15 Best Glycolic Acid Face Washes Of 2021
Dark spots, hyperpigmentation, dull skin – anyone who has these issues can understand how difficult it is to deal with them. We are always on the lookout for that one ingredient that can fight all these issues. Sounds impossible? Not exactly. Glycolic acid cleansers can help you get rid of all these issues. They not only exfoliate your skin but also help in clearing dirt, oil, and other impurities from your face. Glycolic acid can be found in a lot of face washes and formulations. We have compiled a list of the best glycolic acid face washes available on the market. Take a look.
Best Glycolic Acid Face Washes And Cleansers
1. Jack Black Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser
This glycolic acid cleanser has a clay base that clears oil from your face and washes away dirt and dead skin cells. It makes your skin firm and smooth. This product has a gentle formula that cleans your skin without drying it. It is formulated with PureScience formula and is suitable for all skin types.
Pros
- Contains volcanic ash
- Contains kaolin clay
- Contains natural herbal extracts
- Certified organic
- Can be used as a mask
- No synthetic fragrance
- No artificial colors
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
None
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Jack Black , Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser, 5 oz | 362 Reviews | $23.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |  | Jack Black Pure Clean Daily Facial Cleanser,16 Fl Oz | $35.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 3 |  | Jack Black Power Peel Multi-Acid Resurfacing Pads, 40 Count | $38.00 | Buy on Amazon |
2. Insta Natural Glycolic Cleanser
This cleanser works to reduce skin issues like blackheads, irritation, and clogged pores. It is oil-free and helps in controlling breakouts and keeping your skin hydrated. It also claims to heal chapped and flaky skin.
Pros
- Naturally derived extracts
- Contains lactic acid
- No parabens
- No SLS and SLES
- No formaldehyde releasers
- No synthetic dyes
- No petroleum and PEGs
- No mineral oils
Cons
- The fragrance might be overpowering for some.
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Dr Song Glycolic Acid Face Wash and Exfoliating Cleanser, 10% Glycolic Acid - AHA, Anti-Aging... | $14.94 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |  | Glycolic Acid Face Wash Exfoliating Cleanser 6oz w/10% Glycolic Acid- AHA For Wrinkles and Lines... | 2,936 Reviews | $20.90 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |  | Mederma AG Hydrating Facial Cleanser–formula with glycolic acid gently cleans while exfoliating... | 1,040 Reviews | $10.05 | Buy on Amazon |
3. SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser
This is a purifying cleansing gel. It has a 3% optimized blend of key ingredients, which include glycerin, glycolic acid, and other ingredients. This unique combination brightens up your dull skin tone and improves skin texture. It conditions your skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and renewed.
Pros
- Mild formula
- No parabens
- No sulfates
- No artificial fragrance
- No dyes
- Alcohol-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
None
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Skin Ceuticals Purifying Cleanser Gel 200ml/6.8oz | $58.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 2 |  | SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser 8 oz Pump | 19 Reviews | $72.11 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |  | Skinceuticals Purifying Cleanser Gel Biomedic 240ml(8oz) : 1 Piece | $88.88 | Buy on Amazon |
4. Anthony Glycolic Facial Cleanser
It contains 4.9% glycolic acid that removes dirt from your skin effectively. It cleanses your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. It is a non-drying formula that does not cause breakouts. It is non-foaming, and it gently exfoliates your face, leaving it smooth.
Pros
- Contains vitamins A, C, and E
- Hydrating formula
- No parabens
- Gluten-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist tested
Cons
- Packaging is not good.
5. iS Clinical Cleansing Complex
This product contains willow bark and sugar cane extracts. Both are the natural forms of salicylic and glycolic acid. These natural forms are mild and gentle and also help in controlling excess oil production.
Pros
- Doubles as a toner
- Can be used as a makeup remover
- No parabens
- Suitable for all skin types
- Reduces blemishes
- Best for sensitive skin
Cons
• Cannot remove makeup as effectively as claimed.
| # | Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | iS CLINICAL Cleansing Complex, 6 Fl Oz | 424 Reviews | $44.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |  | iS CLINICAL Cleansing Complex, 2 Fl Oz | $24.00 | Buy on Amazon | |
| 3 |  | iS CLINICAL Moisturizing Complex, 1.7 Oz | $89.00 | Buy on Amazon |
6. Replenix Acne Solution Gly/Sal 10-2 Cleanser
Replenix Gly/Sly 10-2 cleanser is best for acne-prone skin. It contains glycolic (10%) and salicylic (2%) acids that encourage healing. It unclogs the skin pores and eliminates dead skin cells, whiteheads, and blackheads. It also helps in brightening your skin tone.
