10 Best Drugstore AHA Products In 2023

Give a younger-looking glow to your skin and rejuvenate it from deep within.

Reviewed by Hillary ClarkHillary Clark, Esthetician
Fact-checked by Swathi ESwathi E, Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Shiboli ChakrabortiShiboli Chakraborti, Certified Skin Care Coach
Written by Kirtana DivakarKirtana Divakar  • 
All products recommended on StyleCraze are independently selected by our editorial team. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may receive a commission. Learn more about our product selection process here.

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.

Top PicksCheck Price
Best For Exfoliation:Neutrogena Bright Boost Gel CreamPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Cruelty-Free:First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body ScrubPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Non-Greasy Formula:AmLactin Alpha Hydroxy Therapy Rapid Relief Restoring LotionPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Anti-Aging Benefits:Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body LotionPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Gentle Formula:L’Oreal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid SerumPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best Organic Ingredients:Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic MaskPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best For Skin Hydration:Pond’s Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle CreamPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best For Uneven Skin Tone:Bliss That’s Incredi-Peel Glycolic Resurfacing PadsPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best For Dry Skin:RoC Multi Correxion Revive + Glow Gel CleanserPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart
Best For Sensitive Skin:The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning SolutionPrice on AmazonPrice on Walmart

10 Best Drugstore AHA Products That Won’t Break The Bank

Best For Exfoliation:Neutrogena Bright Boost Gel Cream

4.3
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

protip_icon Quick Tip
Wash your face with an appropriate cleanser before applying the product. Choose Neutrogena Hydro Boost if your skin is dry to normal and Neutrogena Deep Clean if your skin is normal to oily.

Why It’s Worth Buying: This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 13,551 great reviews on Amazon.
Price at the time of publication: $16.49

Best Cruelty-Free:First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub

4.4
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub Exfoliant for Keratosis Pilaris 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

protip_icon Pro Tip
Dry brushing before exfoliation helps drain lymphatic fluid and boost circulation. Brush your skin in short, quick strokes from the bottom to the top of your legs.

Why It’s Worth Buying: The product has more than 23,334 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
Price at the time of publication: $12.0


Best Non-Greasy Formula:AmLactin Alpha Hydroxy Therapy Rapid Relief Restoring Lotion

4.4
AmLactin Rapid Relief Restoring Body 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

Why It’s Worth Buying: With 11,973 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
Price at the time of publication: $14.99

Best Anti-Aging Benefits:Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion

4.4
Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion Anti-Aging Formula for All Skin Types 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
Why It’s Worth Buying: The overwhelming 9,977 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
Price at the time of publication: $17.99


Best Gentle Formula:L'Oreal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum

4.4
Loreal 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.

protip_icon Caution
Products containing glycolic acid may make you more photosensitive. It is recommended to use at least SPF 30 broad spectrum following the serum application.

Why It’s Worth Buying: It has received 8,318 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
Price at the time of publication: $16.87

Best Organic Ingredients:Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask

4.3
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
Why It’s Worth Buying: More than 4,989 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.
Price at the time of publication: $11.59

Best For Skin Hydration:Pond’s Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream

4.4

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

Price at the time of publication: $15.75

Best For Uneven Skin Tone:Bliss Thats Incredi-Peel Glycolic Resurfacing Pads

4.4

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

Price at the time of publication: $19.54

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
Price at the time of publication: $9.99


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
Price at the time of publication: $16.99

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.

AHAs In Skin Care: Benefits & Precautions (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

Download Infographic in PDF version Download Infographic
Download Infographic in PDF version

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.


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