Glycolic Acid

Hydroxyacetic Acid
Average
Warning
Pores
0/5
Irritancy
3/5
FA Safe
✅ Yes
Pregnancy
✅ Safe
Vegan
✅ Yes

Science & Benefits

Glycolic Acid is the smallest Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), allowing for deep penetration into the follicle. While it acts as a humectant by increasing GAG levels in the skin, its primary use is dissolving the desmosomes between dead skin cells. It is 100% non-comedogenic. In an acne database, it is a 'High-Performance Risk'—it is the best at fading acne scars and clearing clogs, but its low pH can easily compromise the barrier if not used with caution.