Glycolic acid is perhaps the best-known of a group of chemicals called fruit acids or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA). It is derived from sugar cane, so it can be considered a natural product. Citric acid from oranges and other citrus fruits also fall under the same classification as glycolic acid.
Industrial uses for glycolic acid include rust removal and degreasing, so pure glycolic acid (generally sold in concentrations of 70% or better) is extremely dangerous to exposed skin. In fact, the government considers any product with a concentration of glycolic acid over 10% to be a hazardous material.
Most consumers know glycolic acid not from its industrial uses, but from its cosmetic ones. Glycolic acid is generally used as a natural skin exfoliant and moisturizer, although there is much debate over its safety and effectiveness. Some proponents of glycolic acid suggest that products with a glycolic acid concentrations of less than 10% are practically useless. The problem is that many large-scale cosmetic producers will not increase the glycolic acid levels for fear of liability and class action lawsuits. Some smaller cosmetics companies with high-end clients do offer products with at least a 10% glycolic acid concentration.
Glycolic acid works as an exfoliating agent because of its high acidity but easy solubility. When placed on the skin as part of an exfoliating cream or gel, glycolic acid goes under the damaged upper layers of skin and destroys the 'glue' which holds dead skin to the surface. As this dead skin is chemically burned off, the other ingredients carry the individual flakes away and a water rinse neutralizes the remaining acid. The result is a much-smoother skin surface and a more youthful appearance. A secondary benefit is glycolic acid's ability to draw moisturizers into the newly-exfoliated skin surface. This is why cosmetic counters often sell a complete system of skin care; the rest of the alpha-hydroxy line contains moisturizers and neutralizers to counteract the corrosive actions of glycolic acid.
Cosmetic exfoliants and moisturizers containing glycolic acid may leave the user's skin especially sensitive to the sun, so many skin care experts recommend using a sunscreen after exfoliating with glycolic acid. If a 10% concentration of glycolic acid can cause concern over skin damage, another use may be even more controversial. Some customers seeking a more complete exfoliation may opt for a chemical peel. In general, a chemical peel involves a careful scrubbing of the skin followed by an application of a powerful AHA such as glycolic acid. Concentration levels of glycolic acid in chemical peels can be as high as 50% or more. Even industrial suppliers of glycolic acid limit their concentration to 70%, so this is indeed a very powerful chemical process.
Quite often after a chemical peel, a patient's skin will look as if it were extremely sunburned. Several days of recovery are often necessary for a complete recovery from a glycolic acid peel. Proponents of glycolic acid say that the process may appear dangerous or unsightly, but the results are worth the temporary discomfort.
Whether or not glycolic acid is the miracle ingredient in a cosmetic Fountain of Youth, there can be no doubt that it is effective when used correctly and in the proper concentration level for an individual's exfoliating and moisturizing needs. As with any other acid, proper attention must be given to storage and access. Young children could experience severe skin rashes or internal problems if the products are improperly applied or ingested.
I found a bottle of glycolic acid 70 percent at a pharmacy and am a little afraid to use it with all the burn stories I've heard. If the pharmacy sells it, shouldn't it be ok?
- anon69692
58
Ive been using retinoic acid for many months now but there's not any changes so my dermatologist decided to switch me to glycolic acid cream 10 percent. my skin becomes dry and i notice that it peels, and it's quite itchy. is it a normal reaction from using glycolic acid cream?
- anon68686
57
question 25 answer to anon20451. Baking soda and water will neutralize the glycolic. Put a good amount in your sink with water and rinse. You will feel a sting. when you no longer feel the sting it will be neutralized. Follow with a good non-glycolic) moisturizer.
- anon64783
56
i use the 30 percent glycol acid once a week. i've used it four times now and my friend has also. when i put the acid on my face it brings me to tears with the amount it stings. it really does hurt! afterwards there's no apparent redness or dryness and even though it stings, i have seen good results in the four weeks.
- anon63746
55
To #53/anon59528: why do you need SPF 90 at night?
I've been using Jan Marini's bioglycolic face wash, and it seems to work well, but I can't find any info on how much glycolic acid it actually has in it.
