Best Glycolic Acid Face Serums of 2026
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Glycolic acid face serums are a popular skincare product known for their exfoliating and brightening properties. These serums are formulated with glycolic acid, a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane, which works to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture. They are often used to address concerns such as fine lines, uneven skin tone, and acne scarring. With regular use, glycolic acid face serums can help reveal smoother, more radiant skin for a youthful, glowing complexion.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Glycolic Acid Face Serums
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Face Serum
The L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Face Serum is a dermatologist-validated anti-aging serum that reduces wrinkles and dark spots. Its optimal concentration of glycolic acid resurfaces dead skin cells, revealing more even skin without being harsh on sensitive skin. The serum is highly concentrated and lightweight for optimal penetration and visible results. It is also fragrance-free, paraben-free, dye-free, and suitable for all skin types.
Advanced Clinicals Glycolic Acid Peel Serum
Advanced Clinicals Glycolic Acid Peel Serum is a gentle formula that targets fine lines, large pores, age spots, and more. It increases skin hydration, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, uneven skin tone, acne scars, and dark spots. Its 3X AHA/ BHA Formula exfoliates dull looking skin and boosts turnover, and it features 4 different exfoliating acids. This facial serum is gentle enough for daily use and dry or sensitive skin.
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Glycolic Acid Serum
The IT Cosmetics Pore Minimizer Serum is designed to help you achieve smoother, clearer skin by gently exfoliating with 10% glycolic acid. This powerful ingredient works to unclog and shrink enlarged pores, making them less noticeable within just one week. Along with exfoliation, this serum provides hydration thanks to hyaluronic acid, which nourishes your skin and keeps it feeling soft and refreshed. It’s suitable for all skin types and gentle enough for daily use, even if you have sensitive skin. Plus, this vegan, allergy-tested formula is free from fragrance and won’t clog pores, making it a reliable choice for your skincare routine.
Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment
The Good Molecules Exfoliating Treatment is designed to enhance your skin's appearance while you sleep. With its powerful ingredients, it helps brighten and resurface your skin, giving you a radiant glow by morning. You can expect improved texture and reduced breakouts, as the formula effectively targets clogged and enlarged pores. This treatment combines glycolic and lactic acids to stimulate renewal, while salicylic acid addresses blemishes and irritations. It's simple to use—just apply a few drops to clean skin at night, and you’ll wake up to a refreshed complexion.
CeraVe Nightly Exfoliating Treatment | Anti-Aging Serum for Face
The CeraVe Nightly Exfoliating Treatment is a hydrating facial serum that helps improve visible signs of aging, including dullness and discoloration. The serum contains Lactic and Glycolic Acids to minimize the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and pores. It also has Licorice Root Extract to visibly brighten skin and Hyaluronic Acid to retain skin's natural moisture. The serum is formulated with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) to help restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier. Developed with dermatologists, this noncomedogenic, paraben-free, and fragrance-free serum is suitable for various skin types.
Ember Cloud Glycolic Acid Face Serum 15%
The Ember Cloud Glycolic Serum offers a powerful combination of glycolic and lactic acids to gently exfoliate your skin, helping to improve its texture and boost radiance. With a 15% glycolic acid concentration, it works to remove dull surface cells, revealing smoother and more vibrant skin over time. Its lightweight formula is easily absorbed, promoting collagen production which may help even out your skin tone. Additionally, it includes nourishing ingredients that keep your skin hydrated, balancing exfoliation with moisture for a healthy and refreshed appearance. This serum is a great choice if you want a gentle, effective way to enhance your skin’s glow and smoothness.
Alpha Skin Care Renewal Serum Concentrated with 14% Glycolic AHA
Alpha Skin Care Renewal Serum is a specially formulated serum with 14% Glycolic Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and a ph level of 3.7, which works naturally to lift away dead skin cells to reveal healthy, younger-looking skin. It is also free of parabens and fragrances. The serum is enriched with vitamins and nutrients that moisturize and soothe your skin, while our anti-aging ingredients work to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Apply it daily on your face and neck for optimal results.
