A staple in Ayurvedic skincare, aloe vera is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and B12, enlisting it as a perfect substitute for glycolic acid serums. It can deeply penetrate the skin, offering a potent mix of hydration, nourishment, and gentle exfoliation.
Unlike glycolic acid, lactic acid has a larger molecular size, which means it penetrates the skin more slowly and is generally gentler. Lactic acid is known for its ability to exfoliate the skin, improve the skin's appearance, and boost hydration by stimulating the skin's natural moisture factors.
What is glycolic acid? Glycolic acid is a compound that naturally occurs in certain fruits, beets, and sugarcane. In its pure form, it is odorless and colorless. Cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies include glycolic acid in topical products to treat skin conditions or to improve skin texture and appearance.
Glycolic acid offers excellent exfoliation and anti-aging benefits, but alternatives like lactic acid, retinol, salicylic acid, mandelic acid, and azelaic acid can be more suitable for sensitive skin, acne, or other specific needs.
But in general, salicylic acid is the most beneficial. Since salicylic acid is a BHA, it decreases the oils in the skin. This is an important step as these oils can clog pores, possibly leading to an acne breakout. Excess oils can also promote bacteria which is a common cause of acne.
Glycolic acid can be isolated from natural sources, such as sugarcane, sugar beets, pineapple, cantaloupe and unripe grapes. Glycolic acid can also be prepared using an enzymatic biochemical process that may require less energy.
Honey also contains glycolic acid. It can be used in cosmetics instead of cane sugar. Honey also contains many other skin care ingredients.
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.
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic acid, are present in lemon juice. Due to their ability to speed up cell turnover and remove dead skin cells, these acids are frequently used in skin care products. As a result, many people employ lemon juice to brighten their complexion and reduce dullness.
Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), exfoliates the skin, removing dead cells and revealing a brighter complexion. Vitamin C, with its strong antioxidant properties helps neutralize free radicals and stimulate collagen production, thus leading to a more even skin tone.
Where does it come from? Glycolic Acid is naturally found in the sugarcane plant. The acid is extracted and purified for use in skincare formulations.
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, not the acne-fighting BHAs and AHA (salicylic acid or glycolic acid).
Glycolic acid can cause irritation and redness if you have sensitive skin or overuse the product. Since glycolic acid can make your skin sensitive to the sun, remember to wear sunscreen and consider using glycolic acid at night.
Glycolic Acid, especially in high-strength solutions, can irritate the skin. If you have sensitive skin, a low-strength glycolic acid treatment can be added to your skincare routine. However, you should introduce them gradually, utilizing them just once or twice a week.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), is oil-soluble, enabling it to penetrate sebum-clogged pores and combat acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. This acid is a go-to option for individuals with oily, acne-prone skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe redness and irritation.
Otherwise, a good way to incorporate retinol into your beauty routine in addition to glycolic acid would be to alternate them every other night: one night using retinol, another night using a no-rinse exfoliating treatment followed by a moisturizing cream.
Clinically speaking, retinol lacks the penetrative strength of Retin-A and glycolic acid, as it remains inactive and fails to reach beyond the superficial layer of the skin. Conversely, glycolic acid has the ability to deeply penetrate the skin, breaking down the "glue" that holds together dead and dull skin cells.
One thing: we hope you're not using EVERY Glycolic Acid product at once. Too much of a good thing is, you know, really bad. You could end up over-exfoliating your skin, making it red, irritated, and vulnerable.
Not only is honey much more gentle for the face than a mechanical exfoliant, but it also hydrates the skin at the same time. Using honey on your face overnight results in soft, dewy, radiant skin with a natural glow.
Glycolic acid is actually a naturally occurring compound – meaning that it is found in nature and is naturally made by plants. It's especially found in high concentrations in citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit. But kiwi, sugarcane and even grapes are other examples of fruits that contain 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.
According to Neda Mehr, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Pure Dermatology Cosmetic & Hair Center, lemon juice contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) such as glycolic acid. Such acids are commonly used in skin care, as they increase cell turnover and slough away dead skin cells.