Glycolic Acid
The smallest and most penetrating alpha hydroxy acid, used to loosen the bonds between dead skin cells for smoother texture and tone. It is a genuine irritant at higher concentrations or low pH, can increase sun sensitivity, and the EU restricts free acid content and requires sunscreen-use wording on labeling.
Worth knowing
- Can irritate, especially left on
- Restricted in the EU
EU Cosmetic Regulation caps free glycolic acid concentration and pH for leave-on and rinse-off use, and requires warnings about increased sun sensitivity and daily SPF use.
Gentler alternatives
Products with Glycolic Acid
References
This dossier covers safety and concern. For what the efficacy evidence says about Glycolic Acid, see SerumTruth ↗, our sister site.
Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.