The next ingredient focus for us is Glycolic Acid. The key AHA and ingredient for exfoliation, this acid has been a buzzword for beauty editors worldwide for months, but just how should we be adding it to our skincare routines, and which are the Glycolic Acid products to try first?
What is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic Acid is an AHA – an Alpha Hydroxy Acid – meaning it’s an exfoliating acid which can help to remove the outer layer of the skin, resulting in renewed cell turnover and more youthful looking skin.
In skincare, you commonly find it in facial exfoliators, however it can also be found in other products like toner and face masks. A cult favourite products loved by Beauty Editors worldwide, PIXI’s Glow Tonic features Glycolic Acid heavily, helping to reveal a refresh complexion. Plus, NIP+FAB have a whole range devoted to the cult skincare ingredient.
Glycolic acid is considered to be the strongest AHA as due to its small size, it is able to penetrate deeper into skin. This makes it ideal for those with uneven or textured skin who have normal to dry skin type and are able to tolerate products.
Hira, HQhair’s Pharmacist
When should I use it?
Much like other AHAs, Glycolic Acid products are best used in the evening and followed by a sun cream the next morning as skin is more sensitive to UVA and UVB rays after use.
If you were to use the skincare acid in the morning, skin would be much more sensitive to the sun’s rays, resulting in a greater chance of sun burn or redness.
Always start with a lower concentration of AHAs and build your skin tolerance.
Hira, HQhair’s Pharmacist
Best Glycolic Acid for Skin 2019
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£18.00 Buy now with HQhair PIXI GLOW TONIC
Buy now with free deliveryFormulated with 5% of the ingredient, of course we had to include the PIXI Glow Tonic in our list of the best Glycolic Acid products.
Used as a toner after cleansing, the Glow Tonic works to exfoliate skin revealed a refreshed complexion. To counter the harshness of the acid, PIXI have included Aloe Vera and Ginseng to nourish skin for lasting hydration.
This stuff is amazing! Absolute must for anyone who suffers with combination skin, is prone to break outs and has dull skin with large pores. Works wonders for me!
Toni87, on-site review
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£40.00 Buy now with HQhair REN Clean Skincare Glycol Lactic Radiance Mask 50ml
Buy now with free deliveryNext on our list of the best Glycolic Acid skincare products is this exfoliating face mask by beauty brand REN. By combining with other AHAs such as Citric and Lactic Acid, this resurfacing mask will help to renew your complexion in as little as ten minutes.
After the time’s up, remove the mask with the provided muslin cloth and a little bit of water. It gets to work on hyperpigmentation and acne scars with the aim of reducing their appearance.
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£34.00 Buy now with HQhair Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 8% Toner
Buy now with free deliveryFeaturing 8% Glycolic Acid, this toner by Peter Thomas Roth is on the higher percentage end of the spectrum, so we would definitely recommend starting small and building up your tolerance.
Combined with Witch Hazel and Allantoin, this toner is perfect for those with oily skin, and aiming to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
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£16.07 Buy now with HQhair NIP+FAB Glycolic Fix Liquid Glow 6% 100ml
Buy now with free deliveryA perfected treatment for younger skin, NIP+FAB have created a 6% Glycolic Acid toner to help make sure youthful skin glows.
Mixed with complementary BHA Salicylic Acid, skin retains its natural moisture with added Vitamin B5.
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£19.50 Buy now with HQhair Jack Black Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser
Buy now with free deliveryFed up of him stealing your skincare products? Then get Jack Black on the case.
This cleanser has been formulated with male skin in mind, helping to wash away dead skin cells in an effort to minimise acne and cleanse skin effectively. For skin that tends to lean towards the oily side, this is perfect for helping to keep sebum production at bay.
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£25.50 Buy now with HQhair CAUDALIE VINOPERFECT DARK SPOT CORRECTING GLYCOLIC NIGHT CREAM
Buy now with free deliverySuitable for all skin types, this new innovation by Caudalie is the perfect Glycolic skincare product for anyone looking for a gentle way to integrate the ingredient into their routine.
Used as an overnight treatment, this night cream will help to visibly renew and brighten skin while you sleep. Glycolic Acid is mixed with the formula’s exclusive ingredient Viniferine to help counter huperpigmentation and brighten skin with a gentle peeling exfoliation. Both Shea Butter and Hyaluronic Acid work to nourish and hydrate skin.
This formula is suitable for sensitive skin, and it created free of Parabens, phenoxyethanol, phthalates, mineral oils and animal-derived ingredients. 95% of ingredients are of natural origin too.
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£30.00 Buy now with HQhair FIRST AID BEAUTY FACIAL RADIANCE PADS
Buy now with free deliveryIf you’re after a quick fix, then the Radiance Pads by First Aid Beauty will be the perfect solution. These 60 individual cotton pads have been designed to sweep across skin to help refresh complexion.
Cucumber and Indian gooseberry gently tone skin, whilst lemon peel and liquorice root will help to ensure that skin doesn’t lose its natural moisture.
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£45.00 Buy now with HQhair GLAMGLOW Supermud Mask 50g
Buy now with free deliveryGLAMGLOW have got the goods when it comes to a Glycolic Acid face mask. The Supermud Mask has been developed to help minimise the appearance of hyperpigmentation, spots and blemishes, whilst also making sure that it’s helping to minimise the cause of spots to begin with.
A potent blend of AHA’s including Lactic Acid and BHA Salicylic Acid, this mask also makes sure that skin is visibly renewed after each use with nourishing ingredients helping to counter the high acid concentration.
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£24.99 Buy now with HQhair L'ORÉAL PARIS REVITALIFT LASER GLYCOLIC PEEL PADS
Buy now with free deliveryLast up on our list of the best Glycolic Acid products are formulation-infused pads by L’Oréal Paris.
With a 9.6% Glycolic Acid Complex, these are fairly strong so are incredibly beneficial as part of an anti-ageing skincare routine. One use will result in a brighter complexion, whereas continued use will help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and create a more even skin tone.
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Reckon you’ve found the best Glycolic Acid products to add to your beauty collection?
Shop Glycolic Acid skincare products
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