These Are The 13 Best Glycolic Acid Cleansers, Period

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Cleansing is the first step in prepping your skin for your daily routine, and glycolic acid is kinda the crème de la crème of ingredients when it comes to face wash. Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that offers exfoliating and anti-aging benefits—and its small molecular size allows it to penetrate the skin, making it the most potent of the exfoliating acids, says dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD.

"Glycolic acid helps dissolve connections between skin cells, so they more easily can be shed from the skin, which allows for better light reflection off the skin's surface, improving radiance," Dr. Zeichner says. By removing the top layer of dead skin, products applied after using your glycolic acid cleanser can penetrate better. Plus, glycolic acid is a hydrophilic (or water-soluble) molecule, so it's ideal for people with normal, combination, or aging skin types.

Now that you're hooked on finding the best face wash with this superstar exfoliator, we spoke to dermatologists and licensed medical aestheticians to recommend the best glycolic acid cleansers on the market. Shop the picks below, and remember to always use sunscreen with these to prevent irritation and skin damage.

AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

This top-rated cleanser pulls double duty as it contains four types of AHAs—lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, and malic acid—plus BHAs to leave your skin soft, supple, and smooth. You'll notice the difference after just the first use, but the benefits get even brighter with time. According to dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, the AHAs work on the skin's surface to give it a radiant glow while the salicylic acid (a BHA) works below the surface to unclog pores with consistent use. Plus, SkinMedica's cleanser boasts a light and refreshing scent that makes it feel like a treat to use.

Rave review: "I have tried pretty much everything and I have never seen anything work as well as this stuff does. I have fairly sensitive skin and using it a few times a week has not been a problem. A little goes a very long way, so this ought to last a while, making it a great value."

Revitalift Glycolic Acid Cleansing Gel

"This gel cleanser combines glycolic and salicylic acid to remove dead cells and oils from the skin and offer brightening benefits," says Dr. Zeichner. Its glycolic acid concentration (3.5 percent) is on the lower end, so it's suitable for sensitive or dry skin. It contains aloe for that extra boost of hydration. Because it's mild, you can use it every day before your nighttime skin routine. And we especially love that this glycolic acid cleanser is available in many drugstores, so you'll likely find it at your local CVS or Walgreens.

Rave review: "I've been using this product for a few months now and I love how soft it makes my skin feel."

AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Murad's AHA/BHA cleanser combines salicylic acid with glycolic acid to tackle acne while exfoliating gently, says Evelyn Ramirez, a medically licensed aesthetician based in New York City. The chemical exfoliants unclog pores to help clear out acne-causing oils, while the biodegradable jojoba beads help smooth the skin. Plus, the acid exfoliation may help with skin cell turnover to ease acne scars and smooth out imperfections with continued use.

In case you didn't know, when you bring glycolic acid into your skincare crew, Dr. Zeichner suggests starting with every few days to let your skin ease into it before ramping up to daily use.

Rave review: "This cleanser has been a game-changer for hormonal acne and random breakouts. I use it four to five times a week at night—it doesn't strip my skin and feels gentle enough for frequent use."

Pre-Treatment Exfoliating Cleanser

Ramirez recommends this cleanser because it contains glycolic acid and moisturizing ingredients to prevent dryness. In addition to glycolic acid, it sneaks in salicylic and mandelic acids, plus vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps moisturize the skin. This pick is gentle, yet potent enough to help with dull skin as well as uneven tone and texture. Word of caution: "Be careful when combining glycolic acid with other active ingredients, like retinol, as the combination can cause skin irritation," Dr. Zeichner says.

Rave review: "I love this stuff! It’s all but made my acne go away! I have very sensitive skin and dry skin."

LHA Cleanser Gel

SkinCeuticals' LHA Cleansing Gel contains glycolic and salicylic acids to balance the skin's oil production, Ramirez says. You can rest assured this pick will give your face a deep clean, ridding it of makeup or SPF buildup. And unlike a physical exfoliant that can irritate your skin, SkinCeuticals' gentle cleansing gel chemically sloughs off dead skin cells for an all-around even exfoliation.

Rave review: "I have very oily and acne-prone skin, and this manages to clear up some of my acne and blackheads without causing irritation or dryness."

SkinActive Micellar Gentle Peeling Water

Dr. Zeichner crowns this cleanser as a great option for people with sensitive skin. "This ultra-gentle micellar cleanser combines glycolic acid with polyhydroxy acid for gentle exfoliation," says Dr. Zeichner.

The micelles in micellar water are a soap-free agent that helps dissolve oil, makeup, and debris from your face in seconds. Just squeeze this stuff onto a cotton ball and swipe it over your face—no rinsing or rubbing required.

Rave review: "I have extremely sensitive skin and had no issues with this. After a week of using it, a patch of tiny blackheads on my chin is completely cleared up. My skin has never felt so soft. This is now my go-to product!"

Bioglycolic Face Cleanser

Ramirez recommends the Jan Marini Bioglycolic Face Cleanser because it contains calming agents for sensitive skin. Sorbitol, one of the key ingredients in this cleanser, is an effective humectant that hydrates and protects your skin barrier. This non-irritating cleanser is safe for sensitive, red skin and can be used up to twice a day. Feel free to sneak it into your morning and evening routines.

Rave review: "My skin is softer, smoother, and more radiant in one month's time. The redness, congestion, and lines are disappearing. At 60 years old, my skin is glowing!"