- anon61127
54
i bought the glycolic acid 50 percent peel rx kit and was very impressed with the peel and also the process they recommend. Their peel included a glycolic 10 percent daily exfoliation and Hyaluronic moisturizer which made my skin feel fantastic (it's oil free too). The daily glycolic 10 percent keeps the skin turnover moving along so the peel is given a boost.
- anon59809
53
I started using glycolic acid 8 percent recently and within two day I noticed a significant change.
I have horrible skin, I am 27 years old and am tired of feeling like a teenager. So I started using Cetaphil antibacterial face wash bar, then apply glycolic acid for 1-2 mins, then was off. Then I apply retinoic acid (thin layer) and apply Neutrogena SPF 90 sunblock. Significant changes! I do this routine every night!
- anon59528
52
On purpose? Maybe you should take her to a doctor while you're at the therapist.
- anon57447
51
I burned my daughter's skin using glycolic acid and I can't get rid of the red mark. It's been several months now. Does anyone have any ideas what I can use? It's not a bad burn, but a noticeable pink spot.
- anon55070
50
The Ebay "xrap" is just that, poor quality junk that will burn you skin. Love this forum, I have learned a few really good ideas. Maggie
- anon55023
49
Hi, i've been stressed lately, so a lot of pimples came out of my face. Can you give me some beauty tips that would help me with my problem? 413
- anon54894
47
Ugh, all of these comments about people "burning" themselves! You should never start out using a high level of glycolic acid on your skin (peels or otherwise). Your skin is an organ and needs to adapt the way any other organ would adapt to medication or a foreign substance. You have to work your way up. My dermatologist recommended starting at 10 percent and working my way up to no more than 30 percent. He said that anything past that can severely damage your skin. And the person who posted about the pH level of the product is absolutely correct (at least according to two different doctors). The pH level should be as close to the pH level of your body as possible to work more effectively. The most reputable lines of glycolic products are sold at dermatologist's offices, so check with your doctor before simply buying something online.
- anon49215
46
Glycolic acid is the best cosmetic product! Thanks for the article.
- anon48100
45
I have been using a well advertised product made by a well known company that contains Glycolic Acid and I have had cold symptoms since. I was told by my GP that I had an allergy, I never thought for a moment it could be anything that I put on my face but after I ran out of the product I started to feel better. I am looking into all the ingredients of the product to see if they are safe.
- anon45253
44
I've used DDF 10 percent Glycolic Toner for a month now and ever since then, people are complimenting my skin, ask why it's glowing and what I use and drop their jaws when I tell them how old I am. It smells a little skunky and stings, but only for a minute, but I have had no irritation or redness at all. It's faded my freckles a little too. It's worth it! They will give you samples at Sephora.
And it is remarkable for clearing up acne when carefully paired with benzyl peroxide.
- anon45203
43
castor sugar is full of glycolic acid. wet your face and cover with castor sugar wait for 15 mins then rinse off. the skin looks and feels fantastic and it only costs a couple of cents to do it.
- anon42779
42
i put it all the way under my eyes and now
second day very puffy under eyes. i look like a boxer. already scabbing on cheeks using aloe vera. i let it dry and then apply antibioic oitntment. i'm a big ugly jelly donut.
- anon41394
41
I have been receiving HydroDerma facials followed by aha accelorator, living cell clarifier, & hydro gel - made by glymed. I have had two since last Friday and have washed each day - as directed with glymed glycolic acid face wash 10 percent- my face looks like a new born on the cheeks and neck - but along my nose and around my mouth are terrible. I have a red-orange tint and my face continues to break out each day a bit worse. Around my mouth is also peeling off in layers and my upper lip looks like I burned it with a curling iron! If you have sensitive acne prone skin I would consult with a dermatologist before using anything!
- anon40211
40
Regarding the post from anon30828 #37, I also have fair, sensitive skin and have been using Retin A 0.01% for quite some time now. I am wondering if I use the Natura Bisse Glycolic if I should stop using the Retin A prior to using Natura Bisse Glycolic. I am in my fifties.
- anon37882
39
Is glycolic acid safe to use while you are pregnant?
