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The glycolic acid cleanser
SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser
The glycolic acid cleanser
SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser
Now 10% Off
A glycolic acid cleanser makes a good introduction to exfoliating acids, as the contact time with the skin is shorter than with a serum or cream.
You'll find this one on the shelves of many a Bazaar-approved clinic: effective without veering into extreme-strength territory, it'll tackle surface dullness as well as congestion. Introduce it into your routine a few evenings a week, and always wear a facial SPF by day.
Note: we also love the the Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser and Revision Skincare's Brightening Facial Wash (another rich AHA/BHA cleansing cocktail).
The glycolic acid serum
Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment
The glycolic acid serum
Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment
Sunday Riley’s eponymous brand is one to trust when it comes to effective actives. This creamy resurfacing serum is one of her most widely loved, thanks to the way it works on a deeper level to dissolve debris and excess oil, leaving skin looking cumulatively brighter and unified.
When it comes to serums, your skin's tolerance to acids should determine how often you apply: a gentle tingle is ok, but a burning sensation is not ('no pain, no gain' doesn't apply in skincare). This one is fairly potent, so go slowly: a night or two per week should deliver optimal benefits.
The moisturising serum
Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Resurfacing Dream Serum
The moisturising serum
Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Resurfacing Dream Serum
A new launch from Fresh, this milky serum balances the exfoliating properties of glycolic acid with prickly pear extract for mega hydration. As such, the light tingling feeling is mollified by moisture that lasts all night, leaving skin feeling plump and refreshed come morning. An ideal choice for anyone who wants equal parts exfoliation and hydration.
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The at-home glycolic acid peel
Medik8 Sleep Glycolic
The at-home glycolic acid peel
Medik8 Sleep Glycolic
Medik8's glycolic acid product is designed to mimic the effects of a brightening in-clinic peel. With a pH of 3.5, it contains a potent 10 per cent concentration of AHA, encapsulated to ensure gradual release into the skin, thus reducing any risk of irritation. This is a fantastic option for anyone that has built up a tolerance to glycolic acid, but don't exceed the recommended two-to-three applications per week.
The glycolic acid toner
Alpha-H Liquid Gold
The glycolic acid toner
Alpha-H Liquid Gold
Alpha H found fame by formulating glycolic acid-based resurfacing products, and the brand is still a go-to for effective options. The original (and frankly, legendary) Liquid Gold is a toner-style treatment that combines glycolic acid with liquorice to bolster the brightening effects, meaning it works especially well on pigmentation.
A low pH and high acid percentage combine to make this one a stronger option for seasoned users. The brand recommends using every other evening, but those new to acids should limit to a once-weekly application to begin with.
The acne treatment
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum
The acne treatment
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Serum
Salicylic acid is the star ingredient in many a breakout treatment, but La Roche-Posay has coupled it with glycolic acid in this powerhouse clarifying serum. Designed to clear out congested pores swiftly but sensitively, this dermatologist-approved formula should be stashed under the sink of anyone battling adult acne or periodical breakouts.
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The texture smoother
Skin Design London The Retexturising Serum
The texture smoother
Skin Design London The Retexturising Serum
Not just the aesthetician behind some of the best facials in London, Fatma Shaheen also creates some seriously effective at-home topicals within her Skin Design London brand.
Her texture treatment contains glycolic acid as well as retinol, meaning it's perfectly placed to steal the starring role in your routine. With niacinamide to build up the barrier and olive-derived squalene for hydration, it's a one-and-done remedy for rough texture, dark spots and fine lines.
The weekly facial
Decree Weekly Decree
The weekly facial
Decree Weekly Decree
Based on Dr. Sturnham's belief that good acid treatments should replenish as well as exfoliate, this weekly mask involves two steps: a potent glycolic-steeped exfoliating gel and a creamy hydrating mask to replace the moisture and lipids that acids can strip from the skin. Make it your once-a-week evening treat.
The glycolic acid pads
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel
The glycolic acid pads
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel
Now 25% Off
These are the peel pads that started it all: loved by beauty insiders the world over, Dr. Dennis Gross’ Alpha Beta Peel sachets make light work of exfoliating dull skin. They now come in three degrees of strength, so you can work your way up to the level that most suits you.
However, we recommend starting with the Ultra Gentle iteration, whether you consider your skin to be sensitive or not. Simply swipe over cleansed skin to let the blend of five acids dissolve skin-clogging debris, then neutralise any lingering acid with the soothing second step.
