Glycolic Acid Fundamentals
Everything you need to know about glycolic acid - what it is, how it works, its benefits, and potential side effects. Research-backed information for beginners and enthusiasts.
Glycolic acid is the most widely studied and commonly used alpha hydroxy acid in skincare. With the smallest molecular weight of any AHA - just 76.03 g/mol - it penetrates the skin more effectively than its counterparts, making it the gold standard for chemical exfoliation.
Whether you are new to acids or looking to deepen your understanding, these guides cover the science, the benefits, and the risks so you can make informed decisions about your skin.
Topics in Glycolic Acid Fundamentals
What Are Alpha Hydroxy Acids?
The AHA family explained — chemistry, mechanism, members, and safety
What Is Glycolic Acid?
Chemical structure, sources, and why it's the gold standard AHA
How Glycolic Acid Works on Skin
Mechanism of action, cell turnover, and exfoliation science
Benefits of Glycolic Acid
Proven benefits for texture, tone, acne, and anti-aging
Side Effects & Risks
Potential irritation, sun sensitivity, and who should avoid it
Purging vs Breakout
How to tell if your skin is purging or breaking out
Frequently Asked Questions
Try the Tools
Apply what you just learned - check your product's real strength, verify ingredient safety, or find out if you're purging.
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 potencyPurging vs Breakout Diagnostic
Not sure if your skin is purging or breaking out? Answer six questions to get a personalized assessment with next steps.
Find out which one you haveIngredient Interaction Checker
Check if glycolic acid is safe to combine with your other skincare ingredients. 25 ingredients covered with safety ratings and timing advice.
Check before you layer