Glycolic Acid
AHA, Alpha Hydroxy Acid
Glycolic acid is an AHA exfoliant and the smallest fruit-acid molecule, so it penetrates the skin quickly and effectively. It loosens the bonds between dead surface cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin.
Benefits of Glycolic Acid
It resurfaces the skin, reducing dullness, uneven texture and dark spots. Over time it stimulates collagen, softens fine lines and gives a visible glow.
What to combine Glycolic Acid with
Every ingredient that layers safely with Glycolic Acid, and the ones to keep apart, with what each one is and what it helps with.
| Ingredient | Type | Helps with | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramides | Barrier support | Skin barrier، Dryness، Redness & sensitivity | Yes — these layer well |
| Hyaluronic Acid | Humectant | Dryness، Anti-aging، Skin barrier | Yes — these layer well |
| Niacinamide | Vitamin | Acne، Enlarged pores، Hyperpigmentation، Oiliness، Skin barrier | Yes — these layer well |
| Adapalene | Retinoid | Acne، Uneven texture | Best kept apart |
| Copper Peptides | Peptide | Anti-aging، Skin barrier، Uneven texture | Best kept apart |
| Gluconolactone (PHA) | Exfoliant | Uneven texture، Dullness، Redness & sensitivity | Best kept apart |
| Lactobionic Acid | Exfoliant | Dryness، Uneven texture، Anti-aging | Best kept apart |
| Retinaldehyde | Retinoid | Anti-aging، Acne، Uneven texture | Best kept apart |
| Retinol | Retinoid | Anti-aging، Acne، Uneven texture، Enlarged pores | Best kept apart |
| Retinyl Palmitate | Retinoid | Anti-aging | Best kept apart |
| Vitamin C | Antioxidant | Dullness، Hyperpigmentation، Anti-aging | Best kept apart |
Frequently asked questions
What is Glycolic Acid good for?+
Glycolic Acid is best known for helping with Dullness، Uneven texture، Hyperpigmentation، Anti-aging.
How do you use Glycolic Acid?+
Use it at night only, once or twice a week to start at a low strength. It clearly increases sun sensitivity, so morning sunscreen is essential, and avoid combining it with retinol on the same night.
Who is Glycolic Acid suitable for?+
Suits normal, oily, dull and mature skin, with extra caution for dry, sensitive or deeper skin tones prone to pigmentation.
What can you mix Glycolic Acid with?+
Glycolic Acid pairs well with Hyaluronic Acid، Niacinamide، Ceramides. Avoid layering it with Retinol، Vitamin C in the same routine.