Best Glycolic Acid Facial Cleansing Gels of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 3, 2025

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Glycolic acid facial cleansing gels are a popular choice among those looking for a deep cleanse and exfoliation. These gels are formulated with glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid that helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, leaving skin feeling refreshed and smooth. They are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and can be used daily to help improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin. These gels are often enriched with other nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E and green tea extract, which help to soothe and hydrate the skin while also providing antioxidant protection.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Glycolic Acid Cleansing Gel Cover #TOP 1
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Glycolic Acid Cleansing Gel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Facial Cleanser Cover #TOP 2
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Facial Cleanser
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel Cover #TOP 3
Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Glycolic Acid Facial Cleansing Gels

L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Glycolic Acid Cleansing Gel

071249419854
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Glycolic Acid Cleansing Gel Cover
L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 3.5% Pure Glycolic Acid Brightening Cleansing Gel wth Salicylic Acid 6.7 fl oz

The L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 3.5% Pure Glycolic Acid Cleansing Gel with Salicylic Acid gently dissolves impurities, makeup, and dead cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin. Its non-drying formula hydrates and refines the appearance of enlarged pores. This fragrance-free, paraben-free, allergy-tested, mineral oil-free, and dye-free formula is perfect for daily use. Dermatologist-validated, it preps your skin for serum application and is perfect for resurfacing your skin.

What We Like
Removes impurities, oil, and makeup
Hydrates and refreshes the skin
Non-drying formula perfect for daily use

RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Facial Cleanser

RoC
210101900
ORANGE
6 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Facial Cleanser Cover
RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Facial Cleanser With Vitamin C, & Glycolic Acid, Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free Skin Care, Stocking Stuffers for Men & Women, 6 Ounces

RoC Glow Gel Cleanser is an invigorating gel cleanser that instantly dissolves dirt and oils, revealing smooth and refreshed skin after just one use. It extracts dulling impurities trapped on the skin's surface and replenishes skin with Vitamin C, Ascorbic Acid, and Glycerin to brighten and boost radiance. In just two weeks, users can see brighter and radiant skin, improve uneven skin tone, and visibly smooth rough skin texture. 8 out of 10 users saw more radiant skin with daily cleansing. RoC Glow Gel Cleanser is perfect for those looking for a solution for deep wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles, crow's feet, uneven skin tone, or dry skin. With its citrus scent and paraben-free and sulfate-free formula, it is a must-have for people who want to achieve healthy-looking skin.

What We Like
Instantly reveals smooth and refreshed skin
Brightens and boosts radiance
Improves uneven skin tone
#TOP 3

Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel

PETCMU002
No Color
Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel Cover
Peter Thomas Roth | Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel | Face Wash with Anti-Wrinkle Technology, Exfoliates with Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid, 8.5 Fl Oz

Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel is a beauty product that exfoliates your skin with glycolic acid and salicylic acid. This face wash has anti-wrinkle technology, which makes it perfect for those who want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The packaging of this product may vary and it is not a tester. It falls under the category of facial cleansing gels.

What We Like
Exfoliates skin with glycolic acid and salicylic acid
Contains anti-wrinkle technology
Perfect for reducing the appearance of wrinkles
#TOP 4

Pixi Beauty Glow Tonic Cleansing Gel

885190812622
Pixi Beauty Glow Tonic Cleansing Gel Cover
Pixi Beauty Glow Tonic Cleansing Gel 135ml | Glycolic Acid Facial Cleanser | Purify and Brighten Complexion | Ginseng Improves Circulation | 4.57 Fl Oz

The Pixi Glow Tonic Gel is designed to refresh and energize your skin. This gentle cleanser purifies your complexion, removing impurities while ensuring your skin stays hydrated. Infused with glycolic acid, it helps to brighten your skin tone and enhance your natural glow. Additionally, the blend of soothing ingredients like horse chestnut extract and aloe vera works to calm irritation and provide extra moisture. With ginseng to boost circulation, this cleanser preps your skin perfectly for the rest of your skincare routine, making it a convenient choice for both morning and evening use.

