Everything you need to know about glycolic acid
Do you know those mornings when your skin looks tired and dull in the mirror? Perhaps you’ve considered glycolic acid. But what can the acid do for your skin, and how can you get the most out of it?
In brief
- Glykolsyre and glycolic acid are the same acid.
- It loosens dead skin cells, leaving skin smoother and giving it a glow.
- You can use it on your face and on rough skin on your body.
- You’ll find it in toners, peeling masks and body lotions.
What is glycolic acid (glykolsyre)?
Glycolic acid is called glykolsyre in Danish and is an AHA acid found naturally in sugar cane. It loosens the bonds between dead skin cells in the skin’s outermost layer, leaving skin smoother and giving it a glow.
AHA acids are also called fruit acids, and glycolic acid is one of the most common in skincare.1 The glycolic acid you find in your products is usually made in a laboratory so that it is pure and consistent. On the ingredient list, you’ll find it under the name Glycolic Acid.
Glycolic acid is the smallest of the AHA acids. This means it easily penetrates the skin’s outermost layer. It can tingle a little, especially if your skin is sensitive. How well a product works depends on the whole formula, not just the glycolic acid.
What is glycolic acid good for?
Glycolic acid is good for skin that looks dull and uneven. As the dead skin cells come away, skin feels smoother to the touch and catches the light better. That’s the glow many of us want to see in the mirror in the morning.
Over time, glycolic acid can make the skin’s surface smoother and its tone more even.2 It can also make a visible difference if your skin shows signs of many years in the sun.3 How much difference you see depends on the product and your skin.
Are fewer fine lines your main goal? Then glycolic acid isn’t the first thing we’d recommend. Instead, read our guide to retinol.
- Normal and oily skin: skin looks fresher and gains a glow.
- Mature skin: smoother skin and a more even skin tone.
- Dry or sensitive skin: start with a mild product. Lactic acid and PHA are milder acids that sensitive skin can often tolerate better.
Ask your doctor first
Do you have rosacea or eczema, or are you receiving treatment for your skin from a doctor? If so, ask your doctor before using a peel with glycolic acid.
How do you use glycolic acid?
Use glycolic acid in the evening after cleansing your skin. Follow the product instructions and moisturise afterwards.
How often can you use glycolic acid?
It depends on the product. Some products with glycolic acid are made for daily use, while a peeling mask is used less often. Start gently and never use the product more often than the instructions say.
It may tingle a little the first few times. If your skin becomes red, tight or sore, take a break for a few days. Don’t use the acid on sunburnt, irritated or freshly shaved skin, and keep it away from your eyes.
- Cleanse your skin gently and pat it dry.
- Follow the instructions for your glycolic acid product. If the product needs to be rinsed off, leave it on for as long as the instructions say.
- Finish with a moisturising cream that soothes the skin.
- Apply sunscreen the next morning, even if the sky is grey.
Good to know
Glycolic acid makes skin more sensitive to the sun while you use it. Skin becomes less sensitive again within about a week after you stop.4 So use sunscreen every morning throughout this period and for a week afterwards, even when you only use the acid in the evening.
Glycolic acid on the body
Skin on the body is often thicker and rougher than skin on the face. Perhaps your upper arms, thighs, elbows and knees feel like sandpaper when you run your hand over them.
Glycolic acid and lactic acid are among the acids most often recommended for rough skin with small bumps on the upper arms. These small bumps are also known as keratosis pilaris.5 A body lotion with glycolic acid can make skin feel softer and smoother, but it won’t remove keratosis pilaris.
Apply it after your shower when your skin is dry, and remember sunscreen on areas exposed to the sun.
Can you use glycolic acid under your arms?
Perhaps you’ve seen the trend of using glycolic acid under the arms. The skin there is thin and often freshly shaved, so an acid can easily sting. Only use it under your arms if the product instructions say so, and never immediately after shaving.
Glycolic acid on the scalp
You can also find glycolic acid in scalp care. Here it loosens dead skin cells, just as it does on the rest of the skin. Rinse thoroughly and take care not to let the product run into your eyes.
Can you use glycolic acid with retinol?
Yes, but not on the same evening. Glycolic acid works well with moisturising care, but using several strong ingredients at once can irritate the skin.
- Good together: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycerin and a moisturiser to soothe the skin afterwards.
- On other evenings: use retinol or other acids, such as salicylic acid, on evenings when you don’t use glycolic acid. This is especially important if your skin is sensitive.
- Vitamin C: feel free to use vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid in the evening.
Glycolic acid or salicylic acid?
Both are acids that loosen dead skin cells, but they work in different ways.6 Glycolic acid is an AHA acid that works on the skin’s surface. Salicylic acid is a BHA acid that is oil-soluble, making it well suited to oily skin with blemishes.
| Glycolic acid (AHA) | Lactic acid (AHA) | Salicylic acid (BHA) | PHA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable for | Normal, oily and mature skin, as well as rough skin on the body | Dry and sensitive skin | Oily skin with blemishes | Sensitive skin |
| Characteristics | The smallest AHA acid; loosens dead skin cells | Milder and also moisturises | Oil-soluble, works in the pores | Has larger molecules and is very mild |
If you’d like to compare the acids at your own pace, read our guide to AHA, BHA and PHA.
