A flawless layer of foundation and a stellar translucent powder is probably your go-to combo for glass-smooth skin. But let’s be real, we know you’d really rather glow all on your own. 

Achieving a heavenly complexion should be accessible even on your fresh-faced days, and using glycolic acid benefits to your advantage is one of the best ways to do so. This common ingredient is the secret weapon in a variety of skincare AHA products, and there’s a reason it’s one of our most revered saints. 

Below, you’ll find all the information you need about glycolic acid, what makes it so special, and how you can use the powerhouse ingredient safely and effectively.

 

AHA Basics

Glycolic acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) - a class of natural exfoliants found in many plants. It loosens the intracellular glue that holds your skin together and speeds along the skin shedding process that slows down with age. If you use it regularly as part of your skincare routine, it will:

• Reveal a fresh new layer of healthy, glowing skin
• Fade away dark spots
• Clean out pores
• Allow for better penetration of other skincare products.

Understanding AHA's

Many plants – like orange, apples, pears, lemons, and grapes – contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHA's) known to exfoliate and clarify the skin. These include:

• Malic acid (apples and pears): Improves skin tone and elasticity
• Lactic acid (sour milk and bilberry): Moisturizes skin by increasing its water-holding capacity
• Glycolic acid (sugar cane): Softens skin and increases circulation
• Tartaric acid (grapes): Improves skin tone and elasticity
• Citric acid (oranges and lemons): Stimulates collagen synthesis

The most researched of these are glycolic and lactic acids. Glycolic acid for skin care is generally considered to be the most effective because it’s the smallest molecule of the bunch and therefore the most easily absorbed.

 

AHA Benefits For Skin

What does AHA do for skin?

AHA's dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells to the surface of your skin, thereby evenly exfoliating the skin. This encourages cell turnover, increases the rate of skin repair, and helps nutrients reach the inner layers of the skin. Its visible benefits include:

• Improved skin texture
• Even skin tone
• Increased hydration
• Diminished lines and wrinkles
• Reduced signs of sun damage

 

The Benefits of Naturally-Derived Glycolic Acid for Skin

Roughly 99% of the AHA's found in cosmetics are synthetically-derived, including the highly concentrated peels and related products on the market. They work, and at the concentrations available over-the-counter (usually below 3%), they’re not likely to irritate or over-dry the skin.

But 8 Saints chooses to incorporate fruit acids as a key ingredient in skincare products. Why make the effort to use natural glycolic acid when virtually all other products are made with synthetic AHA's?

 

Why Eight Saints Chooses Natural Glycolic Acid?

Synthetic products are typically harsher on your skin, both because of their higher concentrations and because they can contain other (possibly unwanted) ingredients. Synthetic glycolic acid, in particular, has a by-product called formic acid that can cause a stinging sensation. No thank you!

Plus, synthetic AHAs may not even offer any benefits. That's according to a study that compared a natural fruit acid mix (of sugar cane, orange, sugar maple, and lemon) to synthetic lactic acid and synthetic glycolic acid. It found that the fruit mix had better therapeutic results.

Finally, keep in mind that AHA’s are great at promoting absorption of other active ingredients in your beauty regimen. If you’re using botanical extracts and fruit-derived sources, those active ingredients are also natural, easy to pronounce, and thus better for your body.

If nothing else, you can enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you’re reducing the number of artificial chemicals that you’re putting on your body. All without sacrificing the exfoliation and the glow you're looking for.

 

How to Use Glycolic Acid in Your Skin Care Routine?

After learning all the magic skin care with glycolic acid has to offer, you may be itching to add it immediately to your regimen. While the enthusiasm is more than understandable, we always recommend starting small. Use products with glycolic acid about 1-2 times per week and gradually increase your usage if your skin seems to like it. 

If your skin can take it, and when used in a low concentration, glycolic acid is perfectly safe for daily use. If you’re questioning the frequency though and you think you could be overdoing it, double-check with your dermatologist.

 

Eight Saints Skincare With Glycolic Acid

Here at Eight Saints, glycolic acid is one of the 8 natural key ingredients that we’ve nailed down as the most beneficial for your skin. These benefits include

• Exfoliation: Glycolic acid helps to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and debris from the top surface of the skin. 
• Brighten skin: With dead skin cells removed, new brighter skin is visible. 
• Anti-aging: It reduces fine lines and wrinkles and increases collagen. 
• Even skin tone: It minimizes skin discoloration for an even complexion. 
• Acne treatment: Removing dead skin cells helps loosen clogged pores, getting rid of oil and bacteria that can cause breakouts. 

We’ve incorporated glycolic acid into many of our products formulated to provide you with glowing skin. Now that you’re hip to all the glycolic acid benefits go ahead and see for yourself why we are completely infatuated with it!

