Glycolic Acid
글리콜산
INCI: GLYCOLIC ACID
Smallest molecular weight AHA — deepest penetration, most effective exfoliant, most likely to irritate. Derived from sugar cane. Dissolves the protein bonds holding dead skin cells together. At 5–10%, clinically proven to improve texture, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. Some By Mi's 30 Days Miracle Toner brought glycolic acid to accessible price points.
How to read this ingredient
Read Glycolic Acid as part of a finished formula
Exfoliant is a broad discovery category. Acid identity, concentration, pH, vehicle, directions, frequency, and the complete formula all matter; the category alone does not establish strength or tolerance.
- Products shown
- 2
- Formula companions
- 8
- Reviewed interactions
- 4
Published reviewed formulas surfaced on this page
Co-occurrence, not proof of synergy or safety
Only public, source-reviewed guidance appears
Reviewed ingredient relationships
Labels summarize the scope of the reviewed evidence. Formula-supported does not mean every separately formulated product pair is synergistic, compatible, or suitable for every person.
A six-week, single-center open-label study reported efficacy and tolerability for one acne-care system whose treatment gel contained 1% salicylic acid and 10% buffered glycolic acid. Because the study evaluated a deliberately formulated system without a randomized comparator, it does not establish the safety or added benefit of combining separate acid products. Follow the finished-product directions rather than recreating its concentrations by layering.
The evidence supports extra attention to formula, strength, timing, frequency, or tolerance rather than a universal ban.
A 12-week double-blind randomized study evaluated one finished formulation containing kojic acid, emblica extract, and glycolic acid against 4% hydroquinone in 80 participants with facial dyschromia. It supports a deliberately formulated product context; it does not establish the safety, tolerability, or added benefit of layering separate kojic- and glycolic-acid products.
Common formula companions
Ingredients frequently mapped in the same products as Glycolic Acid. This is a formula pattern, not a compatibility or safety claim.
Sources and record context
These links support records surfaced on this page. They do not verify every regional formula, concentration, product claim, or individual result.