9 Best Glycolic Acid Serum Picks To Put Your Best Face Forward
If you're looking for the best glycolic acid serum to clear up your complexion, you've come to the right place.
In this blog post, we will review nine of the most popular serums on the market.
We'll talk about the benefits of using a glycolic acid serum, reveal how it can help improve your skin health, and give you our top picks for the best glycolic acid serums available today.
So whether you're dealing with acne, blackheads, or just general dullness, one of these serums is sure to help!
What Is Glycolic Acid Serum?
Glycolic Acid Serum is a powerful ingredient perfect for adding to any skincare routine.
It's a type of alpha-hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin and helps to remove dead cells and buildup, making it great for targeting dullness, discoloration, and visible signs of aging.
Glycolic acid also increases your skin’s natural collagen production and helps to improve your complexion and visibly minimize pores, giving you cleaner, brighter-looking skin.
Glycolic Acid Serum can be used as part of an everyday skincare routine or simply when needed depending on your skin needs; either way, it can leave you with softer skin and noticeable results that are worth incorporating into your beauty regimen.
How Do You Use It?
It’s best to incorporate glycolic acid into your skincare routine slowly, starting with a smaller amount to allow your skin to adjust. Glycolic Acid Serum should be applied daily after other products such as toners.
Squeeze a dime-sized amount of serum into your palm and use gentle circular motions to massage the serum into the skin with your fingertips.
Consider gently mixing the glycolic acid serum with a moisturizer or using a moisturizer after for a more comfortable feeling during application.
It is suggested to use this product in your evening routine for best results, along with SPF the following morning as glycolic acid may increase the risk of sunburns.
Some Things To Keep In Mind
It’s important to note that everyone’s skin is unique and some may need something more than just a generic glycolic acid serum.
That's why this blog post will review 9 products specifically chosen for their uniqueness and special features that may make them the perfect fit for different skincare needs.
We'll be exploring just what makes each product stand out from thousands of others on the market, so readers can find the perfect one for them.
How To Make The Most Out Of This Article
Before you dive into our reviews, take a minute to jot down the top 2 to 3 concerns that you hope to solve with this product.
Throughout the reviews, we highlight key features to help you browse with ease. Read on to spot the best glycolic acid for your needs!
Best Lux Night Serum: Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
Why We Are Passionate About It
Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, is a remarkable product that refines and resurfaces the skin to appear smoother and more radiant.
This 12% AHA/BHA night serum ensures precise chemical exfoliation without any associated side effects like dryness or sensitization.
This well-reviewed luxurious glycolic serum is the perfect option for anyone looking for a bit more TLC (tartaric, lactic, and citric acid combination) from their nighttime skin routine.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include 10% AHA + 1% BHA
This product is made cruelty-free and in the USA.
Best Budget Night Serum: Bliss Renew & Smooth Night Serum
Why We Are Passionate About It
Bliss Renew & Smooth - Glycolic + Polyhydroxy Acid Night Serum is designed to nourish, hydrate and restore your skin with an expertly crafted blend of glycolic acid, a powerful alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), polyhydroxy acid, and Squalane to achieve superior results without the risk of irritation.
Polyhydroxy acid, otherwise known as next-generation AHA, works to gently exfoliate and squalane helps balance water reserves in the skin and locks in moisture for longer-lasting hydration.
Choose the Bliss Renew & Smooth Night Serum for an effective glycolic acid night serum that won't sabotage your budget!
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include glycolic acid, polyhydroxy acid, and fruit acid complex.
This product is made certified clean and cruelty-free.
Best Soothing: Artnaturals Glycolic Acid Serum
Why We Are Passionate About It
Artnaturals Glycolic Acid Serum is nourishing formula perfect for all skin types that helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles and boost brightness.
This revitalizing serum is made with the finest natural ingredients such as rejuvenating jojoba, soothing aloe vera and saffron for hyperpigmentation, and fruit extracts and sugar maple to help restore your skin’s natural radiance.
This glycolic acid serum is perfect to boost and restore sensitive skin!
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include glycolic acid, aloe vera, jojoba oil, saffron, fruit extracts, and sugar maple.
This product is made vegan, and cruelty-free.
Best Color-Correcting: La Roche Posay Glycolic B5 Serum
Why We Are Passionate About It
La Roche Posay's Glycolic B5 Serum is a revolutionary dark spot corrector.
Formulated with 10% Glycolic Acid and TXA, this lightweight serum helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots and discolorations while revealing visibly brighter, more even-looking skin.
Perfect for targeting age spots, dark marks, and other discoloration on multiple skin tones.
If you're looking to address dark spots, age spots, and other skin discoloration, then La Roche Posay Glycolic B5 Serum is the product for you!
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include kojic acid, glycolic acid, and vitamin B5.
This product is made in France using La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water.
Best Cruelty-Free & Vegan: Pacifica Beauty Glow Baby Booster Serum
Why We Are Passionate About It
Pacifica Beauty Glow Baby Booster Serum is specifically formulated to be suitable for all skin types.
This serum is special thanks to the combination of natural, vegan ingredients such as vitamin C and glycolic acid - a powerhouse antioxidant that works to reveal healthier and younger-looking skin.
Consider trying the Pacifica Beauty Glow Baby Booster Serum if you're looking for a top-notch cruelty-free and vegan option!
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include vitamin c and glycolic acid.
This product is made vegan, paraben-free, phthalates-free, SLS-free, mineral oil-free, petrolatum-free, sulfate-free, silicone-free and cruelty-free.
Best For Premature Aging: Advanced Clinicals 10% Glycolic Acid Peel Serum
Why We Are Passionate About It
Advanced Clinicals 10% Glycolic Acid Peel Serum is an advanced glycolic serum that triggers the renewal process of your skin, leaving it smoother and softer in as little as 24 hours.
