Glycolic acid – is it everything that the internet has hyped it up to be? In this article, we’ll discuss what it is, how it can benefit your skin, and how to work it into your skincare routine. From drugstore finds to high end products, we’ve also got a list of all the best glycolic acid products you can find in Singapore. Everything you wanted to know and more about glycolic acid, let’s begin!

FAQ About Glycolic Acid

What is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that originates and derives from sugar cane. This acid joins others like lactic acid that derives from sour milk, tartaric acid that’s derived from grapes, and citric acid that derives from citrus fruits.

Products that use glycolic acid are known for treating acne breakouts, hyperpigmentation, dullness, as well as fine lines and wrinkles caused by ageing. Among all the AHAs, glycolic acid is the smallest and simplest of structures that also has the lowest molecular weight. Hence, it is easy for it to penetrate your skin and be super effective as well.

Not only that, but glycolic acid is also an important ingredient in chemical peels. It is said that this acid is the gold standard in the formulations of chemical peels and it is the go-to for many professional skin therapists for its abilities in transforming the health and the appearance of various skin types.

What are the Benefits of Glycolic Acid?

You should know that the main function of glycolic acid is to exfoliate your skin. It exfoliates the skin by loosening up the dead cells and effectively removing the outermost layer of the skin whilst encouraging cell turnover to promote a much even skin tone.

Apart from that, it also has the added benefit of aiding the skin in stimulating the production of collagen. It is a vital ingredient in slowing down the process of ageing by activating the fibroblasts in the dermis layer of the skin.

Not only that, most acne serums and spot treatments that are in the market are also formulated with glycolic acid. By incorporating this acid into your skincare routine, you will notice your skin feeling much smoother, more radiant, and looking more even.

Are There Side Effects When Using Glycolic Acid?

When you use this acid, one thing you need to be careful about is sun exposure. This acid increases the sensitivity of your skin to the UV rays. Hence, you would need to wear a hat, stay in the shade and always use sunscreen. Or, you could just use products that contain glycolic acid at night.

Usually, there are no other side effects other than skin irritation, especially if you have very sensitive skin However, glycolic acid is very safe; someone who is pregnant can undergo a glycolic acid peel to treat acne. This is because glycolic acid has a built-in safeguard. The acid is immediately neutralised upon contact with water. Not only can you simply rinse the acid of your skin if you feel a tingling sensation, but when it penetrates deeply into your skin, it will eventually reach the water in the dermis of the skin.

Which Skin Types Can Use Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is best for normal, combination, and oily skin. If you have dry skin, then this acid will also help as it transfers water molecules from the air into the skin tissue as it replenishes any lost moisture, making it an effective ingredient when used in low strengths. However, experts do suggest that you refrain from continuous use of the product if your skin experiences burning, stinging, or irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. With any new products, it’s best that you do a patch test, and work it in gradually into your current skincare routine.

Best Glycolic Acid Products in Singapore

1. Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

You’ll probably have seen this product floating around on Tik Tok, and for good reason. The Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel by Dr Dennis are infused with a blend of lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acid that provides your skin with a packed boost of refinement and exfoliation. It also gets rid of the dead and stubborn skin cells, along with the dirt from your pores. However, they are super gentle that you can use it daily.

Why we love it:

  • Refines skin texture
  • Evens the skin tone
  • Minimises pores

Price: From $36

Where to buy: Sephora

2. Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Overnight Cream

If you have skin concerns like dark spots and hyperpigmentation, then this overnight cream by Caudalie is one that you should definitely try. Other than glycolic acid, it also contains hyaluronic acid infused in it to restore the moisture to your skin. Not only that, Caudalie’s trademark ingredient; Viniferine, is also infused it in to lighten the dark spots and acne marks.

Why we love it:

  • Brightens the skin
  • Evens the skin tone
  • Hydrates the skin

Price: $64.00

Where to buy: LookFantastic

3. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

A fan favourite, the Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution by The Ordinary is super effective and an affordable product in the market. This formula has been formulated with 7% of glycolic acid and it also offers your skin with the gentle exfoliation that it needs along with brightening your skin. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free. Not only that, this toner is also infused with Tasmanian pepperberry and aloe vera to really soothe the skin, as well as ginseng root that will leave your skin looking radiant.

Why we love it:

  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Removes dead skin cell build-up
  • Soothes the skin

Price: $12.50

Where to buy: LookFantastic

4. Biossance Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Facial Mask

An all-in-one product, the Biossance’s Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Facial works as an exfoliator, peel, and an overnight hydrating mask. As the glycolic acid exfoliates your skin, the squalane moisturises your skin, and keeps it calm and hydrated. When you wake up in the morning, you will notice your skin looking brighter! It may be a little pricey, but trust us, it’s well worth it. And it’s vegan, too!

Price: $85.00

Where to buy: Sephora

5. Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser

If you’re new to glycolic acid, then a cleanser will be your best bet as you can just wash it off in the event that your skin reacts to it. How the Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser foaming cleanser works is that it unclogs the congested pores in your skin while it smoothes the surface of your skin, leaving your skin glowing and radiant as ever. Not only that, this cleanser is also infused with marshmallow, sage and chamomile that will help soothe the skin as well as exfoliate, even for the most sensitive of skins.