What We Like
Hydrates while cleansing
Brightens skin tone
Soothes irritation
Boosts skin energy
#TOP 5

Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser for Normal to Combination Skin

C73480
White
Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser for Normal to Combination Skin Cover
Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser - Exfoliating Face Wash for Normal to Combination Skin - With 4.7% Pure Glycolic Acid - Vegan & Fragrance-Free - 6.7 fl. oz.

Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser is a lightweight exfoliating gel cleanser made with 4.7% Free Acid Value Glycolic Acid that helps remove dirt, oil and dull, dead skin cells, visibly improves skin's tone, and prepares skin for other treatments. This daily cleanser is gentle and moisturizing, making it perfect for normal to oily skin types. The best-selling cleanser helps resurface skin and promote healthy, glowing skin. Simply mix a small amount with water, massage over your wet face & neck, then rinse with warm water and pat dry.

What We Like
Exfoliates and removes debris for smooth, rejuvenated skin
Visibly improves skin's tone and prepares it for other treatments
Lightweight and gentle formula perfect for normal to oily skin types
Fragrance-free and vegan
#TOP 6

InstaNatural Glycolic Acid Cleanser

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InstaNatural Glycolic Acid Cleanser Cover
InstaNatural Glycolic Acid Cleanser Face Wash for Women & Men, Gently Exfoliating, Pore Minimizer, Anti Aging, Blackhead Remover, Acne Facial Treatment with Botanical Extracts, 6.7 Fl Oz

InstaNatural Glycolic Acid Cleanser is an exfoliating and pore minimizing face wash that contains arginine, cucumber, green tea, and chamomile extracts to soften, brighten, and hydrate your skin. With the glycolic acid, it can reduce the appearance of pores, signs of aging, and hyperpigmentation without stripping the skin. It is gentle enough for sensitive skin types. The best result can be achieved when using InstaNatural's Glycolic Acid Toner and All-in-One Hydrating Night Serum.

What We Like
Reduces the appearance of pores, signs of aging, and hyperpigmentation
Does not strip the skin
Gentle enough for sensitive skin types
#TOP 7

Neutrogena Stubborn Texture Acne Facial Cleanser Gel

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Clear
Neutrogena Stubborn Texture Acne Facial Cleanser Gel Cover
Neutrogena Stubborn Texture Daily Acne Facial Cleanser, Salicylic Acid Face Wash + Glycolic & Polyhydroxy Acids, Fragrance-Free, 6.3 fl. oz

Neutrogena Stubborn Texture Acne Facial Cleanser Gel is a daily oil-free and fragrance-free face wash that helps clear skin and visibly smooth uneven texture. It features 1% salicylic acid, 2% glycolic acid, and 2% polyhydroxy acid to eliminate stubborn acne breakouts, prevent new acne from forming, shed excess dead surface skin, and clear and smooth skin. This exfoliating gel face wash is free from fragrances, parabens, oil, phthalates, dyes, and sulfates, and is specifically designed for stubborn acne and uneven skin texture.

What We Like
Contains scientifically proven and dermatologist-tested ingredients
Eliminates stubborn acne breakouts and prevents new acne from forming
Visibly smooths uneven skin texture
#TOP 8

PrescriptSkin Glycolic Acid Cleanser

PrescriptSkin
PSK01625
6 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
PrescriptSkin Glycolic Acid Cleanser Cover
PrescriptSkin Glycolic Acid Gel Cleanser, 6 fl oz (177 ml)

The PrescriptSkin Gel Cleanser is designed for use both in the morning and at night. Infused with glycolic acid, this cleanser helps exfoliate your skin, promoting a smoother and more radiant complexion. The addition of moringa seed oil nourishes your skin, providing hydration and essential nutrients. With botanical extracts included, this cleanser offers a gentle yet effective way to remove impurities and makeup, leaving your skin feeling fresh and clean. Embrace the convenience of a dual-purpose product that cleanses and revitalizes your skin daily.