- anon35861
38
If you want an effective, natural and most of all, inexpensive glycolic treatment then try lemon juice. This is far better than any pricey AHA treatment I've used previously. You can read a lot of reviews about it a www.makeupalley.com
- anon35810
37
The Natura Bisse Glycolic is the *best* thing I have ever used. It comes in 25%, 50% and 60%. I have pale, sensitive skin and have *no* problem with the 50% strength. After using it, my skin is smooth, radiant and feels amazing! Also, my treatment products sink is like nothing else! I have never used an exfoliating treatment that comes close to this.
If you're afraid of the GlycoPeel, Trish Mcevoy makes a cleanser that I've used a couple of times a week that really gets you squeaky clean (it's really helpful during the humid summer months of Tennessee!)
- anon30828
36
I purchased glycolic acid on ebay over 3 years ago. I am now 32 and have had great success using it. I use 50% or 30% on my face for 4-6 minutes and rise off with the neutralizer. Wrinkles, scars and sun spots are diminished and my skin is tight and clear. Directions say to use it once, three weeks in a row, then take a week off. I don't use it that regularly (too lazy). But if I did, I think my skin would look better and the 50% wouldn't be needed, the 30% would be enough.
- gabby7676
35
I work at a spa with estheticians and I use a really low dose of glycolic (5%) every once in a while, but that is because I am 20 and my only point of glycolic (other than to dry out the occasional blemish) is to fight free radical damage since I spend a lot of time in the sun. But I have very good skin and I use it probably once a month.
Glycolic should be used once a week, at most! To answer someone's question, yes it is normal to make your skin dry. The point of glycolic is to renew your skin, and you can't do that without having some dry skin to slough off! Use a moisturizer! As you get older, your skin takes more and more time to renew itself, and glycolic speeds that process up.
As for the person who used glycolic products for a year, don't *ever* do that! If you are going to use glycolics or retinoids or anything, you have to take breaks or your skin will react, and not in a good way! It will thin it out which is the worst possible thing you can do to it!
- anon30230
34
I've been using Kavi glycolic acid peels for 4 years now with incredible results. Once every other week for 10 minutes and I have smoother, brighter skin that requires less makeup than I've used in 30 years!
- ellen70
33
I too have used DoctorSecret brand with great results. Instructions and a huge bottle of neutralizer included. Never had a single problem and clear (wrinkle free) skin for several years.
- anon29770
32
I put ebay stregnth 60% on and followed directions and it burned my skin. I washed it off after 3 minutes too. Do not put over 30 on your face!
I do think the results will be worth it, but I have been hiding out 4th day now because it caused the area below my eye to swell and retain water. Its bizarre looking. I did not put it anywhere near my eyes- it does not hurt, it is just like water blisters. It does not seem to be going down and I am frustrated as I need to leave the house! So, any suggestions anyone?
- anon29741
30
I am using Glycolic acid 6% cream and I feel my skin has become very dry especially on the cheeks area. Is it normal or is this a side-effect or allergy?
- shalinic123
29
If Glycolic acid is made from sugar cane...Where does the acid portion come from?
- sbowen26
28
I just purchased AHA revitalizing lotion by DCL(Dermatologic Cosmetic Labortories)
I don't know if I'm supposed to wash this off or leave on like a moisturizer (it's not a moisturizer)
does anyone know??
- dbiondolillo
27
I've used doctor secret brand for years and love the results. They sell a complete kit.
- EricaHolmes
26
to neutralize glycolic acid use baking soda and water.
- anon24132
25
what can you use to neutralize glycolic peel? Water? I bought a kit and the neutralizer leaked out of the bottle in the mail, and I still have had no response about getting it replaced by shipper?
- anon23380
24
i try soap which contains glycolic acid and it really works, makes my skin becomes lighter, it tightens my pores, and it reduces my acne..
- anon20451
23
I am brown skinned person but my face and hand and leg color is darker which makes me really stupid to go out swimming or other activities as such what would be best thing to do?
- mahen
22
I noticed there are several versions of Glycolic acid. Glycopure, Lactic acid, and Malic acid. I guess they are all AHA's, but which one is best?
