Glycolic acid benefits were first described in a dermatology journal, not a beauty ad. In 1974, dermatologists Eugene Van Scott and Ruey Yu reported in the Archives of Dermatology that topical alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic and lactic acid among them, had profound effects on the thick, scaly skin of ichthyosis. That paper started the AHA era, and glycolic acid, the smallest AHA, became the one everyone knows.

Its size is the point. Glycolic acid loosens the bonds between dead cells on the surface, so they shed faster and skin looks smoother, brighter and more even. Over time that can soften the look of rough texture, dullness, fine lines and marks left behind by breakouts.

There is one real catch. According to the FDA, its own studies found that after four weeks of AHA use, volunteers' sensitivity to UV reddening rose 18 percent, though it returned to normal within a week of stopping. The industry's safety panel considers glycolic products safe for consumers at 10 percent or less with a pH of 3.5 or higher, plus daily sun protection.

The first grid is glycolic toners and pads. The second is glycolic serums, masks, cleansers and body care. My tip: start every other night, keep it off retinol nights at first, and wear SPF every morning while you use it.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toner is the most reviewed product in this edit, a daily toner that sits just under that 10 percent line and suits normal, combination and oily skin. The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Toner goes up to 10 percent, for pores and fine lines. Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic pairs glycolic acid with hydrating grape water for dark spots and brightness, and it suits drier skin. fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Toner fades the look of dark spots and tightens the look of pores, and it has the best rating in this grid.

For pads, First Aid Beauty Brighten + Glow is made for sensitive skin, with a blend of AHAs gentle enough for daily use and a good prep before makeup. YISE Beauty Your Favorite Ex pads are barrier-safe and refillable, and they won an allure Best of Beauty award in 2025. INNBEAUTY PROJECT Skin Prep pads smooth texture and brighten tone, and StriVectin Daily Reveal pads gently remove dead cells for a more even tone.

What I would skip: a toner and a pad in the same routine. Pick one glycolic step, give it a month, and only then think about adding a serum from the next grid.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos is the most reviewed serum in this grid, a 10% AHA and 1% BHA night gel that resurfaces dull, congested skin. Farmacy Honey Glow is a 17% AHA and BHA night serum that the brand says smooths texture in five nights, so treat it as a strong one. Monastery XX Rose Glycolic Gel pairs glycolic acid with soothing botanicals for skin that usually gets irritated by acids.

Dr. Idriss Major Fade Flash Mask has the best rating here. It is a ten-minute mask with glycolic, lactic and tranexamic acids for dark spots and acne marks, and it won an allure Best of Beauty award in 2025. For cleansing, Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel exfoliates with glycolic and salicylic acids, and Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser is a daily foaming wash with AHAs and fruit enzymes.

The body is where glycolic acid is most underrated. The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Body Stick has 7 percent glycolic acid for bumps, ingrown hairs and rough patches. Skinfix Resurface+ Body Scrub is a double-duty peel with glycolic and lactic acids for rough, bumpy skin.

What I would skip: a 17 percent serum as your first acid. Start with a cleanser or a 7 percent toner and work up from there.

I think glycolic acid is still the most useful single exfoliating ingredient, because it works on texture, dullness and marks all at once. The benefits show up in weeks, not overnight, and they depend on going slowly: one product, a few nights a week, and sunscreen every morning. Van Scott and Yu showed what AHAs could do in 1974, and the FDA's sun data tells you the one rule that really matters: whatever you pick, wear sunscreen the next morning.