 

Bright Side Cream Cleanser

Get ready to experience the most luxurious natural cleanse! Our gentle, all-natural cream cleanser for sensitive skin blends glycolic acid with nourishing fruit and seed oils to quickly remove makeup, oil buildup, and impurities - all without drying or irritating your delicate complexion. 

With an infusion of vitamin E added, our Bright Side Cream Cleanser will have you feeling soft, supple, and deliciously replenished every time you use it.   

 

Soulmate Brightening Treatment

Since glycolic acid is a master at plumping the skin and boosting collagen production, it only makes sense that it’s one of the star ingredients in our glycolic acid exfoliator and moisturizer. This facial moisturizer is packed with feel-good natural ingredients that instill beaucoup hydration while gently revealing a new layer of soft, sunny skin. 

With products like the Soulmate Brightening Treatment, you can feel comforted knowing the creamy formula backed by botanical hyaluronic acid and organic shea butter will give you all the glycolic acid benefits without drying out your skin.

 

All In Eye Cream

Rejuvenate and refresh your eye area with our All In Eye Cream. This silky, weightless formula is packed with all 8 of our namesake natural and organic ingredients, including glycolic acid, to reduce fine lines and wrinkles for a youthful transformation.

This glycolic acid cream also includes Vitamin C for brightness and green tea to counteract puffiness, bags, and dark circles. No doubt, our All In Eye Cream is the holy grail of anti-aging eye creams. 

 

Discovery Kit

Get acquainted with glycolic acid and all its benefits with our Discovery kit, which contains 8 of our best-selling natural and organic products in trial size. These amazing products are centered around 8 key ingredients, including glycolic acid proven to provide the most benefits to the skin.

Our discovery kit has everything you need for your daily skincare routine from morning until nighttime, including products with glycolic acid. This kit contains:

• Up The Anti - Anti aging night cream
• Coast is Clear - Oil absorbing witch hazel toner
• Day Dreamer - Restorative moisturizer 
• Down to Earth - Gel cleanser
• Cloud Whip - Vitamin C cream
• Pep Rally - Hyaluronic acid serum
• All In - De-puffing under eye cream
• Seeking C - Vitamin C serum

 

What Is Glycolic Acid Used For?

Glycolic acid is a skincare ingredient used in many products as well as by dermatologists to treat severe forms of skin acne, melasma, skin roughness, and more. The effects of skincare products containing glycolic acid depend on their concentration of glycolic acid.

Glycolic acid treatments and products come in varying strengths, with over-the-counter products containing a concentration of up to 10%. Treatments with larger concentrations, such as chemical peels, should only be performed by trusted professionals. They can be a lifesaver for those who have been struggling for a solution to persistent acne and dark marks.  

 

Glycolic Acid Benefits for Aging Skin

Our skin ages as we get older but using glycolic acid skin care can help slow down the visible signs of aging. Glycolic acid has an exfoliating effect, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

The production of collagen is increased with glycolic acid, which helps to keep skin looking youthful and supple. Fibroblast proliferation also sees an uptick, further cementing glycolic acid's reputation as a fantastic anti-aging ingredient. 

 

Glycolic Acid for Sensitive Skin

When using the best glycolic acid, you'll want to consider your skin type. While glycolic acid was previously thought to be safe for all skin types, this powerhouse ingredient is best suited for those with oily and acne-prone skin since it can help to reduce excess oil production, unclog pores, and get rid of old, dead skin cells. 

Those with picky skin that errs on the very dry and sensitive side should be careful when using glycolic acid and apply it in small amounts. Lactic and malic acid, on the other hand, are slightly gentler and a good place to start for sensitive skin.

 

Get Rid of Ingrown Hair with Glycolic Acid

Ingrown hairs can be a nuisance, but glycolic acid can help you eliminate them! To get rid of ingrown hair, start by gently exfoliating your skin with glycolic acid products 2-3 times a week. 

The exfoliation process will break down the blockage of sebum and dead skin cells that keeps hairs trapped below the surface, causing ingrown hair. As the glycolic acid gently helps to dissolve impurities, hairs will become loose and able to make their way past the obstructions to reach the surface of your skin without irritating it. 

 

Glycolic Acid for Dark Spots

Glycolic acid is a great remedy for hyperpigmentation, UV damage, and dark spots. As it exfoliates the outer layer of your skin, glycolic acid also has the potential to block melanin production, helping to limit dark spots and discoloration. This suppression of melanin allows your skin to brighten up naturally. 

But not only does glycolic acid help reduce the appearance of existing dark spots, it can also protect you from future discoloration caused by sun exposure.

 

Does Glycolic Acid Help with Acne?

Glycolic acid is a powerful, naturally-occurring acid shown to treat acne effectively. By loosening and lifting excess oil from the hair follicle roots, glycolic acid helps to unclog pores and reduce inflammation. Its ability to clean out impurities can also help unearth blackheads, whiteheads, and other issues associated with congested skin. 

