About GlycolicAcid.com
Helping people understand glycolic acid through evidence-based information.
Why this site exists
Glycolic acid is one of the most studied and widely used ingredients in skincare. It has decades of clinical research behind it and is recommended by dermatologists worldwide. Yet finding reliable, non-commercial information about it online is surprisingly difficult.
Most search results lead to product pages disguised as education, blog posts that oversimplify the science, or forum threads full of conflicting anecdotes. We built GlycolicAcid.com because we believe people deserve better than that.
This site was founded by skincare enthusiasts who spent years digging through research papers, comparing products, and experimenting with concentrations and routines. We couldn't find a single resource that combined rigorous sourcing with practical, accessible advice, so we created one.
Our approach
Every article on this site starts with the published literature. We read the studies, assess their quality, and write content that reflects what the evidence actually shows - not what makes for a better headline.
We distinguish between what is well-established (supported by multiple high-quality studies), what is promising (limited but encouraging data), and what is anecdotal (commonly reported but not yet confirmed by research). We believe this honesty is more useful than false certainty.
When we include product information, we verify prices, formulations, and availability from primary sources. We explain our recommendation criteria openly and disclose any commercial relationships.
Editorial philosophy
Evidence first. Claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. When the evidence is limited or mixed, we say so. We do not cherry-pick studies to support a predetermined narrative.
Transparent sourcing. We cite our sources and link to the original research whenever possible. You should be able to verify anything we claim.
Regular updates. Skincare research evolves. We update content when new research emerges that changes the picture.
No medical advice. We are not doctors. This site provides educational information to help you have informed conversations with your dermatologist. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
What we cover
Our primary focus is glycolic acid: the science, the products, and practical usage guidance. Because glycolic acid does not exist in isolation, we also cover related topics that help you understand it in context:
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) - how glycolic acid compares to lactic, mandelic, tartaric, and other AHAs
- Chemical exfoliation - the broader category glycolic acid belongs to, including BHAs and PHAs
- pH science - why pH matters for acid efficacy and skin barrier health
- Ingredient interactions - what works well with glycolic acid and what does not
We intentionally keep a narrow focus. We are not trying to cover all of skincare. Depth on our core topic is more valuable than breadth across dozens of ingredients.
Contact us
Have a question, correction, or suggestion? We genuinely want to hear from you.
Email us at info@glycolicacid.com
If you spot an error in our content, please include a link to the article and a reference to the correction so we can verify and update it promptly.
Our standards
Transparency is how we earn trust. These pages explain how we work in detail.
