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Exfoliant

Glycolic Acid

Often labeled as: AHA, Alpha Hydroxy Acid

A water-soluble exfoliant that melts away dead skin on the surface.

⚠️
Overall Safety Caution
πŸ‘Ά
Pregnancy Safety Safe
πŸ•³οΈ
Comedogenic (0-5) 0 / 5
⚑
Irritancy (0-5) 3 / 5

πŸ”¬ How It Actually Works

Made from sugar cane, it has the smallest molecule size of the AHAs, meaning it penetrates quickly to reveal glowing skin underneath. Can tingle upon application.

πŸ’– Why your skin loves it

Improves skin texture, brightens dullness, stimulates collagen.

πŸ’‘ Pro Tip

Use 1-2 times a week at night. Mild tingling is normal. You must apply sunscreen the following morning.

βš–οΈ Myth vs. Fact

The Myth

You only need acids if you have acne.

The Science

Glycolic acid is actually one of the gold standards for anti-aging. By removing the dull top layer, it dramatically improves fine lines and surface texture.

🧴 Formulations featuring Glycolic Acid

β˜… 9.0
Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
The Ordinary
Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
Toner

A highly powerful leave-on alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) treatment fluid. It utilizes Glycolic Acidβ€”the smallest molecular size AHAβ€”which penetrates the stratum corneum rapidly to break the bonds holding dead skin cells together. Dosed at a significant 7% concentration with a highly acidic pH of 3.6, it provides intense, effective surface peeling that rapidly clears rough texture and hyperpigmentation. However, this high free-acid availability means it is inherently aggressive. It frequently triggers severe burning, stinging, and barrier damage if used daily or applied to thin, sensitive facial skin. In Malaysia, it has exploded as a highly popular body treatment for smoothing dark underarms, strawberry legs, and rough elbows.

β˜… 9.5
Niacinamide 5% Serum
The Raw.
Niacinamide 5% Serum
Serum

A highly sophisticated, multi-pathway acne treatment serum that goes beyond basic Niacinamide. The Raw balances a clinical 5 percent dose of Niacinamide with a highly calculated acid cocktail (Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid). This allows the serum to control sebum, fade post-acne marks, and gently clear clogged pores simultaneously without severe barrier stripping. The immense botanical load (Green Tea, Centella, Licorice) ensures that localized redness is actively suppressed during the chemical exfoliation phase safely.

β˜… 9.2
BHA PHA Bright Pore Refining 10% AHA BHA PHA Triple Serum
Aiken
BHA PHA Bright Pore Refining 10% AHA BHA PHA Triple Serum
Serum

A heavy-duty, high-performance acid serum. Combining a powerful 10 percent blend of AHA (Glycolic and Lactic Acid), BHA (Salicylic Acid), and PHA (Gluconolactone), it operates as a chemical peeling powerhouse. It rapidly digests the intracellular glue binding dead skin flakes while diving deep into the pore to dissolve oxidized sebum plugs. Buffered with Vitamin C to tackle post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation safely.

β˜… 9.4
BHA PHA Brightening & Pore Refining Concentrated Exfoliating Water
Aiken
BHA PHA Brightening & Pore Refining Concentrated Exfoliating Water
Toner

A highly potent, multi-tiered chemical exfoliant. It merges the deep resurfacing power of an AHA (Glycolic Acid) with a gentle PHA (Gluconolactone) and a pore-clearing BHA (Salicylic Acid). By buffering this intense acid matrix with Glycerin and Betaine, it successfully digests dead keratin layers and liquefies oxidized blackheads rapidly. This is a genuinely strong treatment fluid disguised as an affordable drugstore toner.