Best Glycolic Acid Facial Scrubs of 2025

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Glycolic acid facial scrubs are a popular skincare product that can help to exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. These scrubs typically contain a concentration of glycolic acid, which is a type of alpha hydroxy acid that can help to break down dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. This can result in smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin. Glycolic acid facial scrubs can be used by people with a range of skin types, but it is important to choose a product with the appropriate concentration of glycolic acid for your skin type and to follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-exfoliation or irritation.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Glycolic Acid Facial Scrubs
Envy Collagen & Glycolic Acid Face Scrub
The Envy Face Scrub combines the best of Korean skincare to help you achieve vibrant and healthy skin. Infused with collagen, it boosts hydration and improves skin elasticity, making your skin feel firmer and more youthful. The glycolic acid gently exfoliates, removing dead skin cells to unveil a smoother and brighter complexion, while also tackling issues like acne scars and dark spots. With a clean beauty formulation that is vegan and cruelty-free, you can enjoy an effective skincare routine that aligns with your values.
Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Face Scrub with Salicylic Acid
The Nip+Fab Glycolic Acid Fix Face Scrub with Salicylic Acid is an exfoliating facial cleanser that gently cleanses and polishes the skin without stripping it. It reduces blemishes, refines pores, and resurfaces with 3% glycolic acid. This 3-in-1 micro exfoliant can be used 1-3 times per week to brighten the complexion and energize the skin with its fruity grapefruit scent.
DERMA E Anti-Wrinkle Scrub
This facial scrub is an anti-aging face wash that cleanses and exfoliates the skin, removing impurities and dead skin cells, diminishing the look of wrinkles and leaving the skin smooth and radiant. It brightens and renews the skin with its Vitamin A and Glycolic Acid formula, and contains natural ingredients like Apricot Seed Powder, Papaya, and Sea Kelp. Ideal for daily skin care, it can be applied to wet or dry skin, and is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, lanolin, gluten, soy, and GMOs.
Glycolic Acid 2.5% Facial Scrub
Glycolic Acid 2.5% Facial Scrub is a gentle, safe, and effective exfoliating face wash that removes dead skin, aging cells, and impurities to reveal a refreshed and healthy glow. It contains a key ingredient of glycolic acid, which gently regenerates and stimulates the skin's natural renewal process. The formulation is made up of 72% organic AHA complex blend, MSM, aloe, rosehip seed, cucumber, and jojoba. Additionally, natural plant extracts nourish and bolster skin cells, and plant oils diminish scarring and boost moisture.
Acure Gentle Facial Exfoliator
The Acure Exfoliator offers a gentle way to achieve smoother and more radiant skin. With its unique blend of glycolic and lactic acids, it helps remove dead skin cells, revealing a fresher complexion. This exfoliator is suitable for all skin types, making it a versatile addition to your skincare routine. You can trust in its clean formula, free from harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates, ensuring that your skin receives only the best. Experience the joy of a bright and glowing complexion without compromising your values, as this product is cruelty-free.
Pacifica Glow Baby Super Lit Enzyme Scrub
The Pacifica Enzyme Face Scrub is a dual-action exfoliant that combines chemical and enzymatic properties to help you achieve smoother, more radiant skin. With ingredients like vitamin C, it brightens your complexion while glycolic acid works to dissolve dead skin cells, unclogging pores for a fresh look. The addition of pineapple and papaya enzymes offers gentle exfoliation, making it suitable for various skin types. Plus, lactic acid helps reduce dark spots over time, enhancing your skin’s overall appearance. This scrub is also environmentally friendly, made from recycled materials and free of harsh chemicals.
Urban Skin Rx BrighterDays Dark Spot 8% AHA Polish
The Urban Skin Rx BrighterDays Dark Spot 8% AHA Polish is a multi-tasking polish and treatment mask that exfoliates, smooths and brightens the look of uneven skin tone. It is formulated with Alpha Hydroxy Acids and brightening ingredients, improving the appearance of blemishes, aging skin, fine lines, and clogged pores. To use, dispense onto fingertips and gently massage onto damp skin in a circular motion. Leave on for up to 5 minutes then rinse with warm water. It is ideal for those looking to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone, dark spots, rough texture, dull skin and clogged pores.
good.clean.goop Fruit Facial Scrub
The good.clean.goop Facial Scrub offers a dual approach to exfoliation, combining both physical and chemical methods to help you achieve radiant skin. The glycolic acid works to remove dead skin cells, enhancing your skin's brightness. Meanwhile, the grape seed microexfoliant gently polishes your skin, making it perfect for maintaining a smooth texture. Additionally, the creamy formula helps to minimize the appearance of pores and improve your overall skin tone. With regular use, you can enjoy fresh, luminous skin that feels comfortable and hydrated.
NAELI AHA / BHA Exfoliating Face Wash
NAELI Exfoliating Face Wash is a potent and effective exfoliant that deeply cleanses and unclogs pores. It contains 10% glycolic acid and salicylic acid, along with alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), which help reduce wrinkles and fine lines. With botanical passion flower and fruit extract, this face wash reveals softer, smoother skin and minimizes the appearance of age-related spots and acne scars. Packed with 10 superfruit organic extracts, it brightens and hydrates the skin while promoting collagen production. This pH balanced face wash is gentle and suitable for normal, combo, and oily skin. It is made in the USA, ethically sourced, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Pacifica Glow Baby Super Lit Scrub
The Pacifica Glow Baby Scrub is a dual-action exfoliant that combines natural fruit extracts, vitamin C, and glycolic acid to help you achieve softer, smoother skin. This product effectively unclogs pores and lifts impurities, revealing a brighter complexion. Vitamin C works to enhance your skin tone, while glycolic acid gently exfoliates by breaking down dead skin cells. Additionally, the inclusion of pineapple and papaya enzymes offers a gentle yet potent means of exfoliation, making this scrub perfect for maintaining a radiant glow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use glycolic scrub on my face?
How do you use glycolic acid in your skin-care routine? As with any exfoliant, it's best to start small if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation. For this, Shapiro recommends using it in a face wash.
2. What does glycolic acid scrub do?
Benefits of glycolic acid When applied to the skin, glycolic acid works to break the bonds between the outer layer of skin cells, including dead skin cells, and the next skin cell layer. This creates a peeling effect that can make the skin appear smoother and more even.
3. Can you exfoliate with glycolic acid?
Avoid using other products that rapidly exfoliate the skin while using glycolic acid. If you currently see a dermatologist, talk to them before using any products that contain glycolic acid.
4. Can you use glycolic acid on your face 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.
During our glycolic acid facial scrub research, we found 48 glycolic acid facial scrub products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 74,242 customer reviews through our big data system to write the glycolic acid facial scrubs list. We found that most customers choose glycolic acid facial scrubs with an average price of $12.71.
The glycolic acid facial scrubs are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of glycolic acid facial scrubs, including Envy, Nip+Fab, Derma E, Cosmedica Skincare, Acure. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 532 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

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.