Ingredient decoder
INCI name: Glycolic Acid
Small-molecule AHA that exfoliates and smooths texture.
Glycolic acid is the smallest alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which lets it work on the skin surface quickly. It dissolves the bonds holding dead skin cells together, which can help with clogged pores, rough texture and post-acne marks. It can sting or cause dryness and peeling, and it makes skin more sensitive to the sun, so use sunscreen.
No. Glycolic acid is on the helpful side for acne-prone skin and is not known to clog pores. Our checker groups it with the exfoliant ingredients. Like most acne actives, it can cause dryness or irritation at first, so start slowly.
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There is no published comedogenic rating for glycolic acid, and it is not known to clog pores. It is used in products made for acne-prone skin.
In short: small-molecule AHA that exfoliates and smooths texture. In formulas it is used for buffering.
On ingredient lists, glycolic acid can also appear as Hydroxyacetic acid or Glycollic acid.
