Best glycolic acid serums for face: 6 top choices for you!

Glycolic acid is derived from fruits, beets and sugar cane. This alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) helps to chemically exfoliate your skin to remove dead skin cells and excess oil. It acts as a humectant that can help attract and lock in water to skin cells. The antibacterial and anti-ageing properties of glycolic acid may help prevent the growth of bacteria and reduce the processes that can cause visible signs of skin ageing. Using face serums that are infused with glycolic acid may help treat acne, prevent UV damage, improve the elasticity of your skin, stimulate collagen production, repair your damaged skin and keep it moisturised. Check out a list of the best glycolic acid serums for face that you may try to keep your skin plump, soft and supple.

6 best glycolic acid face serums

1. L’Oreal Paris Brightening Serum

L’Oreal Paris Brightening Serum promises to reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation. It is packed with the goodness of glycolic acid and niacinamide, which can help remove melanin, boost skin renewal, and improve skin texture. This glycolic face serum may penetrate faster and deeper into the skin and help reveal even skin tone. The brand claims that their glycolic acid serum for sensitive skin is clinically and dermatologically tested.

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2. Jovees Herbal 5% Glycolic Acid Brightening Serum

Jovees Herbal 5% Glycolic Acid Brightening Serum promises to make your skin brighter and even toned. Enriched with the goodness of glycolic acid, Yuzu lemon extract, hyaluronic acid and vitamin B3, which may help hydrate your skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and promote radiant appearance. Regular use of this serum may help exfoliate your skin, remove dead skin cells, promote cell turnover and make your skin look plump. The brand also claims that their product is free from paraben, alcohol and cruelty.

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3. Rejusure Glycolic Acid Serum

Rejusure Glycolic Acid Serum may help make your skin look brighter. It is packed with the goodness of glycolic acid, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which may help treat hyperpigmentation, dark spots and improves your skin texture. This glycolic acid serum for oily skin may boost collagen production, minimise the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and make your skin look smooth. The brand also states that their product is free from paraben, sulphate, cruelty and is environment-friendly.

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4. Lakme Glycolic Illuminate Serum

Lakme Glycolic Illuminate Serum may help to make your skin look shiny. Suitable for all skin types, this serum claims to provide visible improvement in just 10 days. Regular use of this serum may improve the skin radiance, smoothens rough texture and polishes the surface of your skin. Packed with the goodness of glycolic acid, this serum may remove dead skin cells and provide a polished look.

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5. Dot & Key Watermelon 10% Glycolic Serum for Face

Dot & Key Watermelon 10% Glycolic Serum for Face promises to target dullness and uneven skin texture. Enriched with the goodness of watermelon, glycolic acid and kojic acid, this serum may help control excess oil, exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce dark spots. This lightweight serum may also unclog pores, regulate sebum production, and improve skin clarity. The brand claims that their product is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.

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6. CeraVe Anti Aging Face Serum

CeraVe Anti Aging Face Serum may help reveal radiant skin. It promises to gently exfoliate your skin to improve the visible signs of ageing. Enriched with the goodness of glycolic acid, lactic acid, licorice root extract, hyaluronic acid and ceramides, this serum may help minimise the appearance of uneven texture, combat fullness, discolouration, age spots, retains skin’s natural moisture and maintain the natural barrier of your skin.

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What are the benefits of glycolic acid serums?

• Promotes exfoliation: The exfoliating properties of glycolic acid gently remove the dead skin cells, slough away dull, congested layers and reveal fresh, luminous skin underneath.
• Enhances hydration: These serums may help remove barriers to moisture absorption, thus allowing the hydrating ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin. Regular use of these serums may help improve the elasticity of your skin, thus making it look supple.
• Brightens your skin: Glycolic acid serums stimulate cellular turnover. This helps reduce the appearance of dark spots, acne scars and sun damage. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that glycolic acid can provide effective treatment against sun damage without causing any irritation and inflammation.
• Prevents acne: They help clean the pores, regulate sebum production and help prevent future breakouts. The anti-inflammatory properties of the glycolic acid serums may help soothe redness, irritation and promote a calmer skin.
• Improves absorption: By using glycolic acid, you can enhance the penetration of other skin care products. This helps deliver essential ingredients effectively.

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How to choose the right face serum?

• Check the ingredients list of the product and ensure that it contains high concentration of glycolic acid.
• Look for face serums that are pH-balanced to ensure that the product remains effective without causing any irritation.
• Opt for serums that are lightweight, fast-absorbing and can address specific concerns like hydration, brightening or acne control.
• Look for products that contain additional ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamins and other botanical extracts.
• Check the texture and consistency of the serum and choose the one that suits your skin type. If you have dry skin, make sure that the glycolic acid contains hydrating ingredients. In case of oily skin, make sure that the product is non-comedogenic and hypoallergic. For sensitive skin, look for serums that contains soothing ingredients and are free from harmful chemicals.
• Consult your dermatologist to seek guidance. They will help you choose the right product considering your skin type, concern and need.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

• Is glycolic acid good for face?

A study published in the Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology states that glycolic acid can help treat all types of acne and improve the appearance of your skin. Another study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology mentioned that glycolic acid can keep your skin moisturised, promote skin elasticity, boost collagen production and help repair your damaged skin.

• Are there any side effects of glycolic acid?

While glycolic acid is generally considered safe for your skin, it can lead to redness, inflammation, skin irritation, swelling and burning. It can cause hyperpigmentation especially if your skin is prone to hyperpigmentation.

(Disclaimer: At Health Shots, we make a constant effort to break the clutter for our readers. All products listed are carefully curated by the editorial team but use your discretion and an expert’s opinion before using them. Their price and availability may differ from the time of publication. If you buy something using these links in the story, we may earn a commission.)