Peer-reviewed research on Glycolic Acid, summarised in plain language. Every study links to its record on PubMed so you can read it yourself.
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 large review, a glycolic acid peel worked about as well as another acid peel for acne in 40 people, but the evidence was low quality.
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 were linked with improved acne, with results below salicylic acid.
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 clinical trials in 3880 people with acne, glycolic acid cleared acne about as well as salicylic-mandelic acid.
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 helped more than a placebo, matched some other peels, and worked less well than one combined peel.
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
This review found strong evidence that glycolic acid peels helped reduce acne in people with acne vulgaris.
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 (pH 3.0) + 0.5% salicylic acidPositive
In a clinical trial of 20 people with acne, a glycolic acid peel used with salicylic acid cleared pimples, blackheads and whiteheads about as well as Jessner's solution.
The effect of physically applied alpha hydroxyl acids on the skin pore and comedone.
International journal of cosmetic science2015RCT23 participants4% AHA solution containing glycolic acid and lactic acidNeutral
In a 4-week study of 23 women with acne-prone skin, a glycolic-acid mix used alone only showed a trend toward fewer blackheads and whiteheads.
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 10-week study of 26 people with moderate acne, glycolic acid peels cleared acne better than a placebo.
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 product containing glycolic acid worked about as well as clindamycin and benzoyl peroxide gel and had similar side effects.
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 improved 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 24-person, 6-month split-face study, glycolic acid peels reduced acne spots, but they did not work better than the other peel tested.
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 study of 20 people with facial acne, 30% glycolic acid peels improved pimples, but salicylic acid lasted longer and caused fewer 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 people with mild to moderate acne, a cream with glycolic acid and retinaldehyde cleared acne better than a placebo over 3 months.
[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 study of 40 people with acne, glycolic acid cream improved acne about as well as retinoic acid and had similar side effects.
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 study of 26 people with facial acne, glycolic acid improved acne about as well as Jessner's solution and caused 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 study of people with mild-to-moderate facial acne, glycolic acid used with azelaic acid cleared acne at least as well as tretinoin and caused fewer side effects.
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 study of 27 people with mild to moderate acne, 5% glycolic acid 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 study of 30 women with mild-to-moderate acne, glycolic acid peels improved acne, with the clearest benefit 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 study 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 trial of 25 people with mild acne, a skin care system with glycolic acid used with salicylic acid reduced acne severity and 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 whether acne improved.
Topical retinaldehyde with glycolic acid: study of tolerance and acceptability in association with anti-acne treatments in 1,709 patients.
Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland)2005Clinical trial1,709 participants6%Positive
In a 90-day study of 1709 people with acne, glycolic acid in a combined cream was linked with fewer pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads and had few side effects.
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not any one product.
Products we have confirmed contain Glycolic Acid, from their ingredient lists.
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