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The tone unifier
Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum
The tone unifier
Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum
Now 20% Off
Sun spots are notoriously tricky to shift, but Murad has mastered it with this high-strength serum. Glycolic acid and vitamin C work together to unify a mottled skin tone, delivering a hit of antioxidant protection that keeps you protected from future dark spots, too.
The glycolic acid moisturiser
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Glow Moisturiser
The glycolic acid moisturiser
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Glow Moisturiser
If a multiple-step skincare routine isn't for you, switch your basic moisturiser out in favour of Kate Somerville's active-charged formula every few evenings. From the acclaimed Exfolikate line, this cream contains fruit enzymes as well as glycolic and lactic acids to gradually slough away dull skin cells.
We also love the more potent KateCeuticals Resurfacing Overnight Cream, ideal for specifically counteracting lingering scars, dark spots, and other visible signs of sun damage.
The A-list favourite glycolic acid
Fenty Skin Pre-Show Glow Instant Retexturising Treatment
The A-list favourite glycolic acid
Fenty Skin Pre-Show Glow Instant Retexturising Treatment
Now 15% Off
Rihanna credits this with granting her smooth, glowing skin – which is enough to make anyone want it, but know that it's beauty editor approved, too. Combining glycolic with citric and lactic acids for a 10 per cent AHA profile, the elixir helps fade the look of dark spots and reduce the appearance of pores, while improving the skin’s moisture content.
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The easy entry glycolic acid
Q+A Glycolic Acid Daily Toner
The easy entry glycolic acid
Q+A Glycolic Acid Daily Toner
Now 20% Off
Another option when it comes to a targeted toner is this affordable formula from Q&A. A failsafe choice for anyone wanting to test if glycolic suits them – without shelling out – it welcomes five-star reviews for its ability to exfoliate and hydrate (thanks to a dose of moisture-attracting hyaluronic acid). Swipe it on post-cleansing and pre-serum and/or moisturiser.
The glycolic acid face mask
Révive Masque de Brilliance Resurfacing Multi-Acid Mask
The glycolic acid face mask
Révive Masque de Brilliance Resurfacing Multi-Acid Mask
This smart new launch from Révive is a one-and-done formula that'll transform skin in serious need of a reboot. Whether you're prepping for a party or simply recovering from a long week, this blend of multiple acids – salicylic for congestion, glycolic and lactic for surface texture – will smooth, brighten and unify in one fell swoop. With hyaluronic acid and peptides in the mix, it feeds the skin as well as it exfoliates, too.
The gradual brightener
Naturium Glycolic Acid Resurfacing Gel 10%
The gradual brightener
Naturium Glycolic Acid Resurfacing Gel 10%
This reliable (if not that sexy) glycolic acid gel will gradually brighten and unify tone over the course of a few weeks. We'd recommend using it one evening a week, beneath a simple restorative night cream.
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The glycolic acid for sensitive skin
Malin + Goetz Resurfacing Face Serum
The glycolic acid for sensitive skin
Malin + Goetz Resurfacing Face Serum
Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz don't launch a product unless it's proven safe for the very sensitive – so if you're nervous about using glycolic acid, start here. This light gel serum also contains vitamin C to brighten and phytic acid to help prevent breakouts.
The glycolic acid course
MZ Skin Glow Boost Ampoules
The glycolic acid course
MZ Skin Glow Boost Ampoules
For an intensive brightening treatment, try this five-day skincare course, with each ampoule providing a potent dose of actives to get skin glowing. The fusion of antioxidants and acids (including glycolic and lactic) alongside vitamin C works to diminish the appearance of age spots and lines while aiding the skin’s barrier function to better retain hydration. Expect smooth, luminous skin by next weekend.
The glycolic acid body wash
Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash
The glycolic acid body wash
Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash
Glycolic acid is ideal for use on the body – especially if you're tackling keratosis pilaris, back breakouts or lingering fake tan. Kosas' brilliant body wash smells subtly of white florals and foams up to sweep away dirt without drying out your skin.
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The glycolic acid body lotion
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion
The glycolic acid body lotion
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion
Not just a great face exfoliator, glycolic acid is brilliantly effective on the body, too.
This lightweight lotion marries softening plant oils and coconut extracts with a punchy dose of glycolic acid, making it ideal for anyone prone to ingrown hairs, shaving spots or dry, scaly elbows.
The glycolic acid scalp treatment
The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub
The glycolic acid scalp treatment
The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Scrub
Credit: BootsGlycolic acid is a great ingredient to use on the scalp, as it'll help dislodge product build-up and excess oil from your roots. Use this grainy deep-treatment liquid to sweep away the week's residue, leaving hair full of volume and movement.
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