Detoxifying AHA/BHA Gel Cleanser

This gel cleanser is formulated with six percent glycolic acid and two percent salicylic acid to resurface the skin. This potent cleanser boasts a high acid concentration for effective results. It's suitable for daily use, unless your skin is ultra-sensitive. It also contains niacinamide (vitamin B3), which works as an antioxidant and is associated with improving fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and redness, according to a 2010 study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.

Rave review: "I've been using this cleanser twice per day for a few weeks now and I've been loving it! I have oily-combo skin and I've noticed some blemishes clearing up and my skin tone becoming more even."

Daily Glycolic Cleanser

A foaming cleanser is great if you want that squeaky clean feel, and Dermalogica's Daily Glycolic Cleanser comes recommended by Dr. Zeichner because it's effective yet gentle enough for daily use. "This cleanser combines glycolic acid with calendula and jojoba extract to exfoliate while maintaining hydrated skin," Dr. Zeichner says. Just remember to follow up with moisturizer and SPF because AHAs like glycolic acid can increase your sensitivity to the sun.

Rave review: "I've come accustomed to waking up with at least one break out and this product has cleared my skin and has kept it clear for over a month."

Glycolic Foaming Cleanser

Mario Badescu's Glycolic Foaming Cleanser is effective and reasonably priced for regular exfoliation, Ramirez says. The generous six-ounce bottle comes in at $16, giving you a good bang for your buck. The potent glycolic acid in the formula strips dead skin cells away. What's more, this cleanser clocks in at an ideal pH of 3.8. "A pH between three and four ensures effectiveness without causing excessive irritation, and a lower pH enhances the acid's exfoliating properties," Ramirez says.

Rave review: "This is a miracle cleanser. A drop is all you need to create a creamy lather. My skin feels so smooth after each use. The texture of my skin has improved dramatically and darker spots have disappeared."

Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser

Recommended by Dr. Zeichner, this cleanser combines glycolic and hyaluronic acid to exfoliate and hydrate the skin. "Hyaluronic acid can also minimize potential irritation and offer hydration benefits for people who have aging skin," says Dr. Zeichner. Plus, the glycolic acid is great for smoothing out fine lines and clearing out dead skin cells to reveal newer, more vibrant skin. This cleanser also doubles as a five-minute mask, so if you have a little extra time for self-care, apply a thick layer to clean skin for added exfoliating benefits.

Rave review: "I have dry, aging skin but on occasion have a breakout here and there. This wasn't drying at all—it's very hydrating and gentle. Plus, I love the added natural AHA to help with dullness."

Glycolic Renewal Gel Cleanser

If your skin is conditioned to using active ingredients, you can likely tolerate a higher-concentration product like this potent cleanser. "With eight percent free glycolic acid, it offers extra strength benefits beyond what’s generally found in most glycolic products," says Dr. Zeichner. In addition to glycolic acid, this cleanser is formulated with phytic acid to enhance cell turnover and offer skin-brightening benefits.

Rave review: "I love this cleanser! It's the perfect skin prep in my morning routine, creating the perfect canvas for my daily serums. My skin is softer and perfectly exfoliated."

Cleanse As Needed 10% Glycolic Acid Cleanser

When you're just starting out with glycolic acid, you'll want a product with a lower concentration and slowly work your way up to build tolerance, Ramirez says. With its 10 percent concentration, this pick is best for people who have been using glycolic acid for a while and can tolerate it. Oily or acne-prone skin might also benefit from a higher-concentration glycolic acid cleanser to target oiliness and breakouts, Ramirez says.

Rave review: "My skin is clear, clean and even after using this product. It is cleansing without over-drying! Highly recommend."

How our team chose the best glycolic acid cleansers

For the past few months, Women’s Health editors, including our associate fashion commerce editor Lily Wohlner, have been researching the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated glycolic acid cleansers. Our team consulted two dermatologists and one medical aesthetician for the story. Additionally, the team evaluated hundreds of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best glycolic acid cleansers for a wide range of needs and preferences.

What are the benefits of using glycolic acid cleansers?

Glycolic acid can help improve skin's radiance, texture, and tone. The acid naturally exfoliates the skin, removing dead cells. This promotes cell turnover and a brighter complexion, as well as unclogs pores to help prevent acne and breakouts, Ramirez says.

"There’s also data showing that it can increase the production of collagen, elastin, and even hyaluronic acid," Dr. Zeichner says. Since cleansers wash off and don't remain on the skin for too long (like a moisturizer or toner), a glycolic acid cleanser can be a great way to introduce exfoliating acids to sensitive skin.

Is it okay to use glycolic acid cleansers every day?

Not everyone can use glycolic acid cleansers every day. "Their exfoliating nature can potentially lead to irritation or over-exfoliation," Ramirez says. "This can lead to an unwanted breakouts." Start with lower concentrations (around one to four percent) if you're new to glycolic acid to allow your skin to acclimate. And remember: Sunscreen is a must when using glycolic acid because it increases skin sensitivity to the sun, making it more prone to damage.

What should someone look for in a glycolic acid cleanser?

When shopping for a glycolic acid cleanser, make sure it works well with your skin type. People with sensitive skin should start with lower glycolic acid concentrations (one to four percent) while folks with oily or acne-prone skin may benefit from higher concentrations (five to 10 percent), says Ramirez. Also check for complementary ingredients, like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera, to offset potential dryness or irritation caused by glycolic acid.

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