What is glycolic acid 10% used for?

Author: Prof. Sierra Abernathy  |  Last update: Saturday, September 6, 2025

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.

What does 10% glycolic acid do for skin?

Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid work by removing the top layers of dead skin cells. Glycolic acid also seems to help reverse sun damage to the skin. People use glycolic acid for acne, aging skin, dark skin patches on the face, and acne scars.

Is 10% glycolic acid too strong?

A 10% concentration of Glycolic Acid is generally considered safe and effective for most people. However, an individual's skin tolerance and sensitivity can be a determining factor in whether a treatment with 10% Glycolic Acid is too strong.

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.

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 Can You Use Glycolic Acid With? | Retinol, Vitamin C, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Lactic Acid

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.

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.

Can I apply moisturizer after glycolic acid?

Should I Moisturise After Glycolic Acid? We always recommend using an intensive moisturiser after a Glycolic Acid product, as this AHA can be drying to your complexion. This is particularly important if you already have dry skin or are prone to sensitivity.

What not to use 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 are the side effects 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.

Does glycolic acid help with 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.

How do you 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.

Can I use vaseline after glycolic acid?

Moistuizing with Dermatolist's Choice hydrating cream or Vaseline is the first option. In the event you continue to experience redness or dryness after using glycolic acid, it's your chance to determine if that particular concentration of glycolic product is the best for your skin.

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 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.

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.

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 pairs well with glycolic acid?

Apply vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid at night. Glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid: Since hyaluronic acid loads up skin with moisture, it makes for an excellent pairing with glycolic acid. Look for a product that combines both for easiest application, though you can also layer serums.

What happens if I use glycolic acid daily?

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. The creams with a concentration above 15% may need to be kept only for a few minutes and then wiped off.

Can I leave glycolic acid on my face overnight?

Use glycolic acid products exclusively at night. This is important as glycolic acid, and all other AHAs increase the skin's sensitivity to UV radiation. To safeguard the freshly exfoliated skin, apply at bedtime and wear sunscreen in the morning.

Is glycolic acid better on wet or dry skin?

To achieve smoother, healthier, and more radiant skin, start by removing your makeup and then cleanse your face. Also, ensure your skin is properly dried: applying on wet skin will be less effective and less well-tolerated, as the presence of water makes the acid more irritating.

How long does it take for glycolic acid to work?

Clogged pores usually form because of dead skin cells and other particles lingering in pores, creating plugs that could eventually turn into active breakouts or may remain as blackheads. To clear blackheads, glycolic acid can take 3-4 weeks to take effect for clearer, congestion-free skin.

Which acid is best for dark spots?

Salicylic acid

It is an exfoliating agent that removes dark spots and acne-causing bacteria along with dead skin cells that can lead to pigmentation.

Is glycolic acid good for aging skin?

Glycolic acid is a tried-and-true beauty staple and has been favored by dermatologists for its exfoliating and anti-aging properties for decades. This ingredient can be found in a variety of products–from creams and chemical peels–or on its own.

What does glycolic acid do to hair?

It Can Reduce Breakage

Many people experience hair breakage, making it difficult to grow the hair thick and long. Glycolic acid can nourish and hydrate the hair, which, in turn, prevents tangling, making it easier to style the hair without it breaking off.

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