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Unclogs congested pores
  • Refines skin texture

Price: $23.37

Where to buy: Revolve

6. Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

This serum contains 12% of alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy blend that works together in improving your skin tone as well as the texture of your skin as you are fast asleep. Not only that, but it also complements the efficacy of the other products as it cleans the pores of your skin at night only to prep your skin for a maximum level of absorption in the morning.

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for both day and night
  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Boost efficacy of other products

Price: From $135.00

Where to buy: Sephora

7. Mario Badescu Glycolic Skin Renewal Complex

The Mario Badescu Glycolic Skin Renewal Complex is product that you truly need in your life. Best for combination and dry skin, it combines both glycolic acid with papaya extract to achieve radiant skin. These two ingredients are then blended with oils to serve your skin with the deep hydration it needs along with wrinkle-filling effects.

Why we love it:

  • Deeply nourishing
  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Revives rough skin

Price: $31.00

Where to buy: Zalora

8. Peter Thomas Roth 10% Glycolic Solutions Moisturiser (discontinued)

This 10% Glycolic Solutions Moisturiser by Peter Thomas Roth includes will help treat your skin through the entire day as you have it on as it’s a time-released product. Thanks to its star ingredient glycolic acid, it also works against your wrinkles and fine lines while providing maximum hydration, radiance and smoothness to your skin.

Why we love it:

  • Reduces skin texture and roughness
  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Hydrates the skin

Price: $58.95

Where to buy: Sephora

9. Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon (discontinued)

Dermalogica’s sound sleep cocoon night gel-cream uses the acid to refine your skin overnight as you are asleep. Go to bed with this applied on your skin. When you wake up, you’ll find yourself with a brighter and much plumper skin and complexion.

Why we love it:

  • Works as an overnight mask
  • Refines the skin
  • Brightens and plumps the skin

Price: $153.00

Where to buy: Dermalogica Singapore

10. Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment

Good Genes Glycolic acid penetrates the surface of your skin with tiny glycolic acid molecules. It also sinks deeper into your skin compared to the other forms of AHA acids. This formula breaks apart the pore-clogging debris while repairing the sun damage, congested, wrinkled and dull skin. Despite the hefty price tag, this remains one of the best glycolic acid products available on the market.

Why we love it:

  • Reverses sun damage
  • Unclogs congested pores
  • Brightens the skin

Price: $157.00

Where to buy: Selfridges

11. Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner

Instead of a serum or moisturiser, why don’t you opt for the Green Plum Refreshing Toner by Beauty of Joseon for something a little more lightweight? This exfoliating toner is formulated with not only glycolic acid, but AHA, BHA, and salicylic acid as well. Although it sounds potent, it’s actually gentle enough to be used daily, and it’s especially beneficial for those who have textured, acne-prone, and oily skin.

Why we love it:

  • Removes dead skin cells and impurities
  • Refines skin texture
  • Gentle

Price: $18.20

Where to buy: Watsons

12. Cos de BAHA G Glycolic Acid 10 AHA Serum

If you’re looking for something to even out acne scars and dark marks, then the Cos de BAHA G Glycolic Acid 10 AHA Serum will be perfect for you. It’s formulated with both glycolic acid and 10% AHA, which smoothens texture and scars, and improves the skin’s elasticity. Not only that, this serum also reduces fine lines and wrinkles, besides exfoliating to reveal baby smooth skin.

Why we love it:

  • Smoothens skin texture
  • Enhances skin elasticity
  • Reduces appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Price: $19.44

Where to buy: Zalora

13. SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Mask

There’s no other product quite like the SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Mask. This wonder product not only decongests pores, lifts impurities, and removes excess sebum, it’s also formulated with aloe and chamomile to calm the skin. Plus, it also contains a hydroxy acid blend, which includes malic, lactic, tartaric, citric, and glycolic acids to gently exfoliate the skin. Talk about efficiency!

Why we love it:

  • Removes buildup of dead skin cells
  • Soothes the skin
  • Removes excess sebum, oil, and impurities

Price: $100

Where to buy: SkinCeuticals Singapore

14. Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser

Dermatologist-recommended, the Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser is definitely something you should incorporate into your skincare routine. This cleanser works to not only thoroughly yet gently cleanse the skin from makeup, impurities, and excess oil, it also gently exfoliates the dead skin cells away, thanks to its formulation with glycolic acid. Plus, it’s also infused Vitamin A, which helps to reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and reveal brighter skin.

Why we love it:

  • Vegan and cruelty-free
  • Diminishes fine lines and wrinkles
  • Brightens the skin

Price: $23.20

Where to buy: Guardian

15. L’Oréal Glycolic Bright Dark Circle Eye Serum

Do you struggle with falling asleep at night? Well, nobody has to know, thanks to the Glycolic Bright Dark Circle Eye Serum by L’Oréal. Even if you’re not getting your beauty sleep, this eye serum is formulated with glycolic acid, vitamin CG, as well as niacinamide to really brighten up those panda eyes. Clinically proven to visibly reduce dark circles, it also works to gently exfoliate the skin to reduce dullness, and fade hyperpigmentation. Plus, it’s a got a patented Triple Roller Applicator, which really helps to wake you up in the morning with a cooling sensation and massage those tired under eyes.

Why we love it:

  • Fades hyperpigmentation
  • Gently exfoliates to reveal brighter skin
  • Reduces dark circles

Price: $54.90

Where to buy: Watsons

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