Best Glycolic Acid Serums (2026) Reviewed
Glycolic acid serums accelerate cell turnover, fade dark spots, and smooth uneven texture. These are the top options across every budget and skin concern.
What to Look For
- Concentration — Beginners should start with 5-7%; experienced users can handle 10-14%. Higher isn’t always better if it causes irritation.
- pH Level — Effective glycolic products have a pH between 3-4. Too high and the acid won’t penetrate; too low and it becomes irritating.
- Supporting Ingredients — Look for soothing additions like aloe, green tea, or hyaluronic acid to offset potential dryness and irritation.
- Texture — Serums absorb quickly and layer well. Toners cover more surface area. Creams provide added moisture for dry skin types.
- Fragrance — Fragrance-free formulas reduce irritation risk, especially important with active acids.
Best Glycolic Acid Serums
Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant — Best Overall
- NON-ABRASIVE LEAVE-ON EXFOLIATOR: gently removes dull skin, naturally revealing the radiance hidden underneath. Revitalizes the skin's surface and helps keep skin hydrated by removing dead cells and preparing the skin's surface to receive moisture.
- Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant with Glycolic Acid, Chamomile, and Green Tea can help minimize the look of discolorations and age spots, and with consistent use can increase skin's firmness. Use after cleanser and toner twice daily.
- With antioxidants from green tea and other natural ingredients, and the soothing power of chamomile, plus the exfoliating benefits of glycolic acid, this unique lightweight gel soothes as it revitalizes your skin leaving it soft, smooth, and radiant.
- Using a chemical exfoliator is gentler on the delicate skin of the face & neck than an abrasive face scrub, which can cause micro-tears. An AHA face exfoliator delivers hydration and can reach the deeper, built up layers of dead skin that scrubs don't.
- Paula's Choice products are made with YOUR SKIN in mind. Whatever your skincare concern, whether dryness, acne, fine lines, or sensitive skin; we've got a treatment line for you. The search for amazing skin care ends here. Finally, you found it.
Paula’s Choice delivers the ideal balance of efficacy and gentleness that works for most skin types.
This leave-on gel exfoliant contains 8% glycolic acid buffered with chamomile and green tea to minimize irritation. The lightweight texture absorbs quickly without residue. Works well under moisturizer or alone for oily skin.
- Pros:
- Effective 8% concentration suitable for daily use
- Soothing botanicals reduce irritation
- Fragrance-free formula
- Lightweight gel texture layers well
- Cons:
- May not be strong enough for stubborn texture
- Pump dispenser can be finicky
Best for: Anyone wanting effective daily exfoliation without irritation.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution — Best Budget
- EXFOLIATING TONER: Smoothes skin texture, visibly evens tone, and enhances luminosity with daily use.
- POWERED BY 7% GLYCOLIC ACID: Promotes more even looking skin tone, reduces the appearance of lines, and wrinkles, and boosts radiance.
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL FORMULA: Can also be applied to the scalp to hydrate and rebalance dry scalp skin.
- WITH PLANT-DERIVEDBASED EXTRACTS: Contains Tasmanian Pepperberry a known anti-irritatant, along with aloe and ginseng.
- IDEAL FOR EVENING USE: Apply once daily, preferably in the evening, avoiding contact with sensitive areas like the eyes.
The Ordinary proves you don’t need to spend big for effective glycolic acid treatment.
This toner-style formula contains 7% glycolic acid with Tasmanian pepperberry to reduce irritation. The generous 8.1 oz bottle lasts months. Apply with a cotton pad after cleansing. Also works on the scalp to combat dryness.
- Pros:
- Exceptional value for the size
- Tasmanian pepperberry reduces sensitivity
- Multi-use formula works on face and scalp
- Contains aloe and ginseng
- Cons:
- Watery texture requires cotton pad application
- Can sting on sensitive skin
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable daily exfoliant.
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum — Best Drugstore
- Anti-aging dark spot corrector face serum is dermatologist validated with an optimal concentration of Glycolic Acid for daily use - visibly reduces dark spots in 2 weeks, reduces wrinkles for younger looking skin
- The Action - This lightweight face serum resurfaces dead skin cells away by gently dissolving what holds them together revealing more even skin
- The Difference - Unlike products with high levels of Glycolic Acid that can be harsh on sensitive skin, this breakthrough serum is designed for daily-use due to its unique formulation with soothing Aloe
- Face serums are highly concentrated, use potent ingredients, and are lightweight for optimal penetration and visible results - this serum is fragrance-free, paraben-free, dye-free, for all skin types
- How To Use - Apply serum every night to face and neck, after cleansing and before your moisturizer – to protect skin from sun exposure, use Revitalift Triple Power SPF 30 the morning after use
L’Oreal delivers dermatologist-validated results at a fraction of prestige prices.
This 10% glycolic acid serum is formulated with aloe to balance potency with comfort. Dermatologist-tested on all skin types including sensitive. Lightweight texture absorbs without tackiness. Targets dark spots, uneven tone, and fine lines.