Glycolic acid and pregnancy
You can use Daily Peel and Peeling Mask while pregnant, and you can also use Peeling Mask while breastfeeding.
Your skin may react differently during this time, so test the product first on a small area of skin, for example near your jaw. AHA+BHA Mask also contains salicylic acid (BHA), and we advise against using it while pregnant or breastfeeding. If it’s another product or you’re unsure, ask your midwife or doctor. Read more in our guide to pregnancy and skincare.
Myth or fact?
The more it stings, the better it works.
Myth. Stinging is a sign that the skin is irritated. A slight tingling the first few times is normal, but if your skin becomes red and sore, take a break.
You need to use glycolic acid every day to see a difference.
Myth. Some products are made for daily use, while others should only be used occasionally. Follow the product instructions.
Glycolic acid makes skin more sensitive to the sun.
Fact. That’s why sunscreen is part of your routine every morning while using glycolic acid and for a week afterwards.
Glycolic acid and glykolsyre are the same thing.
Fact. They’re the same acid, just with an English and a Danish name.
When should you use sunscreen?
- Only on days when you use the acid
- Every morning while using it and for a week afterwards
- Only in summer
Skin is more sensitive to the sun while you use the acid and for up to a week afterwards.
Your skin becomes red and sore after using the acid. What do you do?
- Use more so your skin gets used to it
- Take a break for a few days
- Switch to a stronger acid
A slight tingling can be normal, but redness and soreness mean your skin needs a break.
Can you use glycolic acid and retinol on the same evening?
- Yes, they work better that way
- No, use them on different evenings
- Only if you use a lot of moisturiser
Skin can become irritated if you use the two strong ingredients on the same evening.
Our care with glycolic acid
At ECOOKING, you’ll find glycolic acid in three facial peels and a body lotion. Daily Peel is a daily peel that you don’t need to rinse off.
Take a little break at home with our Peeling Mask. Our AHA+BHA Mask is the strongest of the three and is not suitable for sensitive skin.
If the skin on your arms and thighs is rough, our AHA Body Repair body lotion can make it smoother.
And if you’re not happy with your care, you have our 100 % satisfaction guarantee.
Daily Peel 7%
Fragrance-free exfoliating toner with 7 % glycolic acid for daily peeling, gi...
Peeling Mask
Fragrance-free peeling mask with AHA acids that exfoliates with lactic acid a...
AHA Body Repair
Exfoliating body lotion for rough skin that makes skin smoother and more even...
AHA+BHA Mask
Fragrance-free chemical peeling mask with AHA and BHA for pigmentation spots ...
See products with glycolic acid
Frequently asked questions
What is glycolic acid in Danish?
In Danish, glycolic acid is called glykolsyre. It is an AHA acid, also called a fruit acid, and it appears on the ingredient list under its English name.
What is glycolic acid good for?
It is good for dull and uneven skin. The acid helps dead skin cells come away, leaving your skin smoother and giving it a glow.
How often can you use glycolic acid?
It depends on the product. You can use a toner made for daily use every evening, while a peeling mask is used occasionally. Follow the instructions and take a break if your skin becomes irritated.
How do you use glycolic acid?
Use it in the evening on clean, dry skin and finish with a moisturiser. The next morning, finish with sunscreen.
Can you use glycolic acid under your arms?
Only if the product is intended for it. The skin under the arms is thin and often freshly shaved, so the acid can sting. Wait until your skin has completely settled after shaving before using the acid.
Can you use glycolic acid and retinol together?
Yes, but use them on different evenings. Using them on the same evening can be too much for your skin.
Can you use glycolic acid when pregnant?
You can use our Daily Peel and Peeling Mask while pregnant. Test on a small area of skin first. If it’s another product or you’re unsure, ask your midwife or doctor.
Sources
- Babilas P, Knie U, Abels C. Cosmetic and dermatologic use of alpha hydroxy acids. Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft. 2012. PubMed
- Thibault PK, Wlodarczyk J, Wenck A. A double-blind randomized clinical trial on the effectiveness of a daily glycolic acid 5% formulation in the treatment of photoaging. Dermatologic Surgery. 1998. PubMed
- Stiller MJ et al. Topical 8% glycolic acid and 8% L-lactic acid creams for the treatment of photodamaged skin. A double-blind vehicle-controlled clinical trial. Archives of Dermatology. 1996. PubMed
- Kaidbey K et al. Topical glycolic acid enhances photodamage by ultraviolet light. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine. 2003. PubMed
- Beyron A. Keratosis pilaris: a systematic review of the literature and strategies for optimal treatment. European Journal of Dermatology. 2025. PubMed
- Kornhauser A, Coelho SG, Hearing VJ. Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2010. PubMed
