10 Best Drugstore AHA Products In 2023
Give a younger-looking glow to your skin and rejuvenate it from deep within.
Hillary ClarkEsthetician
Expertise: Makeup & Skin Care
Experience: 21 years
Hillary Clark is a third-generation beauty entrepreneur, celebrity makeup artist, and medical esthetician with 21 years of experience. Her stints as the youngest Beauty Director for Nordstrom and West Coast Beauty Editor for Sephora provide... more
Shiboli ChakrabortiCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce edito... more
Expertise: Skin & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Kirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after re... more
Image: Shutterstock
With people taking a keen interest in skincare and health, the demand for effective ingredients at reasonable prices has made brands worldwide improve their products. Many skincare companies have come up with the best drugstore AHA products to give the people what they want, and it is worth all the fame and glory. It is a class of exfoliants that are made from sugary fruits. Contrary to BHA’s, these are water-soluble and exfoliate the skin’s outer surface to support cell regeneration. You find it in face masks, serums, and moisturizers, and they have emerged as an inseparable part of skincare. They fight wrinkles fine lines and promote blood flow while increasing collagen production. They also aid in improving the texture of your skin and giving you a radiant natural glow. AHA products are often believed to be too expensive to include for daily skin care, but that is a mere misconception. If you are not sure about what to buy, we are here to help. Here is a list of the 10 highest-rated AHA products that are affordable and budget-friendly options to revive your soft and glowing skin.
In This Article
10 Best Drugstore AHA Products That Won’t Break The Bank
Best For Exfoliation:Neutrogena Bright Boost Gel Cream
Image: Neutrogena
Transform dull, tired skin using Neutrogena’s moisturizer with alpha hydroxy acid. It works by resurfacing your skin’s texture while smoothing and brightening it to ensure you are left with a refreshed and younger-looking glow. This brightening cream is enriched with the goodness of AHA, PHA, and mandelic acid, it visibly reduces fine lines, helps with acne treatment and breakouts, dark spots, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. The star ingredient, neoglucosamine, is the building block of hyaluronic acid and aids exfoliation to increase cell turnover. To add to that, this gel cream is oil-free, alcohol-free, non-comedogenic and is one of the trusted drugstore AHA recommendations.
Hillary Clark, an experienced medical esthetician, says, “It is helpful for the skin that used to suffer from breakouts or that is challenged by UV-induced hyperpigmentation. Not recommended for the skin that is actively breaking out.”
Pros - Enriched with AHA, PHA, and mandelic acid
- Exfoliates, brightens, and smoothes skin
- Increases cell turnover by 10x
- Oil-free and alcohol-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Clinically-proven
Cons
- May not be ideal for extremely sensitive skin
Quick TipBest Cruelty-Free:First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
Image: First Aid Beauty Are you tired of hiding your gorgeous legs due to the embarrassment of razor bumps, dry skin, and strawberry legs? Well, no more! Strut the streets with confidence using this AHA scrub. Active ingredients lactic acid and glycolic acid scrub away dry, dead skin to reveal a smooth, bright layer you will want to flaunt for days. It contains a nourishing concoction of bisabolol and vitamin E to nourish the skin and improve uneven skin tone and texture. The formula also includes feverfew, licorice root, and willow bark extract to protect your skin from environmental stressors and reduce the symptoms of keratosis pilaris. Free of artificial fragrances, mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals, this is one of the best drugstore products with glycolic acid that is safe for sensitive skin and has not been tested on animals.
Pros - Vegan and cruelty-free
- Free from gluten, nuts, oil, and soy
- Contains lactic acid and glycolic acid
- Reduces dryness and uneven skin texture
- Free of artificial fragrances, mineral oil, parabens, and phthalates
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Clinically-tested
Cons
- The scent may be overpowering for some
Pro TipBest Non-Greasy Formula:AmLactin Alpha Hydroxy Therapy Rapid Relief Restoring Lotion
Image: Amlactin Your endless Internet scouring days can now come to an end once you get your hands on this body lotion with alpha hydroxy acid! Try this rapid relief restoring lotion by AmLactin and wake up to smooth, nourished, and moisturized skin every day. Formulated keeping dry, flaky skin in mind, this mild lotion contains ceramides and glycerine that gently exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The non-greasy lotion is fragrance and paraben-free and offers 24-hour protection from rough and ashy skin. This is a reliable AHA skincare product that gives visible results and is for everyday use. Hillary Clark, says, “A gorgeous formula that is gentle enough for sensitive skin to use daily and it hydrates while exfoliating.”
