Why Glycolic Acid is a Must-Have in Your Skincare Routine

A-HA! So you’ve finally discovered the power of AHAs – glycolic acid, to be exact. So, what is glycolic acid and who should try it out? Scroll to be amazed. 🤩

What is glycolic acid and what does it do?

Glycolic acid is part of the AHA family (that’s alpha hydroxy acids, if you wanna get fancy!) These natural acids show up in all kinds of places, and glycolic acid’s roots (literally) are in sugarcane, beets, pineapples, and even unripe grapes. As a gentle chemical exfoliant, it works by breaking down dead skin cells and bacterial buildup, revealing the fresher, brighter skin underneath.

Due to its small size, glycolic acid can travel deeper into the skin. In science-y terms, it stimulates fibroblasts in the dermis (the skin cells responsible for collagen and elastin production), boosting collagen levels. This leads to firmer skin, reduced fine lines and wrinkles, and an overall radiant, even-toned complexion. You’ll find the superstar ingredient headlining the show in facemasks, toners and exfoliators, and for good reason! See, when it comes to smoothing, brightening and tackling uneven texture, let’s just say it knows its way around the skin. Think of it as your skin’s way of hitting refresh… without the cucumber slices and spa soundtrack (though, that would be nice, too!).

Who benefits most from glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid is generally considered beneficial for most skin types. It works a real treat for those with normal, dry or combination skin, and also plays nice for oily and acne-prone skin. It’s especially useful for addressing skin concerns like:

• Dullness

• Uneven skin tone

• Hyperpigmentation

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Sun damage

• Mixed-type and epidermal-type melasma, or dark skin patches on the face. (Although, it doesn’t seem to help dermal-type melasma, which occurs in a deeper layer of the skin.)

PSST! Hey there, sensitive skin baddies! Keep in mind that glycolic acid can be a bit potent. If you experience irritation, start with lower concentrations and gradually introduce it into your skincare routine.

How to use glycolic acid

As with any exfoliant, it's best to start small if you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation. For this, try using it in a face wash. A glycolic cleanser can get your skin used to it, rather than diving straight into a leave-on glycolic product if you are unsure whether your skin can tolerate it. Try one that pairs glycolic with hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid. (Moisturising is always key!)

How often should I incorporate glycolic acid into my skin and bodycare routine?

That's a fab question! For most people, glycolic acid products can be used once or twice a week to start. You can gradually increase usage to three times a week or even daily, depending on your skin’s tolerance. It’s a good idea to prioritise moisturising after using glycolic acid. It’s also important to note that AHAs can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and increase the risk of sunburn, so be sure to apply extra sunscreen, especially on your face, while using AHA products.

Is glycolic acid safe for pregnancy?

Wondering if glycolic acid is safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding? The good news is that it is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy, particularly in lower concentrations found in over-the-counter products. However, consider selecting products with 7% or lower concentrations, as high concentrations or chemical peels with glycolic acid are not well-established as safe during pregnancy. Oh, and it’s safe for breastfeeding. (Yay!)

What to know before using glycolic acid

Glycolic acid is generally safe when used in products with concentrations of 10% or less. However, it may be unsafe in products with higher concentrations. Concentrations above 10% should only be used under the supervision of a dermatologist. (Using high-concentration glycolic acid products improperly can lead to serious skin reactions, so it’s important to do so under the guidance of a certified skincare professional.)

📖 Reading List 📖

🧽 Our Guide To Exfoliating Different Skin Types
🧽 Sundae’s Guide To Exfoliating Different Skin Types
🧽 Do I Really Need To Exfoliate My Skin? Here’s What Happens When You Don’t

Wanna get cracking on that gorgeous skin of yours? Discover our Exfoliating Shower Foams with glycolic acid, like, right now. Formulated with glycolic acid, they’re here to leave your skin feeling fresher, brighter, and clearer. (Just how we like it!)

You’ll Love:

🍓 Berry Exfoliating Body Wash
🍵 Green Tea Exfoliating Body Wash


Happy Sundae x

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Re-apply frequently.

Written By: Lizzie Waley (Sundae Co-Founder & Body Care Enthusiast) | LinkedIn

Fact Checked: Charnnie Frimpong (Sundae Content Marketing Manager) | Linkedin