MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • marie hair
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • marie hair
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Beauty

The Best Glycolic Acid Products For An Overnight Glow-Up

Instant radiance boosters - by Samantha McMeekin
  • 26 Jun 2020
The Best Glycolic Acid Products For An Overnight Glow-Up

It seems like every day there’s a new acid or vitamin we should be adding into our skincare routines, so you’re excused if you’ve been finding the whole field a tad confusing and tiresome.

And while among all the newness there are definitely some gems (squalane for one), glycolic acid is a golden oldie that’s been providing smoother, brighter skin for us for years.

In fact, it’s highly likely you’ve already been using a product that contains it without even knowing. It’s just that now we’re all so ingredient-savvy, we’re actually looking at the label.

And if you see this star sitting anywhere near the top, you’re almost guaranteed a glow as a result.

What is glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant that helps to gently dissolve dull dead skin cells from the surface of our complexions.

“This type of non-abrasive exfoliation allows skin to shed in a more efficient manner to unveil a healthier, smoother complexion that’s hiding underneath,” says Desiree Stordahl, Senior Research and Education Manager at Paula’s Choice.

“Glycolic acid occurs naturally in sugar cane but is most effective when created in a lab, where its potency, concentration and pH can be optimised for use in skincare. You may also see glycolic acid interchangeably called AHA (alpha hydroxy acid)—AHA is the classification of this type of exfoliant.”

What are the benefits of glycolic acid?

The first thing people typically notice (and for some products the effect is overnight) is a healthier glow and smoother surface.

“But it also offers longer-term benefits including evening out skin tone, aiding collagen replenishment, and softening the appearance of wrinkles,” Stordahl tells Marie Claire.

“Moreover, studies show that glycolic acid can boost hydration. It does this by helping skin make mucopolysaccharides, which increase the presence of hyaluronic acid within skin.”

paulaschoiceau View Profile
likes - View Post on Instagram
@christineleeee uses our 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant... "This is my 3rd one and to all my oily prone friends: YOU NEED THIS. I cannot go a week without using this. Contains salicylic acid which helps fight breakouts and lightly exfoliates my skin."

What skin types benefit most from glycolic acid?

A lot of acids are targeted towards oily or ageing skin, but glycolic acid is the preferred exfoliant for normal to dry skin. And according to Stordahl, it’s particularly helpful for sun-damaged skin.

“If you have oily or combination skin, or if you’re prone to breakouts and/or clogged pores, go with salicylic acid (also known as BHA) instead,” she recommends.

What’s the best way to use glycolic acid within a routine?

Unlike retinols which should be used at night, and vitamin C which produces better results in the morning, you can use glycolic acid as part of your AM or PM skincare routine.

“Use your cleanser and toner first, then apply your glycolic acid exfoliant. You don’t have to wait to apply the other products in your routine (serum, moisturiser, etc.)—they won’t deactivate the glycolic acid,” instructs Stordahl.

However, some cleansers and toners come with glycolic acid in them, so you don’t need to add the extra step if you’re all about a simplistic routine.

“Generally speaking, once a day application works great for most people to keep skin looking optimally healthy, but monitor your skin—if it gets red, flaky or tight feeling, reduce your frequency of application or switch to a lower strength,” says Stordahl.

“You can also experiment with different textures to find which best suits your skin type. For some people, a lotion-based glycolic acid works great. Others may find a gel or serum preferable.”

The best glycolic acid products to try

paulas choice

Paula’s Choice Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% AHA, $44 at paulaschoice.com.au

skinceuticals glycolic cleanser

SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser, $64 at adorebeauty.com.au

dr dennis peels

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, $141 at mecca.com.au

drunk elephant glycolic

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum, $144 at mecca.com.au

alpha h liquid gold

Alpha-H Liquid Gold, $59.95 at adorebeauty.com.au

dr lewinns

Dr LeWinn’s Reversaderm Cellular Regeneration Cream, $59.95 at drlewinns.com.au

  • Beauty
  • Skin Care

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Recommended to you

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

24k Magic—Wittner Celebrates 110 Years With A Collection Cementing Their Golden Future

24k Magic—Wittner Celebrates 110 Years With A Collection Cementing Their Golden Future

With Issey Miyake Tragically Gone, Where Does The Future Of His Brand Lie?

With Issey Miyake Tragically Gone, Where Does The Future Of His Brand Lie?

10 Lash Serums That'll Help You Grow Your Longest Lashes Yet

10 Lash Serums That'll Help You Grow Your Longest Lashes Yet

17 Celebrities Who Have Spoke Openly About Their Plastic Surgery

17 Celebrities Who Have Spoke Openly About Their Plastic Surgery

{headline}

{headline}

9 Holy Grail Beauty Products That Are Bound To Become Your Winter Skin Saviours

9 Holy Grail Beauty Products That Are Bound To Become Your Winter Skin Saviours

6 Things Kate Middleton (Almost) Never Wears In Public

6 Things Kate Middleton (Almost) Never Wears In Public

Meet The 19-Year-Old Winner Of The Inaugural Carla Zampatti Scholarship For Young Women

Meet The 19-Year-Old Winner Of The Inaugural Carla Zampatti Scholarship For Young Women

{headline}

{headline}

"You Can't Please Everyone”: Nadia Bartel's Next Chapter Is Her Most Stylish One Yet

"You Can't Please Everyone”: Nadia Bartel's Next Chapter Is Her Most Stylish One Yet

11 Body Moisturisers For The Smoothest Skin Of Your Life

11 Body Moisturisers For The Smoothest Skin Of Your Life

Britney Spears Will Return To Music By Releasing ‘Tiny Dancer’ Duet With Elton John

Britney Spears Will Return To Music By Releasing ‘Tiny Dancer’ Duet With Elton John

Jennifer Lopez Is Bringing Love To The City Of Lights With Her Luxury Honeymoon Wardrobe

Jennifer Lopez Is Bringing Love To The City Of Lights With Her Luxury Honeymoon Wardrobe

The Most Shocking, Candid And Revealing Royal Interviews Of All Time

The Most Shocking, Candid And Revealing Royal Interviews Of All Time

Lift The Lid On Love—Couple’s Therapy Australia Is Taking You Behind Closed Doors

Lift The Lid On Love—Couple’s Therapy Australia Is Taking You Behind Closed Doors

Exactly Where To Shop For All Your Stylish Workwear Essentials

Exactly Where To Shop For All Your Stylish Workwear Essentials

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
MarieClaire Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Elle
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • beautyheaven
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Practical Parenting
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to Marie Claire