- Pros:
- Potent 10% concentration
- Fragrance-free and paraben-free
- Validated by dermatologists
- Non-greasy finish
- Cons:
- Smaller bottle size than competitors
- May require adjustment period for sensitive skin
Best for: Anyone wanting prestige-level results from a drugstore brand.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum — Best Splurge
- WHAT IT IS: A high-tech 10% AHA/1% BHA gel that resurfaces dull, congested skin by gently lifting away dead skin cells, dramatically improving the appearance of pores, blemishes, fine lines, and wrinkles.
- WHAT ELSE TO KNOW: Formulated with glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric, and salicylic acids and blended with raspberry, T.L.C. Framboos refines uneven texture, targets breakouts, and curbs excess oiliness, revealing a smoother, clearer complexion.
- KEY INGREDIENTS: T.L.C. Framboos AHA blend exfoliates built-up dead skin cells, resurfacing dull, uneven skin for a smoother, more even-looking complexion. Salicylic acid (a BHA) loosens sebum to unclog pores while soothing skin.
- HOW TO USE: In the evening, apply to a clean, dry face, avoiding eye area. Slight tingling may be experienced. This typically dissipates as skin becomes adjusted after the first few days of application. Start slowly by using every other night.
- THE DRUNK ELEPHANT DIFFERENCE: We focus on healthy pH levels, formulations the skin recognizes, small molecular structures that are easily absorbed, and effective active ingredients that support the skin barrier, and we never use the Suspicious 6.
Drunk Elephant’s cult-favorite delivers multi-acid exfoliation for noticeably transformed skin.
This night serum combines glycolic, lactic, tartaric, citric, and salicylic acids for comprehensive resurfacing. The 12% AHA/BHA blend targets texture, pores, and fine lines simultaneously. Raspberry extract and horse chestnut soothe while you sleep.
- Pros:
- Multi-acid formula for complete exfoliation
- Addresses texture, pores, and fine lines
- Free of fragrance, silicones, and essential oils
- Gel texture absorbs cleanly
- Cons:
- Premium price point
- Too strong for sensitive skin types
Best for: Experienced acid users who want visible overnight results.
Alpha Skin Care Renewal Serum 14% Glycolic AHA — Best High-Potency
- ANTI-AGING FORMULA: Our unique anti-aging serum is specially formulated with the optimal balance of 14% Glycolic Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and a ph level of 3.7 It is also free of parabens and fragrances.
- HEALTHY & RADIANT SKIN: It works naturally to gently lift away dead skin cells so new healthy skin can emerge and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Immediately your skin will feel smooth, fresh and healthy and over time.
- THE POWER OF OUR INGREDIENTS: At Alpha Skin Care, we spent decades researching and formulating our products. We follow one simple truth – to use essential, natural ingredients with clinically-proven results to reveal healthy, younger-looking skin.
- VITAMINS & NUTRIENTS: Our specially selected vitamins and nutrients are combined with our anti-aging ingredients to enhance the benefits you’ll see and feel from our products. Vitamins and nutrients moisturize and soothe your skin while our anti-aging ingredients work to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
- DIRECTIONS: Apply to clean skin daily on face and neck. Do not rinse off. For daytime use, follow with sunscreen. Our AHA products have different percentages so we recommend a patch test.
Alpha Skin Care offers professional-strength glycolic acid at an accessible price.
This 14% glycolic acid serum delivers serious exfoliation for stubborn texture and hyperpigmentation. Formulated at pH 3.7 for maximum efficacy. Contains green tea, chamomile, and hyaluronic acid to support skin during the resurfacing process.
- Pros:
- High 14% concentration for stubborn concerns
- Optimal pH for acid effectiveness
- Fragrance-free and paraben-free
- Decades of brand expertise
- Cons:
- Too intense for beginners
- Watery consistency takes getting used to
Best for: Experienced users tackling stubborn dark spots and texture.
Pixi Glow Tonic — Best for Beginners
- Iconic and Glowy: Highly concentrated facial toner, infused with 5% Glycolic Acid, deeply cleanses pores by sweeping away excess oil and impurities for balanced, soothed, prepped and radiant skin.
- Exfoliating and Energizing: This alcohol-free multi-tasker improves circulation and energizes, removes excess oils and impurities, and gently accelerates cell renewal to reveal a brighter, glowing complexion.
- Skin Loving Ingredients: Glycolic Acid (5%) exfoliates, Ginseng improves circulation & energizes, and Aloe Vera gently soothes & hydrates.
- Alcohol-free. Suitable for all skin types. Paraben-free and Cruelty-free. Not tested on animals.
- How to Use: Either in the AM and PM or when needed. Cleanse your face. Saturate a cotton pad with the Glow Tonic and sweep across face, neck and décolletage (avoiding eye area). Follow with a serum or moisturizer.
Pixi’s iconic toner introduced countless people to glycolic acid for good reason.
This 5% glycolic acid toner provides gentle exfoliation that won’t overwhelm newcomers. Aloe vera soothes while ginseng energizes the complexion. Alcohol-free formula won’t dry out skin. Sweep across face with a cotton pad morning or night.