After a month of use, you’ll find that your skin will be looking firmer, clearer, more supple, and with less visible wrinkles and reduced redness.
Not only that but Aquaspheres help to boost hydration up to 88%.
If you're looking for a powerful, budget-friendly glycolic acid serum designed to target premature aging, then this might be the serum for you!
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Phytic Acid.
This product is made cruelty-free, paraben-free, mineral oil-free, drying alcohol-free, and manufactured in the USA.
Best Multi-Use: QRxLabs Glycolic Acid/AHA Renewal Serum
Why We Are Passionate About It
Glycolic Acid/AHA Renewal Serum is a high-concentration formula that provides 15% Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA), including Glycolic, Lactic, Citric, Malic, and Tartaric Acids sourced directly from natural plant ingredients.
These incredible ingredients come together in a formula that promises a powerful brightening effect, renewing effect, and exfoliating effect, and can even out the skin tone.
Treat yourself to this multi-use glycolic acid serum if you're looking to address multiple problems at once.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Glycolic, Lactic, Citric, Malic, and Tartaric Acids from natural sources such as Bilberry, Sugar Cane, Orange, Lemon, and Sugar Maple.
This product is made cruelty-free, paraben-free, and silicone-free in the USA in an FDA-registered facility. It also comes in eco-friendly packaging.
Best Brightening: Murad Vita-C Glycolic Serum
Why We Are Passionate About It
Murad Vita-C Glycolic Serum is a potent gold-stabilized Vitamin C plus glycolic acid serum that exfoliates the skin without irritating it, allowing for maximum absorption of active ingredients which target excess shine and acne.
Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum is science-backed with a phyto-luminescent extract that turns UV into a source of light that emanates directly from the skin.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Vita-C Complex, L-ascorbic acid, phyto-luminescent extract, and glycolic acid.
This product is made paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalates-free, gluten-free, mineral oil-free, formaldehyde-free, oxybenzone-free, petrolatum-free, and without any animal-derived ingredients.
Best Drugstore: L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Face Serum
Why We Are Passionate About It
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Face Serum is an anti-aging dark spot corrector that is dermatologist validated for daily use.
Thanks to its optimal concentration of Glycolic Acid, you can visibly reduce dark spots in as little as two weeks and noticeably reduce wrinkles for a more youthful appearance.
This impressive serum is designed to gently resurface away dead skin cells by dissolving the bonds that keep them together; this helps to improve overall evenness across your complexion.
If you're looking for an effective and accessible Glycolic Acid Face Serum, ask about the L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Face Serum next time you visit your local drugstore.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include glycolic acid and aloe.
This product is made fragrance-free, paraben-free, and dye-free.
Glycolic Acid FAQs
A lot of people are interested in glycolic acid but they're not sure where to start.
Glycolic acid is a popular skincare ingredient, but it can be confusing to figure out how to use it and what results you can expect.
We've put together this FAQ page to answer all your questions about glycolic acid. Learn everything you need to know about this powerful skincare ingredient, including how it works, its benefits, and the best ways to use it.
Glycolic acid is safe for everyday use with lower concentrations (1-2%), which is often the case with commercial products such as serums, face washes, or moisturizers. Always check the instructions on the package to ensure you are not overusing the product and damaging your skin in the process. Always start with a patch test when using a glycolic acid product.
What not to use with glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid may not be effective when used together with other acids like Vitamin C, Salicylic acids, or lactic acid. Instead, try alternating the use of acids with glycolic acid to reap the benefits of multiple skincare ingredients without any ill effects on your skin. For example, you can use Vitamin C in the morning and Glycolic acid at night.
Which is better retinol or glycolic acid?
Although Glycolic acid and retinol are both known as powerful anti-aging agents, they function in very different ways. Glycolic acid is an incredibly effective way to remove debris from the skin and clear our pores while retinol, also known as vitamin A, serves to nourish the skin cells by stimulating regeneration and promoting collagen production. It may depend on your individual needs and concerns when it comes to figuring out which one will work best for you.
Does glycolic acid remove dark spots?
In short, yes. Glycolic acid is a powerful and effective way to deal with dark spots, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, acne prone skin types, and bothersome age spots. It removes all old, dry skin cells from the surface of the skin, not just pigmented ones. This results in smooth, young skin with a gorgeous even skin tone.
How long does it take for glycolic acid to work?
When applied on the skin, results are typically noticed minutes after application. This is due to the molecule's small size and ability to penetrate deeply into the skin’s layers. While results can often be seen immediately, peak results can take up to twelve weeks of continued use for maximum benefit.
Best Glycolic Acid Serum- What We Recommend
In conclusion, with all of the available glycolic acid serums on the market today, it can be overwhelming to select the right one for you.
We have done an extensive research to provide a comprehensive analysis and comparison of some of the best glycolic acid serums available.
We hope that this article will serve as a useful resource for making an informed decision about which product is suitable for your skin type and individual needs.
With this knowledge at hand, we encourage you to review this article for guidance in finding the best glycolic acid product that fits your lifestyle so that you can treat yourself to beautiful skin every single day.
Thank you for taking the time to read our post - go confidently into your next product purchase knowing that you've chosen what's best suited for your unique skin care needs!
How We Curated Our List
There are many options on the market with many different ingredients from hyaluronic acid to glycolic acid.
It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what product is best for you, especially if you're just starting your skincare journey or have a sensitive skin texture that doesn't allow you to test just any product.
We've taken the guesswork out of it for you and compiled a concise list of high-quality products that will fit both your budget and your needs.
Whether you're looking for a luxury option or something more affordable, we've got you covered.
Thanks for reading!
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