What Is Glycolic Acid? How Is It Used? What Does It Do?
31 July 2026
What is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is an organic acid belonging to the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) group, naturally found in sugarcane. Its molecular structure is extremely small, allowing it to easily penetrate the skin's surface and work deeply. Due to this property, the question "What is glycolic acid?" can be summarized as "a powerful exfoliant that supports skin renewal, reduces the appearance of blemishes, and adds radiance."
What is glycolic acid used for?
Glycolic acid gently removes dead cells and promotes cell renewal. Thus:
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Skin tone is evened
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Fine lines and wrinkles are reduced
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Acne scars and blemishes are lightened
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Skin looks brighter and healthier
Additionally, among the benefits of glycolic acid for the skin is its ability to stimulate collagen production, supporting increased elasticity.
What is glycolic acid toner used for?
Glycolic acid toner is a lightweight skincare product formulated with low concentrations of glycolic acid (usually 5–10%). It stands out with the following effects:
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Cleanses and tightens pores
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Softens and smooths the skin's surface
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Makes the skin look brighter and fresher
How to use glycolic acid?
The question "How to use glycolic acid?" is important for those who want to integrate this ingredient into their skincare routine. Key usage recommendations:
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Morning routine: Glycolic acid is not used in morning routines due to its ability to sensitize the skin to the sun. It can be easily used in evening routines. In the mornings, sunscreen (at least SPF 30) should be used along with moisturizing actives and gentle cleansers.
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Evening routine: After cleansing, apply glycolic acid toner or serum. Then, soothe the skin with a moisturizer containing hyaluronic acid. The next day, the skin can be cleansed of product residues with a gentle cleanser.
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Weekly care: Peeling can be applied 1–2 times a week with products in 10–20% concentrations. This treatment is also effective on areas such as armpits, elbows, and heels.
Especially, using glycolic acid in the armpit area will be quite effective in removing unwanted dark spots and preventing body odor.
How often should glycolic acid be used?
Initially, it is recommended to use it 2 nights a week. As the skin develops tolerance, the frequency of use can be increased. Preparations containing glycolic acid up to 10% concentration can be tolerated more easily by the skin with daily use, while the use of higher concentrations, especially daily, can sensitize the skin.
What problems is glycolic acid good for?
Glycolic acid is a very valuable active ingredient. It can be used in many areas and is generally safe.
Acne and comedones: It opens pores, reducing oil and dirt buildup. However, initially, the question "Does glycolic acid cause breakouts?" may arise. Yes, glycolic acid can cause short-term temporary breakouts. In this case, active moisturizing support like Hyaluronic Acid is very important.
- Acne and comedones: It opens pores, reducing oil and dirt buildup. However, initially, the question "Does glycolic acid cause breakouts?" may arise. Yes, glycolic acid can cause short-term temporary breakouts. Hyaluronic Acid, an active moisturizing support, is very important in this case.
- Acne scars and marks: It reduces post-acne hyperpigmentation by supporting cell renewal.
- Underarm darkening and body odor: Regular use shows a skin lightening effect. For this reason, glycolic acid is recommended for the problem of underarm darkening. Also, thanks to its antibacterial properties, it prevents body odor by inhibiting bacterial growth in the underarm.
- Uneven skin tone: It is successful in correcting color irregularities such as sun spots and melasma. When used with other antioxidants like Vitamin C, it shows a synergistic effect, fighting skin blemishes more powerfully.
Skin problems
What should glycolic acid not be used with?
Its use with some ingredients is not recommended. The answer to the question "What should glycolic acid not be used with?" is:
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Retinol: Can increase the risk of irritation in the same routine
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BHA (Salicylic acid): The combination can cause excessive dryness in some skin types
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Niacinamide: Due to pH differences, it is not recommended to apply them at the same time (niacinamide, with its higher pH, can raise the pH of glycolic acid, reducing its effectiveness)
If they are to be used together, they should be applied at different times (e.g., morning and evening) or on different days.
What should be considered when choosing a glycolic acid product?
Choosing the right glycolic acid is crucial for both preventing skin damage and achieving higher effectiveness. Your pharmacist and doctor will guide you to the glycolic acid brands best suited for your skin. Additionally, points you can pay attention to are:
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pH value: Products with a pH of ~3.5–4 are effective but less irritating
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Concentration rate: For beginners, 5–10% is suitable
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Additional ingredients: Products containing soothing agents like hyaluronic acid and allantoin improve skin comfort
Where is glycolic acid used?
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Face: The most common area of use. It is good for fine wrinkles and uneven skin tone.
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Armpit: Used to reduce darkening, roughness, and body odor.
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Bikini area: Should be used carefully to correct uneven skin tone; never applied to the vulva and vagina.
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Feet, elbows, heels: Effective for softening hardened skin and adding radiance; higher concentrations can be used on thicker skin areas.
If you are going to use glycolic acid, a powerful exfoliant that supports skin renewal, reduces the appearance of blemishes, and adds radiance to the skin, dermatologically, it is very important to consult your dermatologist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid is an organic acid belonging to the AHA group and is a powerful exfoliant that supports skin renewal and reduces the appearance of blemishes.
What is glycolic acid used for?
It removes dead cells, promotes cell renewal, evens skin tone, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and adds radiance to the skin.
How to use glycolic acid?
It is applied in the evening routine, starting with a low concentration, and usage can be increased as skin tolerance develops; SPF 30+ sunscreen must be used in the mornings.
This article was written by Pharmacist Nil Eker from the Primum Pharma team.