We independently select and review the products we recommend. We may earn a small commission on purchases made through our affiliate links below. Learn more about how we review products and our sources of information.
Even though glycolic acid is the most beloved alpha-hydroxy acid, it’s a handful. You need to ease your skin into it. And as face washes are gentle, rinse-off products, glycolic acid cleansers can be the easiest and safest way to incorporate exfoliants into your routine. All you need to do is find the right one for your skin type and issues.
Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant and the most popular one for being the most potent of the bunch. It exfoliates, removes dead skin cells, and basically renews the skin. And as a result of that, it addresses several of your skin issues.
It can help with texture irregularities, hyperpigmentation, large pores, and even acne. And except for very sensitive skin, all skin types can use glycolic acid cleansers. And to make sure everyone finds their match, we’ve rounded up the best glycolic acid cleansers and face washes. Scroll down!
The Best Glycolic Acid Cleansers
Whether you have oily skin or mature skin, or you’re dealing with acne or hyperpigmentation, find below the best glycolic acid cleansers.
1. Neostrata Foaming Glycolic Wash
If you want the most bang for your buck, nobody does acids better than Neostrata. And this glycolic acid face wash is no exception! It’s formulated with 18% glycolic acid to dig deep and really make a difference in your cleansing experience. The foaming cleanser doesn’t just clean your face but also helps with uneven skin texture and tone.
Plus, it infuses the skin with lactobionic acid, which is an incredibly gentle exfoliant that also works as a humectant and an antioxidant to hydrate and nourish. High-strength actives always have the potential to irritate. To avoid that, the cleanser is formulated with a sustained-release delivery system, which allows the acid to work slowly and gradually.
2. SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser
This glycolic acid cleanser is in gel form, does foam, and contains a concentration of 8%. So it gives you all the benefits of an exfoliating cleanser. It cleans up the skin, removes makeup, helps accelerate skin renewal, and smooths out skin texture all the while.
But the added phytic acid in 1% makes it a great option for people who are dealing with hyperpigmentation. Though phytic acid also prompts exfoliation, it’s known for its skin-brightening properties. Overall, the glycolic acid cleanser is great if you’re dealing with dullness, acne spots, hyperpigmentation, and other discolorations.
3. L’Oreal Revitalift Derm Intensives 3.5% Glycolic Acid Cleansing Gel
Formulated without fragrance, this budget-friendly glycolic acid cleanser is perfect for all skin types including blemish-prone skin. 3.5% glycolic acid combined with salicylic acid, the gel cleanser reduces shine, decongests the skin, and brightens it.
Unless you have very sensitive skin, you can use it as your daily cleanser to manage excess oil and prevent breakouts and clogged pores. And if you’re going to use something twice daily, it doesn’t hurt to have it affordable!
4. Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser
For normal or dry skin types, too much foam simply means too drying for the skin. That’s why foaming cleansers are usually best for people with very oily skin. This glycolic acid face wash sticks to any oil, dirt, and grime on the skin and washes them away. As a result, it mattifies the skin and helps with breakouts on blemish-prone skin.
And it also has a soothing botanical blend to avoid irritation and redness. One thing to note here is that this is not to be used as a daily face wash. It’s not going to replace your daily cleanser. It’s more like a weekly, rinse-off treatment. So keep that in mind if you have sensitive skin or if you’re prone to irritation.
5. Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser
This one is an anti-aging cleanser perfect for mature skin. It is formulated with 4.7% glycolic acid to stimulate skin turnover. The gel cleanser is oil-free, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free to avoid irritation and sensitivity. It purifies the skin, polishes the complexion, and boosts radiance. With every wash, the cleanser helps minimize fine lines and reduce sun damage on aging skin.
On the other hand, if you want to exfoliate with a cleanser but gel-based options are too drying for your skin, this one comes in cream form too. Cream cleansers tend to work better for dry skin. The cream option has 3.4% glycolic acid for gentler exfoliation.
6. Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel
If you have combination skin or you are prone to acne, using a cleanser that contains both glycolic acid and salicylic acid can help you strengthen your hand. While glycolic acid works to exfoliate, and brighten, salicylic acid will be especially helpful in decongesting clogged pores and treating and preventing acne.
This glycolic acid cleanser contains mandelic acid as well as naturally-derived salicylic acid. And if you’re dealing with discolorations from inflammatory acne, the cleanser also contains a derivative of azelaic acid, phytic acid, and anti-inflammatory green tea. The gel formula exfoliates, unclogs pores, reduces blemishes, and fades dark spots, making it a great multi-acid cleanser.
7. Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil – AHA
If you’re a double cleanser, and you should be if you wear a ton of makeup, then you can try this exfoliating cleansing oil. It’s just like your regular oil cleanser but with skin-resurfacing benefits. Besides glycolic acid, it also has lactic acid to remove surface dead skin cells and rejuvenate skin.
The added advantage of this is that you can really massage it and take your time with it while the exfoliants penetrate the skin. Antioxidant-rich oils melt away your makeup so that your second cleanser sweeps everything. Just make sure your second cleanser is not an exfoliating one. Otherwise, it can be too irritating. And it’ll be what we call over-exfoliation.
8. Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser
If you have dry skin and are intimidated by exfoliants, know that not all glycolic acid cleansers are created equal. And you don’t need to deal with post-cleansing dryness or tightness even if you use exfoliants. This jelly cleanser is as gentle as it gets. It’s packed with hydrating and moisturizing goodies so that your skin isn’t left clean but super tight.
This one exfoliates with two alpha-hydroxy acids, glycolic and lactic. And it hydrates with hyaluronic acid while anti-inflammatory botanicals soothe the skin. The cleanser also contains antioxidant-rich blueberry extract, which is what gives the cleanser its addictive scent. It’s super gentle on the skin, non-drying, incredibly nourishing, and an overall great glycolic acid cleanser for dry skin types.
This concludes our round-up of the best glycolic acid cleansers and face washes. If you’re not sure how to choose one or how to use one, keep reading to learn more about how to incorporate a glycolic acid cleanser into your routine.
How To Choose a Glycolic Acid Cleanser
To get the most out of your product, it’s important to know how to choose a glycolic acid cleanser and what to look for in one.
Concentration
First off, concentration is important. For example, if you’re a newbie, you can try a glycolic acid cleanser in low concentrations. Anything above 10% is usually better for skin that’s already familiar with exfoliants.
Other Ingredients
We’ve established that glycolic acid is a multi-tasker. But if you need it for a specific skin issue, you should keep that in mind. For example, look for a glycolic acid cleanser that also contains salicylic acid if you’re dealing with acne or if you have oily skin.
Additionally, if you have very sensitive skin, go for a low-strength glycolic acid cleanser that also contains soothing botanicals. Similarly, if you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation, anything that’s brightening will make your cleanser work better for you.
