Is 20% glycolic acid strong?

Author: Ms. Jackeline Schmidt MD  |  Last update: Sunday, November 23, 2025

20% Glycolic Acid for Effective Skin Transformation: Face exfoliating pads for face feature a potent formula with 20% glycolic acid, a powerful exfoliating ingredient. This concentration effectively removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and reveals smoother and brighter skin.

Is 20% glycolic acid too strong?

It's generally not a good idea to use two powerful actives, especially if you are new to either, and 20% is a very high percentage indeed. Maybe you can test waters with The Ordinary's Glycolic toner (that one is 7%), but most conventional OTC options usually are around 10%.

What does 20% glycolic acid do?

The dissolving action of the glycolic acids allows the dead cells to slough off, leaving behind a smoother skin surface with clearer pores. It also helps stimulate collagen formation under the skin's surface, which helps plump up the skin from beneath, smoothing out fine surface wrinkles and superficial scars.

How long can I leave 20% glycolic acid on my face?

Glycolic peels can be left on for three to ten minutes.

What percentage of glycolic acid is effective?

The ideal percentage of glycolic acid for at-home use would be 8% to 25% percent, with 25% being what I call the “high normal.” With higher concentrations, formulations matter! It is important to note that home use AHA creams, lotions and serums are buffered, compared to AHA peels with lower pH.

THE ORDINARY GLYCOLIC ACID | LACTIC ACID 10% | SALICYLIC ACID REVIEW

What strength of glycolic acid is best?

If your focus is on addressing visible signs of aging such as fine lines, dullness, and uneven skin texture, a concentration of greater than 5% and closer to 10%- 17% glycolic acid is generally recommended for nighttime use like the Glycolic Peel Cleansing Pads and the Ultra Anti-Aging Cream.

Can I use 25% glycolic acid everyday?

Yes. Because it helps exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells and bacteria that can clog pores, glycolic acid can help reduce acne and improve texture from scarring. It can also help prepare skin for acne medication, enabling it to penetrate better.

What happens if you use too much glycolic acid on face?

However, as with all chemical exfoliants, using glycolic acid too frequently, at too high a concentration, or incorrectly can result in skin irritation or damage.

How many layers of skin does glycolic acid remove?

The American Society for Dermatologic Study has confirmed that glycolic acid can be applied to the skin at two levels. In low or "superficial" amounts, this alpha-hydroxy acid penetrates only the outer layer of skin to gently exfoliate it and reveal the new, less damaged skin underneath.

How to use 20% glycolic acid pads?

Gently apply to treated area using both sides of the pad. Use once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Remove oil and residue while reducing the appearance of age spots and acne with REPLENIX Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Peel.

How to know if glycolic acid is working?

Signs that glycolic acid is working include smoother skin texture, fewer breakouts, and a more even skin tone. Some people may also notice a light tingling sensation on application, which is normal.

Does glycolic acid flatten scars?

Retinoic acid (RA) is said to improve acne scars and reduce postinflammatory hyperpigmentation while glycolic acid (GA) is known for its keratolytic properties and its ability to reduce atrophic acne scars.

How much percentage of glycolic acid is good for beginners?

For most people, a Glycolic Acid cream with around 6% is effective and suitable for daily use, delivering visible improvements in skin texture and tone without excessive sensitivity. Once your skin is accustomed to this strength, you can gradually increase the concentration to 12%.

How often can I use 20% glycolic acid?

Our cosmetics, the exfoliating toner lotion with 8% glycolic acid and the exfoliating face serum with 10% glycolic acid, can be used daily. However, stronger chemical peels (between 10 and 20%) should be applied 1 to 2 times per week and should not exceed the indicated application time.

Why is my skin getting darker after using glycolic acid?

“Those with darker skin tones, need to be cautious with glycolic acid,” warns Dr Buldeo. “It can cause a paradoxical darkening of the skin by stimulating melanocytes,” These are the melanin-producing cells in your skin's deepest layer so this can lead to hyperpigmentation in black skin.

Do you moisturize after glycolic acid?

6. Always moisturize after use. Glycolic acid exfoliates and hydrates the skin, but it can irritate or dry out sensitive skin. Always follow your glycolic acid application with an additional light moisturizer to reduce the effects of dryness and irritation on the skin.

What not to layer with glycolic acid?

What NOT to mix with Glycolic Acid. Retinol, other AHAs/BHAs, Vitamin C: Using these ingredients alongside Glycolic Acid in the same routine could irritate the skin. However, alternating them between your morning and evening skincare routine means that you can enjoy the benefits without the risk of damaging your skin.

What percentage of glycolic acid do dermatologists use?

Glycolic acid is the alpha-hydroxy acid used most commonly by dermatologists for chemical peeling. It is used in concentrations from 20%–70% in all skin types. It should be used in lower concentrations initially, and then the strength of the peel should be gradually increased in subsequent sessions.

Can you use glycolic acid under eyes?

Glycolic Acid is your go-to for an eye cream, gentle yet effective to demolish dark circles.

What are the disadvantages of glycolic acid?

Common side effects of Glycolic Acid include dry skin, erythema (skin redness), burning sensation, itching, skin irritation, and skin rash. Glycolic Acid can make the skin more sensitive in the sunlight, hence always use sunscreen and protective clothing before you step outdoors.

Is it bad to use glycolic acid everyday?

Now, the important thing to remember is, glycolic acid comes in various concentrations. It is OK to use 1-2% containing glycolic acid face wash or ointments daily. The creams have a higher glycolic acid content (10% and above) and must only be used once or twice a week to avoid skin irritation.

How do you know if glycolic acid is too strong?

Signs you're not tolerating glycolic ...
  1. Eye area looks crinkled, dry, puckered, or wrinkled making your eye area look older; this is a temporary side-effect. ...
  2. Red and blotchy, sensitive to other cosmetic products, or stings when you perspire.
  3. Shedding dead skin at the rate you consider undesirable.

What neutralizes glycolic acid?

Neutralisation is required to terminate the action of gly- colic acid peels and can be achieved using water, sodium bicarbonate, sodium hydroxide or ammonium salt solu- tions.

Does glycolic acid lighten the pubic area?

Depending on the strength of the acid and how deep in the skin the peel can act, there are three types of chemical peels: light, medium, and deep peels. For lightening the intimate area, the peels usually applied are glycolic acid, citric acid, and kojic acid.

Can I leave glycolic acid on overnight?

Glycolic acid can be used on the face and let it absorbed into the skin by leaving it on all night. Rinse off with water the next day.

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