgery2005RCT30 participantsNeutral
In a study of 30 women, glycolic acid reduced the number and width of fine skin lines, but did not improve overall roughness.
A double-blind randomized clinical trial on the effectiveness of a daily glycolic acid 5% formulation in the treatment of photoaging.
Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]1998RCT5%Positive
In a 3-month trial, daily glycolic acid cream improved skin texture and discoloration, while wrinkle improvement was not statistically significant.
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not any one product.
How we grade research for texture/poresProducts with Glycolic Acid
Products we have confirmed contain Glycolic Acid, from their ingredient lists.
- Acne Control Gel · CeraVe
- AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution · The Ordinary
- AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid · COSRX
- Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel · Dr. Dennis Gross
- Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel · Dr. Dennis Gross
- AlphaRet Overnight Cream · Skinbetter Science
- Blemish + Age Defense · SkinCeuticals
- Brighten + Glow Facial Radiance Pads · First Aid Beauty
- Clear & Defend+ Facial Wash · Neutrogena · 2%
- Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner · La Roche-Posay
- Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Serum · La Roche-Posay
- Glow Tonic · Pixi · 5%
- Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution · The Ordinary · 7%
- Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick · The Inkey List · 7%
- Liquid Gold · Alpha-H · 5%
- Multi-Acid Milk Peel AHA Exfoliating Solution · Prequel · 15%
- Overnight Exfoliating Treatment · Good Molecules
- Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum · Murad
- Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant · Paula's Choice
- T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum · Drunk Elephant
- T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial™ AHA + BHA Mask · Drunk Elephant
- The AHA BHA PHA LHA 35 Peel · COSRX