15 Best Glycolic Acid Face Washes For Glowing Skin – 2022
Deep cleanse your skin to its natural glow while fighting off pigmentation, dullness, and acne.
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 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 three years of experience. As an editor, she ... more
Skin problems don’t just affect your looks; it affects your personality and confidence. With every emerging acne and spot, you look for products that can heal and reverse the problem and bring back growing soft skin. The best glycolic cleaners help you fight the issue by deep cleaning your pores and exfoliating the outer layer of your skin. It also keeps your skin free from dullness, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation. If you are unsure which ones to invest in, we are here to help. Here is our list of the 15 highest-rated face washes to choose from.
In This Article
Best Glycolic Acid Face Washes And Cleansers
1. Best For All Skin Types: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
2. Best For Minimizing Pores: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.
3. Best For Skin Texture: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
4. Best Non-Drying: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. Best For Sensitive Skin: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.
6. Best For Acne-Prone Skin: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. Best For Moisturizing: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
- Improves skin tone
Cons
- Contains alcohol
8. Best Cruelty-Free: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. Best For Anti-Aging: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. Best Organic: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. Best For Dull Complexion: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. Best Dermatologist Recommended: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. Best Gentle: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. Best For Skin Discoloration: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. Best Skin Brightening: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
Glycolic acid face washes exfoliate the outer layer of your skin while cleaning your pores. These face washes help prevent fine lines, dark spots, and dullness that may have accumulated in your skin over time. Many glycolic acid face washes also tend to help reduce hyperpigmentation in your skin. These face washes are the way to go if you want your skin to be firm and smooth. However, you should avoid products that can cause irritation or roughen your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does glycolic acid face wash do?
Glycolic acid is known for its exfoliating properties. In addition, it helps in deep cleaning the skin pores by removing excess sebum and dirt.
Can I use glycolic acid face wash every day?
Yes, you can safely use it daily, but be mindful about the concentration of glycolic acid in your face wash, as higher concentrations can dry and damage the skin.
Is glycolic acid face wash effective?
Yes. Daily use can clear your skin and remove all the dead skin cells effectively. You may notice differences liked brighter skin in just a month.
Which is stronger glycolic or salicylic acid?
Concentrations of any acid can make it stronger, but salicylic acid is more effective as it has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
What should I do after glycolic acid cleanser?
After cleansing your skin, use a toner and moisturizer. If it is during the day, apply SPF30 sunscreen as the final step.
Do dermatologists recommend glycolic acid?
Yes, dermatologists recommend glycolic acid, especially for acne-prone skin, as it’s very effective is reducing acne and breakouts.
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