Glycolic Acid Comparisons
How does glycolic acid compare to other skincare acids and treatments? Side-by-side comparisons to help you choose the right active ingredient.
The skincare acid landscape can be confusing - AHAs, BHAs, PHAs, retinoids, and more all promise smoother, clearer skin. Different acids serve different purposes, and understanding those differences is the key to building an effective routine.
These head-to-head comparisons break down when glycolic acid is the best choice, when another ingredient might work better for your specific concerns, and how to combine multiple actives safely.
Topics in Glycolic Acid Comparisons
Glycolic Acid vs Salicylic Acid
AHA vs BHA - which one targets your skin concerns
Glycolic Acid vs Lactic Acid
Two AHAs compared - potency, gentleness, and best uses
Glycolic Acid vs Retinol
Chemical exfoliant vs vitamin A - can you use both?
Glycolic Acid vs Mandelic Acid
Potency vs gentleness - which AHA for acne, dark skin, and sensitive skin
Glycolic Acid vs Other AHAs
Mandelic, tartaric, citric - the full AHA landscape
Frequently Asked Questions
Compare With Data
The articles give you the reasoning - these tools give you the numbers for your specific products.
Strength Calculator
Calculate the effective free acid value of any glycolic acid product from its concentration and pH. Understand the true potency behind the label percentage.
See your product's real potencyPrice-per-Use Calculator
Find out what a product actually costs per application. Compare value across brands to make smarter purchasing decisions.
See your real cost per use