- Pros:
- Gentle 5% concentration for beginners
- Alcohol-free and paraben-free
- Energizing ginseng and soothing aloe
- Can use morning and night
- Cons:
- May not satisfy experienced acid users
- Contains fragrance
Best for: First-time glycolic acid users and those with sensitive skin.
Cos De BAHA Glycolic Acid 10% Serum — Best K-Beauty Option
- 10% GLYCOLIC ACID TONER SERUM TO HELP INSPIRE COLLAGEN PRODUCTION for a reduction in traces and wrinkles for a more youthful searching you. this alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) peel stimulates collagen production, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation in the skin by increasing cell regeneration. New cells replace older and damaged ones, exposing a younger skin surface.
- CLEARLY AND LIGHTLY LIFTS AWAY DRIED UP and lifeless pores and skin cells so new and healthy pores and skin can emerge. contrary to many other chemical face peels on the market, this product is a light gel and NOT A LIQUID. This helps prevent the product from trickling down your face or dripping into your eyes or mouth.
- EFFECTS WILL GO AWAY YOUR SKIN FEELING SMOOTH FRESH AND WHOLESOME. Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) gently exfoliates to reveal younger-looking well hydrated skin. Creamy formula significantly improves the appearance of hard clogged pores & leaves skin all over your body beautifully soft & moisturized.
- OUR GLYCOLIC ACID PEELS SERUM IS ENOUGH FOR TWO OR THREE TIMES A WEEK with this unique anti-aging formulation. or applied as a spot treatment where needed. For daytime, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 25 or greater Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50.
- SOLUTION FOR PORES & SKIN CONCERNS: The perfect answer for whiteheads, blackheads, and enlarged pores! Helps manage surface buildup for a cleaner, more refined appearance that you can see and feel.
Cos De BAHA delivers potent Korean skincare formulation at an unbeatable price.
This 10% glycolic acid serum combines effective exfoliation with K-beauty sensibility. Contains aloe and green tea for soothing benefits. Gel texture prevents dripping into eyes. Free from parabens, gluten, fragrance, sulfates, and artificial colors.
- Pros:
- Effective 10% glycolic acid concentration
- Clean formula free from common irritants
- Excellent value for potency
- Non-drip gel texture
- Cons:
- Small 1 oz bottle
- Patch test essential for sensitive skin
Best for: K-beauty enthusiasts wanting effective glycolic acid on a budget.
SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight — Best Premium
No products found.
SkinCeuticals delivers clinical-grade glycolic acid formulation backed by extensive research.
This overnight treatment delivers a true 10% free acid value at pH 3.5 for maximum effectiveness. Complemented by 2% phytic acid for additional brightening and a soothing botanical complex. Clinically proven to improve radiance by 36% in 8 weeks.
- Pros:
- True 10% free acid value at optimal pH
- Clinical studies back effectiveness claims
- Phytic acid boosts brightening
- Soothing complex supports skin barrier
- Cons:
- Premium price point
- Requires gradual introduction
Best for: Those who want clinically-proven results and don’t mind investing.
Paula’s Choice RESIST Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA — Best for Anti-Aging
- COMBAT TEXTURE & DULLNESS: This super-concentrated exfoliating cocktail dramatically smooths away visible sun damage and other advanced signs of aging, revealing more radiant, visibly younger skin with just one use.
- HYDRATE, BRIGHTEN & SMOOTH FINE LINES: Our unique, non-abrasive, leave-on exfoliant is gentle enough for daily use on all skin types. Exfoliates dead skin cells while clearing pores for a more even tone, plus it visibly reduces fine lines & wrinkles.
- Use Paula's Choice RESIST Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA Serum Exfoliant weekly or as needed in your evening care routine along with your favorite Paula's Choice cleanser, toner, serums, essence, spot treatments, and moisturizer.
- Paula's Choice products are made with YOUR SKIN in mind. Whatever your skincare concern, whether dryness, acne, fine lines, or sensitive skin; we've got a treatment line for you. The search for amazing skin care ends here. Finally, you found it.
- SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING: As part of our pledge to the planet, we’re removing extra plastic from packaging, like shrink wrap.
Paula’s Choice RESIST targets multiple signs of aging with a sophisticated multi-acid approach.
This treatment combines glycolic, lactic, and malic acids with peptides and ceramides for comprehensive anti-aging benefits. Targets fine lines, uneven texture, and dullness while supporting skin barrier function. Works as a weekly intensive treatment.
- Pros:
- Multi-acid blend for complete exfoliation
- Peptides and ceramides support aging skin
- Green tea provides antioxidant protection
- Fragrance-free formulation
- Cons:
- Smaller bottle for the price
- Weekly use only limits versatility
Best for: Anyone over 40 looking to address multiple aging concerns simultaneously.
Verdict
For most people, Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant offers the ideal combination of effectiveness and tolerability. On a tight budget, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution delivers impressive results for the price. Those new to acids should start with Pixi Glow Tonic before graduating to stronger formulas.
