Our Best Skin Care Products Formulated with Glycolic Acid

When it comes to putting together a skin care routine, you may want to consider adding glycolic acid products into the mix. From glycolic acid peels to glycolic acid toners, glycolic acid has gone from being a dermatologist secret to one of the most popular skin care ingredients to add to your routine. What is glycolic acid, exactly? Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to resurface skin, even skin tone, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Ready to add this ingredient to your skin care regimen? Below, find our five best skin care products formulated with glycolic acid, including a glycolic acid face wash and overnight glycolic acid cream.

OUR BEST FACE SERUM FORMULATED WITH GLYCOLIC ACID

When it comes to glycolic acid products, it doesn’t get much better than a glycolic acid serum. The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum is a derm-validated serum that absorbs quickly to visibly even skin tone and reduce wrinkles and dark spots with continued use over time. Not to mention, it’s also free of fragrances, parabens, mineral oil, and dyes.

While glycolic acid can be harsh on the skin, what sets this serum apart is the rest of its formula. Containing soothing ingredients, like aloe, the serum is able to be used daily. (Read our complete review: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Glycolic Acid Serum Review.)

How to use it: Apply four to five drops to clean, dry skin every evening before moisturizing. For sensitive skin, start by using two to three times per week and build to nightly use.

Editor’s note: When using this serum, or any products formulated with glycolic acid, be sure to also make sure your skin care routine includes broad-spectrum sunscreen, as AHAs like glycolic acid can cause sun sensitivity.

OUR BEST FACIAL CLEANSER FORMULATED WITH GLYCOLIC ACID

Using a facial cleanser should be part of your morning and evening skin care routines—but why not try one with glycolic acid the next time you head to the sink to wash your face? The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Scrub Cleanser is formulated with glycolic acid and gentle micro-pearls to exfoliate dull skin cells from skin’s surface. Immediately, skin appears brighter, while skin looks more even with continued use over time.

How to use it: Use morning and night. Lather the facial cleanser into wet hands, gently massaging it onto skin in a circular motion, avoiding the delicate eye area. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.

OUR BEST DAYTIME MOISTURIZER FORMULATED WITH GLYCOLIC ACID

You likely know how important sun protection is—no matter what time of year it is. Make things easier on yourself by reaching for a moisturizer with SPF. The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Day Moisturizer SPF 30 is formulated with glycolic acid, vitamin C, and Pro-Retinol to help correct the look of dull, uneven skin tone. Immediately, skin looks brighter and feels hydrated, while skin tone looks more even.

How to use it: Apply the moisturizer with SPF as directed. Reapply at least every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating—and don’t forget about the other sun protection measures we told you about earlier.

OUR BEST PEEL PADS FORMULATED WITH GLYCOLIC ACID

Beyond wrinkles, dull, uneven skin tone can make skin look older. Formulated with glycolic acid, the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Daily Peel Pads gently yet effectively help dissolve uneven skin tone and reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone and wrinkles. Plus, the multi-ply textured pads physically resurface dead skin cells so that skin looks brighter. Immediately, skin looks clarified, while skin tone is more even and wrinkles appear smoother with continued use over time.

How to use it: Use a peel pad nightly on clean skin. Gently apply in a circular motion to face. Do not rinse.

OUR BEST OVERNIGHT MOISTURIZER FORMULATED WITH GLYCOLIC ACID

Just because you aren’t awake doesn’t mean you can’t work on your complexion. Using an overnight moisturizer can make all the difference in whether or not you wake up with a fresh-looking, hydrated face. Combining two effective skin care products into one pump, the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Bright Reveal Brightening Dual Overnight Moisturizer is a dual-action anti-wrinkle and brightening skin care product. The first is an exfoliating concentrate formulated with glycolic acid to remove dead skin cells. The second is a brightening infusion formulated with vitamin C that enhances skin clarity, reduces the visibility of dark spots, uneven tone, and wrinkles. Two is better than one—and you can make your way to bed sooner by cutting out a second skin care product. Yes, please!

How to use it: Every night, smooth the overnight moisturizer gently over cleansed skin.

Next up: Want more advice on using glycolic acid? Read our article, Your Glycolic Acid Skin Care Routine.