What We Like
Exfoliates for smoother skin
Hydrates with moringa oil
Gentle botanical ingredients
Suitable for morning and night
#TOP 9

Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx Peeling Gel and Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel

multicolor
250 ml Gel (combo)
Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx Peeling Gel and Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel Cover
Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx Peeling Gel, Exfoliant for Dry and Flaky Skin and Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel, Face Wash with Anti-Wrinkle Technology, Exfoliates with Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid

Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx Peeling Gel and Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel are facial cleansing gels that exfoliate and cleanse the skin, respectively. The FIRMx Peeling Gel contains glycolic acid and salicylic acid that exfoliate dry and flaky skin, leaving it smooth and radiant. The Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel is a face wash that uses anti-wrinkle technology to clean the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

What We Like
FIRMx Peeling Gel exfoliates dry and flaky skin, leaving it smooth and radiant
Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel cleanses the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Both products are facial cleansing gels
#TOP 10

Celesty Beauty Brightening Gel Cleanser

Celesty Beauty Care
Celesty Beauty Brightening Gel Cleanser Cover
Celesty Beauty Brightening Gel Cleanser Glycolic Acid (AHA), Salicylic Acid (BHA) - Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Pro Vitamin B5 Face Wash - Skin Face Sensitive Facial Cleansing Gel -

Celesty Brightening Face Wash is designed to give your skin a fresh and revitalized look. With the power of Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid, it helps unclog pores and prevent breakouts, ensuring your skin stays clear and healthy. The inclusion of Uva Ursi Leaf Extract soothes your skin while providing brightening benefits. Plus, Vitamin C works to reduce fine lines and even out your skin tone. This gentle formula is perfect for both adults and teenagers seeking a daily cleansing solution that leaves their skin soft and smooth.

What We Like
Brightens sensitive skin
Prevents breakouts
Soothes with natural extracts
Reduces fine lines
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a glycolic cleanser good for your skin?

"AHAs like glycolic acid are useful in skincare, as they break the bonds between dead skin cells," explains board-certified dermatologist Ife Rodney, MD, FAAD, of Eternal Dermatology and Aesthetics. "Glycolic acid speeds up cell turnover of these surface cells while stimulating new skin cell growth.

2. What face wash has the most glycolic acid?

Glycolic Acid Cleanser: The List. Formulyst Clarifying AHA Cleanser, $29.SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser, $35.Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser, $44.Peter Thomas Roth 3% Glycolic Solutions Cleanser, $39.Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser, $16.Glytone Mild Cream Cleanser, $33.

3. Is it okay to use glycolic acid cleanser everyday?

Is Glycolic Acid okay for everyday use? Depending on the concentration, yes, you can use Glycolic Acid every day. If you're new to chemical exfoliants, you should work up to using it every day slowly rather than overdoing it at the beginning.

4. How do you use glycolic acid cleansing gel?

Dermalogica Daily Glycolic CleanserGlytone Mild Gel CleanserPeter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing GelBiopelle Exfoliate CleanserGlycolic Acid Facial Cleanser Alpha Hydroxy Face Wash with AHAGlycolic Acid Gel Facial Cleanser 6oz | Gentle Exfoliation | QRxLabsPrescriptSkin Glycolic Acid CleanserDbts Skin Bar Aha Dermal Cleansing Gel w/15% Glycolic AcidDr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing GelReviva Labs Glycolic Acid Facial CleanserArtNaturals LUXE Glycolic Facial CleanserRoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel CleanserKorean Skin Care Dr Song Glycolic Acid Face WashQRxLabs Glycolic Acid Face Wash Exfoliating Gel CleanserAcure Resurfacing Glycolic & Unicorn Root CleanserChristina Fresh AHA Face Cleansing GelHero Cosmetics Clear Collective Exfoliating Jelly CleanserGlycolactic Gentle Gel CleanserAnthony Glycolic Facial Cleanser

Editor's Notes

During our glycolic acid facial cleansing gel research, we found 48 glycolic acid facial cleansing gel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 87,906 customer reviews through our big data system to write the glycolic acid facial cleansing gels list. We found that most customers choose glycolic acid facial cleansing gels with an average price of $28.47.

The glycolic acid facial cleansing gels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of glycolic acid facial cleansing gels, including RoC, Peter Thomas Roth, Pixi, GLYTONE, InstaNatural. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

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.