Pros - Non-greasy
- Contains ceramides
- Fragrance and paraben-free
- Provides instant relief to dry and rough skin
- Exfoliates and nourishes
- Reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- Contains SLS that may cause irritation in rare case
Best Anti-Aging Benefits:Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion
Image: Alpha Skin Care Healthy and radiant skin will no longer be a distant dream with this moisturizer with alpha hydroxy acid. With a powerful blend of antioxidants and vitamins, the formula maintains and improves healthy skin while fighting the early signs of skin aging like fine lines and wrinkles. It also includes glycolic acid that increases collagen production, aids cell renewal, and exfoliates dead skin. Try this nourishing body lotion and we know you won’t regret it. Hillary Clark, says, Love glycolic for the chest and arms to soften fine lines and wrinkles while supporting collagen. However, remember SPF daily.”
Pros - Contains antioxidants and vitamins
- Reduces skin aging
- Increases collagen production
- Aids cell renewal
- Exfoliates dead skin
Cons
- The consistency may feel a bit thick for some
Best Gentle Formula:L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum
Image: Loreal Paris The holy grail of skincare, a glycolic acid serum, is a godsend if you want plump, hydrated skin without imperfections. This one from L’Oreal Paris comes equipped with a 10% concentration of glycolic acid that resurfaces the skin’s texture for brighter, moisturized, and younger-looking skin. Within just 2 weeks, this age-defying product gives visible results and noticeable reduction in wrinkles, dark spots, and fine lines, and an enhanced skin tone and texture. Infused with aloe vera, this gentle formula is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and dye-free, making it ideal for everyday use.
Pros - Contains 10% of pure glycolic acid
- Gentle formula for everyday use
- Ideal for all skin types
- Fragrance-free, paraben-free, and dye-free
- Improves skin tone and texture
- Dermatologically-approved
- Allergy tested
Cons
- The use of glycolic acid may increase skin sensitivity. It is advised to pair this serum with sunscreen during daytime use.
CautionBest Organic Ingredients:Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask
Image: Andalou Naturals A worthy mention on our list of the 10 best drugstore AHA products, the Andalou Naturals glycolic mask is all you need for brighter, smoother, and clearer skin. Enhanced with glycolic acid and pumpkin extract, this mask draws out impurities and rids it of dirt, excess sebum, and dead cells. The formula also has vitamin C to improve skin uneven skin tone and protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Packed with antioxidants and certified organic ingredients, this drugstore AHA mask is ideal for anyone looking for the best drugstore products with glycolic acid.
Pros - Cruelty-free
- Non-GMO and gluten-free
- Certified organic ingredients
- Draws out impurities
- Brightens skins and evens skin tone
- Ideal for normal and combination skin
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- Consistency may feel thick for oily skin types
Best For Skin Hydration:Pond’s Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream
Image: Pond's A revolutionary alpha hydroxy acid face lotion, Pond’s anti-wrinkle cream is here to help you achieve a youthful glow that will have all heads turning your way. With a proven formula that eliminates wrinkles and fine lines within 2 weeks, this wrinkle reducer product is ideal for fighting skin aging. It is loaded with the multiple benefits of AHA acid and ceramides that replenish skin with lost moisture and rejuvenates skin for a fresher appearance. Ideal for all skin types, grab this one for the firm, bright skin you’ve always wanted.
Pros
- Fights early signs of skin aging
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines within 2 weeks
- Hydrates and rejuvenates skin
- Ideal for all skin types
- Suitable for daily use
Cons
- May leave behind an oily sheen
Best For Uneven Skin Tone:Bliss Thats Incredi-Peel Glycolic Resurfacing Pads
Image: Bliss What if we told you that all you need is a glycolic-infused skin pad to transform dull, dry skin to soft, supple, youthful skin overnight? Hailed as one of the best drugstore glycolic acid peel pads in the market, it contains a pure concentration of glycolic acid that penetrates your skin to reduce fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and imperfections. It also includes witch hazel, bitter orange flower, and licorice to nourish skin, leaving it brighter and smoother. This 1-step, no-rinse product is your solution to a beautiful, glowing appearance.
