What does 10 percent glycolic acid do?

Author: Shannon Ledner  |  Last update: Saturday, January 17, 2026

Glycolic Acid: An Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA) often considered the gold standard in dermatology for skin exfoliation. Within our formulas, it is recognized for its ability to increase skin surface cell turnover and help visibly improve skin tone and texture.

Is 10% glycolic acid effective?

Hi,for daily use, a glycolic acid concentration of 5--10% is generally considered safe for most skin types. This range provides effective exfoliation without being too harsh.

How long does 10% glycolic acid take to work?

After about a month, you should notice clearer skin as glycolic acid works to keep skin clean and decongested. Two months in, you should see that dark spots and pigmentation is reduced as the regular glycolic acid application is melting away old, dead skin cells and increasing cell turnover.

What is glycolic acid 10% used for?

Using glycolic acid each day can help prevent the breakdown of collagen. Glycolic acid helps to clear pores, smooth fine wrinkles, improve skin tone, fade dark patches and sun damage, and hydrate skin for a more youthful appearance.

Can I use 10% glycolic acid serum daily?

It's fine daily if your skin is tolerating it and you aren't seeing any irritation. 10% is on the higher end for daily use but it's perfectly safe.

GLYCOLIC ACID | What Does It Do? | What Is It Used For? | Mature Skin | Oily Skin over 40

Can I leave 10% glycolic acid on overnight?

Yes, Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight is a glycolic night treatment that you can leave on overnight to allow it to absorb into your skin.

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.

What not to mix 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 does Glycolic 10% Renew Overnight do?

10% Glycolic Free Acid Value

Derived from sugar cane, this powerful fruit acid helps stimulate skin's natural exfoliation process and minimizes the buildup of dead skin cells, resulting improvement in the appearance of skin texture, tone, and a brighter complexion.

Does glycolic acid remove dark spots?

Glycolic acid is highly effective in reducing dark spots and treating hyperpigmentation. It works by promoting the shedding of pigmented cells and encouraging the growth of new, evenly pigmented skin cells. This process helps to lighten dark spots and improve the uniformity of the skin's tone.

Does glycolic acid tighten skin?

If you want to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and tighten saggy skin, glycolic acid is a superhero in doing just that. Glycolic acid works as an antiaging product by regenerating collagen production. Younger skin is super rich in collagen, whereas it's the opposite of aging skin.

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.

How long will my skin purge from glycolic acid?

Skin purging is said to last 4-6 weeks, however, everyone's skin is different (2). This is only temporary and will eventually subside as your skin adjusts to the new treatment. In the meantime, it is important to cleanse gently and avoid picking at your skin, as this can cause further irritation.

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 pros and cons of glycolic acid?

It is also useful in treatments for acne, hyperpigmentation, and the visible signs of aging. 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 long does it take for 10% glycolic acid to work?

To clear blackheads, glycolic acid can take 3-4 weeks to take effect for clearer, congestion-free skin. This is because it takes time and repeated use for glycolic acid to break down pore-blocking dead skin cells and debris for clearer skin that doesn't have any congestion.

Can I use glycolic acid 10 everyday?

Everyday usage is acceptable while using a rinse-off product, like a cleanser with glycolic acid. But, while using a leave-on glycolic acid product (such as a serum, gel, cream, mask, or peel), one should only apply it one to three times per week.

Can I sleep with glycolic acid on my face?

Because glycolic acid cleansers generally have a lower percentage of glycolic acid than a serum or lotion, they're safe to use every night.

Is glycolic acid similar to retinol?

While retinol and glycolic acid both fight acne and slow down the signs of age, they have very different effects on the skin and work well when combined. Although glycolic acid and retinol are both treatments used to combat acne and anti-aging and may seem similar, they have very different effects on the skin.

What cancels out glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid and niacinamide.

Indeed, niacinamide used with AHA's like glycolic acid and lactic acid has no effect and can even cause redness. Since niacinamide has a pH of about 5-7, it can actually increase the lower pH of glycolic acid, which is about 3-4, and negate its properties.

What are the problems with glycolic acid?

If you want to try an OTC glycolic cleanser, toner, serum, or peel, start slow and let your skin adjust. Glycolic acid can cause irritation and redness if you have sensitive skin or overuse the product.

Is hyaluronic acid OK with glycolic acid?

Absolutely! In fact, these two ingredients are a skincare dream team. Glycolic acid exfoliates and renews your skin, but it can sometimes cause dryness or irritation. That's where hyaluronic acid comes in—it replenishes moisture and soothes your skin after exfoliation.

Do you apply glycolic acid on wet or dry skin?

As part of the Treat step, the Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner would be applied after cleansing to dry skin. We would recommend using a gentle cleanser without any strong actives such as our Glucoside Foaming Cleanser.

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.

Does glycolic acid fade wrinkles?

This type of exfoliation addresses numerous skin concerns, including sun damage, uneven tone, rough, flaky patches of skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. In higher concentrations, glycolic acid can even improve the look of deeper wrinkles. Studies also show that glycolic acid significantly increases skin's hydration.

Previous article
Why when I scratch my head, there's white stuff?
Next article
Do you go with or against the hair when shaving?