Glycolic Acid
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is prevalent in skincare, and for good reasons. Used in both medical-gradechemical peels and at-home products, this natural exfoliator has a long track record of safetyand efficacy.
What is glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid is one of the most researched alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)—with carbon-containingmolecules derived from various sugar beets, pineapple, and sugar cane. Compared to otherAHAs, glycolic acid has the lowest molecular weight, meaning it can penetrate deeply into theskin for maximum effect. Once absorbed, the acid separates the bonds between skin cells,allowing dead keratinocytes to be sloughed away.This chemical exfoliating process accelerates cell turnover, pushing new skin cells to the surfacefor a radiant complexion. This exfoliant also stimulates collagen and hyaluronic acid productionbeneath the stratum corneum, helping skin tone and firmness.
Glycolic acid for skin exfoliation and health is well-studied. In the right concentrations, thispowerful AHA decreases photo-damage to the skin, and it even allows for deeper absorption ofother actives like antioxidants, growth factors, and retinoids. Glycolic acid enhances the naturalluminosity of the skin and smooths rough texture. Further, this skincare active lightens darkspots, plumps up fine lines and wrinkles, fights acne without drying, and minimizes theappearance of pores.
Helps with these skin concerns:
Helps with these environmental & lifestyle factors:
Glycolic acid reduces the effects of the following lifestyle and environmental factors on your skin.
Water Hardness
Cuts through the mineral deposits to lessen hard water’s effects on your skin. Hard water causes accumulation of soap scum and minerals which break down the lipid barriers that protect our skin and trigger chronic dryness, clogged pores, inflammation and rosacea.
High Stress
Helps counter the effect of high stress on your skin. Living with too much stress ramps up your body's production of cortisol—and wreaks havoc on your skin.
Pollution Protection
Helps fight the effects of pollution on your skin. Polluted air contains small nanoparticles which cause premature aging. Clinical studies show that people with low pollution exposure levels have brighter, healthier, more radiant looking skin.
Dry skin
Glycolic acid is known to resolve major skin concerns related to dryness, texture, clarity, firmness and elasticity.
Normal skin
Glycolic acid is a rapid exfoliant that sloughs away dead skin cells and gives you an even-toned, glowing appearance.
Glycolic acid is beneficial for people in the following age ranges.
AGES 20 AND BELOW
It refines the skin, making it smoother, creating a more even skin tone, a brighter appearance, and gives you radiant skin from within.
AGES 21 - 33
It is a perfect fit to address the primary skin care concerns for people in their 20s and early 30s. Make it a part of your regular skin care routine for healthy, beautiful skin.
AGES 34 - 46
This is a great time to make it a part of your skincare routine as you start thinking about incorporating more ingredients with anti-aging benefits.
AGES 47 - 64
It is a great bet for consistent, everyday incorporation in your skincare routine as it not only will tighten up your anti-aging regimen but also help you achieve firmer, more youthful skin.
AGES 65 AND ABOVE
As skin matures, it tends to lose hydration and feel dry. This helps hydrate and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Glycolic acid works well with these other ingredients
Lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, and salicylic acid complement the exfoliating and hydrating properties of glycolic acid. It also works well with glycerin, ceramides, and rosehip seed oil. Glycolic acid can be paired with Vitamin C, as long as one is applied in the morning and the other at night.
Usage Guide
How to use glycolic acid?
Start sparingly with a cleanser or lotion with a 2-5 percent glycolic acid a few times a week. Youcan increase the concentration and frequency to every other night or every night, depending onyour skincare needs.
When to use glycolic acid?
If you’re going to be in the full sun for extended periods, do not apply glycolic acid thatmorning. Consider using it right before bed, as nighttime is when your skin is in “repair” mode.In terms of age, skincare formulas with GA can be effective from adolescence onward.
Clinically Proven Efficacy for Softer, Smoother, Brighter Skin
Softer skin
87% agreed - “With this cream, my skin feels softer.”
Smoother skin
94% agreed - “With this cream, my skin feels smoother.”
Brighter complexion
81% agreed - “The routine provides a bright, radiant complexion.”
Cruelty free
Never test on animals. Nor do our manufacturers, formulators, or suppliers.
Clean beauty
No Phthalates. No Parabens. No SLS. No Formaldehyde
Made in USA
Made in an FDA-Approved Laboratory here in the USA
What is glycolic acid found in?
Thanks to its anti-aging and brightening benefits, glycolic acid is incorporated in a wide array ofskincare products, including exfoliating pads, serums, masks, toners, cleansers, replenishinglotions, and peels.
Those with sensitive skin may find glycolic acid products too irritating for daily use. However,serums and cleansers containing very low concentrations (less than 10 percent) of glycolic acidmay not provoke redness or burning in sensitive skin.
Things to keep in mind
Topical glycolic acid will often produce a slight tingling sensation-- a telltale sign that it’sworking properly. High percentages of glycolic can cause burning, erythema, and peeling--adverse side effects that should be avoided. This AHA also increases the skin’s sensitivity tosunlight, so users must be diligent about daily sunscreen protection.
Be careful using glycolic acid with Vitamin A derivatives like retinoids, as they can be tooirritating and cause peeling and damage to the skin’s natural barrier. If your daily routine callsfor both ingredients, be sure to use them on alternating days.
Find out if you need glycolic acid
Find out if you need glycolic acid
Is glycolic acid your gateway to smoother, more luminous skin? The PROVEN skin quizcan identify the best ingredients for your lifestyle, skin concerns, and environment. Get yourpersonalized formulas today.