Pros - Cruelty-free
- Plant-based
- Leaves the skin soft and smooth
- Convenient, single-step solution
- Reduces uneven skin tone in 1 use
- Professional-grade formula
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- May take a while to peel off
Best For Dry Skin:RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel Cleanser
Still looking for a good drugstore glycolic acid cleanser? Don’t stress! Banish all your skin woes with this gel cleanser that effectively cleanses your skin while leaving it bright and refreshed. Infused with vitamin C and glycolic acid, it draws out impurities, replenishes the skin, and offers an oh-so-supple radiance boost. The anti-aging formula is excellent in fighting skin aging, including deep wrinkles, fine lines, dark circles, crow’s feet, and uneven skin tone. The clinically proven results show visibly clear skin in just 2 weeks!
Pros
- Draws out impurities and cleanses skin
- Fights aging
- Evens skin tone
- Ideal for dry skin
- Refreshing citrus scent
- Clinically-proven
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- May not produce enough lather
Best For Sensitive Skin:The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
We’re sure you’ve been living under a rock if you haven’t heard of The Ordinary and its revolutionary line of skin care. Considered as the best AHA toner, it effectively exfoliates the skin for an improved appearance and radiant glow. With 7% of glycolic acid and glycerine, it reduces age spots, dark spots, smile lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Trust us when we say firm, beautiful skin is only one product away! This is one of the most recommended AHA products under a reasonable price; however, ensure you do perform a patch test before use. Pros
- 7% glycolic acid
- Improves skin tone and texture
- Offers a radiant glow
- Reduces age spots, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation
- Ideal for dry, sensitive skin
- Not tested on animals
Cons
- May clog pores
Hillary Clark, says, “AHA’s changed the skincare game in the 90’s and have become skincare staples. They are incredibly effective when used properly and have been getting a bad rep lately because when overused, they can compromise the lipid barrier. The simple rule with AHAs is that more isn’t better.”
Infographic: AHAs In Skin Care: Benefits & Precautions
There are enough TikTok trends going on and on about using AHA for smooth and radiant skin, and we are all familiar with them. But how much do we really know about these acids? Are we aware of how we can use them in the most safe and effective way? Check out the infographic below for answers to these questions.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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The Bottom Line
AHAs are derived from sugarcane or other plant sources. These are gentle and skin-friendly. They exfoliate the dead skin cells and penetrate deep into the skin to give you a smoother complexion and even skin tone. Alpha hydroxy acids stimulate collagen and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They are non-comedogenic and cruelty-free. The Neutrogena Bright Boost Gel Cream improves skin texture, while the Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion is a potent exfoliating treatment that smoothens and brightens your skin. The First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub helps reduce the appearance of bumps. But you don’t have to break your bank in order to own a beauty product that has this super beneficial ingredient. The drugstore AHA products offer desired results without burning a hole in your pocket. However, some products may clog pores or may not produce enough lather. Some may find consistency thick. Remember to select products that suit your skin tone.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Kirtana Divakar, is a skin care aficionado and finds her passion in helping people choose the right products for their skin type. She extensively researched a wide range of AHA products — face masks, serums, and moisturizers — and their specifications to curate the list of products. These products, endorsed by users through their reviews, are best to exfoliate the skin and promote cell regeneration besides reducing/preventing the appearance of fine lines and improving collagen production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use AHA products every day?
No. Use AHA products every alternate day to reduce the chance of irritation. You can then begin using AHAs daily when your skin adjusts to them.
How long does it take for the skin to get used to AHA?
Purging usually happens in the first 3-4 weeks, so it can take up to a month for the skin to get used to AHA. Likewise, visible results and improvements in skin exfoliation and the anti-aging process can take up to 3-4 weeks, while significant changes for acne result at 2-3 months.
Should I moisturize after AHA?
Yes. It is essential to moisturize your skin after using AHA to prevent irritation.
What happens if you use too much AHA?
Your skin may eventually start to dry out and flake. Also, you may experience uneven skin tone, patches, and red blotches. Another common reaction is breakouts, particularly those that appear as tiny, scaly, bumpy pimples.
Can AHA cause dark spots?
Yes. AHAs can result in dark patches and changes in skin tone for people with a darker complexion. Therefore, consult a dermatologist if this is a concern before using AHAs.
Does AHA help with blackheads?
Yes. AHAs aid in skin exfoliation by eliminating dead skin cells. This oil-control product can help eliminate blackheads and whiteheads by unclogging pores caused by trapped dead skin cells and oil in the hair follicles.
- AHA Body Washes For Skin That’s Healthy From Within
- What Is Glycolic Acid And What Does It Do To Your Skin?