Ember Cloud Glycolic Acid Face Serum 15%
The Ember Cloud Glycolic Serum uses a blend of glycolic and lactic acids to gently exfoliate your skin, helping to smooth texture and brighten your complexion. With a 15% concentration of glycolic acid, it works to remove dull, dead skin cells, revealing fresher, more radiant skin over time. Its lightweight formula absorbs deeply, encouraging collagen production which can improve uneven skin tone and firmness. Additionally, this serum nourishes your skin to maintain proper hydration, so you get gentle exfoliation without dryness, leaving your skin feeling balanced and healthy.
Elastalift Resurfacing Glycolic Acid Facial Peel Serum
Elastalift Glycolic Acid Facial Peel is a covetable complexion treatment that helps to retexturize, resurface, and reveal luminous skin. With its powerful blend of glycolic, salicylic, lactic, and phytic acid, this chemical peel effectively targets age spots, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars. It works harder and deeper than physical exfoliators without harming sensitive skin. Regular use of this dark spot corrector can help reverse signs of aging, leaving you with a more youthful-looking complexion. Made in the USA with high-quality ingredients, Elastalift Glycolic Acid Facial Peel is suitable for all skin types. Plus, it is free from parabens, alcohol, mineral oils, dyes, and talc. Try it risk-free and wake up to clear, even, and confident skin.
La Roche Posay Glycolic Acid Serum
La Roche Posay Glycolic Acid Serum is a lightweight serum that helps reduce the look of dark spots and discolorations, and reveals brighter, more even looking skin. It contains 10% pure glycolic acid, tranexamic acid (TXA), lipo-hydroxy acid, and vitamin B5 for optimal effectiveness while being suitable for sensitive skin. This dark spot corrector treats skin concerns like visible dark spots, visible age spots, visible discolorations, and uneven skin tone. It also contains kojic acid which helps visibly reduce skin discolorations. After 2 weeks, skin looks brighter and radiant, and after 4 weeks, the look of dark spots and discolorations is reduced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does glycolic acid serum do for your face?
Glycolic acid serum exfoliates the top layer of the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It accelerates skin cell renewal, increases collagen production, and helps the skin retain hydration. This results in smoother, healthier-looking skin with reduced signs of aging.
2. Is it okay to use glycolic acid serum everyday?
It is generally safe to use glycolic acid face wash or ointments with a concentration of 1-2% daily. However, creams with higher glycolic acid content (10% and above) should only be used once or twice a week to avoid skin irritation.
3. Which is better retinol or glycolic acid?
For normal skin, both retinol and glycolic acid can be beneficial. Retinol is more effective for addressing aging concerns, while glycolic acid is great for overall skin brightness and texture improvement.
4. Which is better for your face hyaluronic acid or glycolic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is better for hydration and promoting collagen production, while glycolic acid works as an exfoliant, improving skin tone and texture. It depends on your specific skin concerns, but both ingredients can be beneficial for anti-aging.
5. Who should not use glycolic acid on face?
People with dry or sensitive skin may find glycolic acid too irritating. Additionally, some individuals may experience increased sensitivity to the sun when using glycolic acid. It is recommended to use a daily sunscreen to reduce the risk of sun exposure.
6. What not to use with glycolic acid?
Avoid applying products containing active ingredients, such as vitamin C, immediately after using glycolic acid. It is also best to avoid using other AHAs with glycolic acid to prevent any adverse reactions.
7. Should I moisturize after glycolic acid?
It is recommended to use an intensive moisturizer after applying a glycolic acid product, as it can be drying to the skin.
8. What to avoid when using glycolic acid?
Avoid using additional exfoliants while using glycolic acid to prevent dry skin and reduce the risk of irritation. If you have rosacea or are using vitamin C or benzoyl peroxide products, glycolic acid may worsen redness.
9. What happens if you use glycolic acid and retinol at the same time?
Glycolic acid and retinol work best at different pH levels. If you apply glycolic acid immediately after retinol, the pH of the skin may be altered, potentially reducing the efficacy of the products. It is best to use them at separate times.
During our glycolic acid face serum research, we found 48 glycolic acid face serum products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 220,137 customer reviews through our big data system to write the glycolic acid face serums list. We found that most customers choose glycolic acid face serums with an average price of $17.09.
The glycolic acid face serums are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of glycolic acid face serums, including L'Oreal Paris, Advanced Clinicals, IT Cosmetics, Good Molecules, CeraVe. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 8,798 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.