If you suffer from persistent or painful acne breakouts - glycolic acid could deeply cleanse your skin of dirt, bacteria, and oil. And for those suffering from lingering scars left behind from past breakouts? The same glycolic acid used to treat current blemishes can also help diminish existing acne scars over time if applied consistently.

 

Does Glycolic Acid Get Rid of Scars?

Glycolic acid won’t totally eradicate scars, but it can make them look less noticeable. Bright, exfoliated skin reflects light better, so any scars or indentations you may have will seem less apparent.

 

How to Use Glycolic Acid on Scars

Glycolic acid can be a powerful solution for those wishing to reduce their scarring, but higher concentrations of the product can potentially cause more damage than good. It's important to work with a professional to ensure that you get the results you're after without accidentally causing further harm. 

 

Mixing Glycolic Acid with Other Acids

Glycolic acid is one of the most popular alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) used in skin care, but it should never be mixed with other acids like salicylic or lactic acid. This is due to its unique properties - glycolic acid can be incredibly irritating on the skin if you combine it with other acids, increasing redness and irritation. 

It's best to stick to only using glycolic acid on its own for maximum effectiveness and minimal discomfort. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between other popular ingredients and whether they can be used with glycolic acid or not. 

 

Glycolic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid

Both aha glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid have a powerful effect on the skin. Glycolic acid has a smaller molecular size than other AHAs, making it a gentle exfoliant that helps to break down dead skin cells, reduce pigmentation, clear pores, and even out skin tone. 

Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, is a powerful moisturizer known to help your skin retain moisture and fight signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. While both acids have their unique benefits, they should not be used simultaneously, especially if you have sensitive skin.

 

Lactic Acid vs. Glycolic Acid

Lactic acid and glycolic acids are both exfoliators that work quickly to remove dead skin cells from the surface and promote collagen production, but their mechanisms are slightly different. Glycolic acid is an AHA that penetrates deeper into the skin to remove dead skin cells.

Lactic acid is a well-known BHA that is much gentler, remaining on the surface of your skin, helping to shed dead skin cells without any aggressive peeling or stinging sensation. While glycolic or lactic acids can be used alone with excellent outcomes, always check product labels before using these products together. 

  

Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C

Yes, glycolic acid and Vitamin C can be used together if they are formulated into one product. This powerful combination is beneficial to your skin, providing advantages of hydration, increased collagen production, and brightening. 

Glycolic acid exfoliates the skin improving overall texture, while Vitamin C helps to boost collagen production and improves the overall look of the skin for an even complexion. Check out our All In Eye Cream, which has both glycolic acid and Vitamin C to rejuvenate your eye area.

 

Glycolic Acid vs. Salicylic Acid

Glycolic acid and salicylic acid are two of the most common ingredients used for acne treatment, but they differ in terms of effectiveness. Glycolic acid is an AHA that helps loosen skin cells to remove dead surface layers improving the texture of your skin, whereas salicylic acid is a BHA with a greater ability to penetrate the skin's tough outer layer and treat acne more deeply. 

When considering glycolic acid vs. salicylic acid, glycolic acid can help prevent further breakouts, while salicylic acid is better suited for treating existing pimples.

Precautions for Glycolic Acid

Start slow with AHA's - glycolic acid can cause mild irritation, redness, or itching if you have sensitive skin. Not sure how your skin will react? Start slow, check on your results, and take it from there.

 

Side Effects of Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid products can have some unwelcome side effects if used incorrectly or too often. Your skin might start to feel dry, or react with redness, burning, and itching. In worst cases, you may even experience skin irritation and rashes – definitely not something anyone wants! 

However, glycolic acid is an amazing exfoliant and can rejuvenate your skin like nothing else. Follow label instructions limiting usage to no more than 2-3 times per week for the best results.

 

Is Glycolic Acid Safe During Pregnancy?

If you're considering using glycolic acid products during your pregnancy, the good news is that you can! Thankfully there's no reason to be concerned with using topical glycolic acid of a 7% concentration or lower – these are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy. 

As an alternative, lactic acid is a gentle BHA exfoliator that can be used while pregnant. Talk with your doctor and review product labels so that you can find the product best suited for both you and your growing bump. 

 

The Bottom Line

Glycolic acid is an amazing AHA exfoliator suitable for most skin types. Not only is it the most effective AHA, but it’s also multifunctional with a host of benefits for your skin, from removing dead skin cells to improving skin texture and reducing signs of damage. 

As always, be sure to follow the directions on how to use specific glycolic acid products before incorporating them into your routine. And remember to limit usage to no more than 2-3 times per week for the best glowing results. Here at Eight Saints, we offer a variety of products containing glycolic acid so that you can find the perfect fit for your needs. 

Enjoy the benefits for yourself! Try these products that contain natural glycolic acid: Soulmate, Bright Side