Glycolic acid: what it does, and how to use it safely
The most clinically proven exfoliant in skincare — and the most misused. Here is how to get the glow without the damage.
Glycolic acid is the smallest alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which is exactly why it works: it penetrates where larger molecules cannot, dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells to the surface.
What it actually does
Used correctly, glycolic acid fades dark spots, smooths texture, softens fine lines and restores radiance. The evidence base is decades deep — few ingredients in skincare are this well documented.
Where people go wrong
More is not better. Daily high-strength acid use damages the barrier, causing the exact dullness and sensitivity you were trying to fix. The skin needs time to renew between sessions.
How we recommend using it
Two to three evenings per week. Apply to cleansed, dry skin, follow with moisturiser, and always wear SPF the following morning — fresh skin is sun-sensitive skin. Our Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner is buffered with glycerin and betaine precisely so the renewal happens without the harshness.
Pair it with barrier-supporting ingredients — hyaluronic acid, panthenol, prebiotics — on your off nights, and the results compound month after month.