Pros
- Contains green tea extracts
- Suitable for normal and oily skin types
- Contains witch hazel
- Non-comedogenic
- Contains anti-aging ingredients (peptides, hyaluronic acid, and retinol)
Cons
- Not suitable for all skin types
7. QRx Labs Glycolic Acid Gel Cleanser
This cleanser contains 5% glycolic acid. This advanced formula contains natural extracts and is extremely gentle. It helps in controlling acne breakouts and diminishing age lines. It claims to fade your blemishes and spots and improve your skin radiance.
Pros
- Contains honey and coconut milk extracts
- Contains vitamin E
- Moisturizing formula
- Contains organic jojoba oil
Cons
- Contains alcohol
8. Claridad Glycolic Face Wash
It is a gentle glycolic acid face wash that claims to even out your skin tone, fade age spots, exfoliate your skin gently, and also improve your acne scars. It promotes healthy skin by stimulating new cell development. It cleanses dirt, impurities, and traces of pollution and keeps your skin feeling refreshed throughout the day.
Pros
- Medical grade ingredients
- Developed by dermatologists
- Contains yucca extracts for skin soothing effect
- Natural glycolic acid (extracted from sugar cane)
- No parabens
- 100% cruelty-free
Cons
- Might be a bit harsh for sensitive skin
9. Toulon Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleansing Gel
This product has a superior AHA exfoliating formula. It controls breakouts effectively. It uses the powerful antioxidant properties of vitamin C to protect your skin from the harmful effects of free radicals. It diminishes the signs of aging. It also comes with a 30-day no-questions-asked return policy.
Pros
- Contains AHA (glycolic acid, lavender, and burdock)
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Might irritate sensitive skin
10. Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser
This is an anti-aging face wash that sloughs away the dead skin cells from your skin and unclogs the pores. It works well on age spots, dark spots, blemishes, discoloration, and signs of aging.
Pros
- 100% organic extracts
- Contains seaweed, peppermint extracts
- Contains 10% glycolic acid
- 100% cruelty-free
- No parabens
Cons
- May make dry skin drier
- Might irritate the skin
11. Body Merry Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser
This formula contains 2.5% glycolic acid and a combination of many ingredients that ensure deep cleansing. It claims to remove dark spots, sun spots, and discoloration. It also claims to prevent premature aging and brighten a dull complexion.
Pros
- Contains kojic acid
- Non-drying formula
- Removes makeup
- Does not cause breakouts
- Contains AHA
Cons
- Not suitable for all skin types
- Might cause dryness
12. Mederma Advanced Dry Skin Therapy Facial Cleanser
This facial cleanser can also double as a shaving cream (for sensitive areas, such as the face and underarms). It contains glycolic acid. This product belongs to the brand’s advanced dry skin therapy products and is suitable for all skin types. It improves skin irritation and heals shaving bumps.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- No added fragrances
- Dermatologist recommended
- Non-drying formula
Cons
- Contains parabens
13. Serious Skincare Glycolic Cleanser
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Its low pH balanced formula gently removes all the dead skin cell build-up from your face. It is completely oil-free and suitable for all skin types. It is extremely gentle and ensures deep-pore cleansing.
Pros
- Low pH balanced
- Contains chamomile extracts
- No foaming formula
Cons
- Contains parabens
- Contains urea
- Can be drying
14. Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser
This cleanser is suitable for all skin types. It lathers well and gives you a deep cleansing effect. The exfoliating effects of glycolic acid make your skin smooth and glowing. It removes all traces of makeup and dirt and reduces skin discoloration.
Pros
- Contains natural herbal extracts, such as marshmallow and sage
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Packaging ensures hygiene
- No breakouts
- Non-drying
Cons
- Contains SLS
- Contains parabens
- Contains urea
15. Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser
This is an extremely mild and lightweight cleanser that exfoliates your skin gently and rejuvenates it. It contains glycolic acid and a hydrating formula that leaves your skin soft and smooth.
Pros
- Enhances the effects of skin procedures (such as chemical peels)
- Anti-aging effects
- Brightening effect
- Dermatologist recommended
Cons
- Contains SLS
- Might not work on all skin types
If you want youthful and glowing skin, glycolic acid is your best friend. If you have never used glycolic acid products, try any of these today. If you think we missed out on including any product in this list, let us know in the comments section below.
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