- EricaHolmes
21
i am a 34 male. tanning of both cheeks looks bad. dry skin can i use glycolic acid to peel off my dead skin and kindly guide me in which concentration??
- bonjore
20
Glycolic acid has no receptor sites in the skin and when applied, in any concentration, it produces a cascade of free radical damage that disposes the skin to a highly inflammatory response leading pre-mature aging! Best to stay away from this AHA, there are much better products on the market. Left un-neutralized, this acid can burn the skin causing blisters and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown spots). Stay away from this junk!
LeeAnn Day, R.N.
- anon18951
19
can glycolic acid can be used for tattoo removal? I would like to hear about it
- obmermaid
18
MD Forte II Glycare with Glycolic Acid.
Buy it. Use it.
I got mine for $18 for 2 oz. liquid. Been using it for years and it really fights acne well.
I first use Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash with salicylic acid, and rinse off and let my face dry completely. Then I apply the MD Forte II Glycare (which is a leave on product, do not rinse off). At night, I apply Neutrogena Benzoil Peroxide cream and the one-two-three punch works very, very well. I will always have acne, but this regimen keeps it in remission indefinitely. If used every day, very rarely do I ever have a flare up. Hope this info helps someone. You're not only with your genetic curse.
- anon13880
16
I have heard that glycolic acid can be used in tattoo removal. Is this true?
- anon12379
15
Acne can be controlled with 10% glycolic acid. The facial peel needs a stronger 10-70% and a neutralizer to protect. I've used Glycopure for years and look 10 years younger than my sister.
- anon11049
14
i trust AHA. its given me a lot more youthful skin after its use in a peel and Loreal Creams.
- anon10867
13
i use a brand called DDF and it's a Glycolic 10% exfoliator, it works wonders for me, try to not purchase facial products with no less than a percentage of 10% to treat facial flaws, such as acne. it has cleared up my acne, GREATLY reduced the appearance of my pores. i would recommend DDF 10% Glycolic Exfoliating Gel with 2% Salicylic Acid, it can be found at your local Sephora.
- anon8516
12
Don't forget that the % is a connection with the pH level. If you buy a glycolic acid at 30% and the pH value is like 5, then it most likely won't be as effective as an glycolic acid at 10% with an pH value of 1.7 - The lower pH value, the more effective the glycolic creme will be.
- anon6937
11
I purchased thirty percent glycolic acid online and found that it did not irritate my skin. I feel that my skin is soften and have noticed gradual improvement. I follow the directions, which indicates application one time per week and to be left on the skin 3-6 minutes.
- anon6755
10
I started using skin care products containing glycolic acid. After using them for about a year, my eye started watering, then I got a red rash on the sides of my face. My skin also started to burn when applying the moisturizer. I switched to different skin care products and immediately the symptoms disappeared.
- anon6746
9
is glycolic acid safe to use while you are pregnant and/or nursing? since it is a natural substance derived from sugar cane and fruit acids, are there any recipes out there that you can make at home using products from the supermarket? it would probably be a fun thing to make your own glycolic acid face scrub or mask at home, and would be a lot more gentle than commercially prepared products!
- olittlewood
8
neutrogena oil free acne face wash (the CYLINDRICAL bottle, not the other one) has glycolic in it...
- anon5718
7
I use products that have 6-8% glycolic acid, so not lots, but I have noticed a reduction in acne.
- anon5420
6
Do not get this stuff in your eye- it is painful and hard to remove!
- anon4494
3
Hi, just recently I was looking on the internet for good ways to get rid of acne. While reading an article, I stumbled across this "Glycolic acid" and heard that it does help to decrease the amount of acne you produce. Could you tell me a few products that this chemical is in??
Thank you so much.
- anon3292
2
In all honesty, it sounds like you have an allergy to an ingredient in that product. If I were you, I'd go see my physician, and take the product along to examine the ingredients.
Good luck!
- Dayton
1
I purchased a product to remove hard skin from feet. The product was in pad form. I used one - as instructed(basic - rub over areas of hard skin). My feet have been itching and feel burned for 2 days. It is extremely unpleasant. There were no warnings of side effects on container at all.
