GLYCOLIC ACID: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). Alpha hydroxy acids are natural acids found in foods. Glycolic acid comes from sugarcane.

Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid work by removing the top layers of dead skin cells. Glycolic acid also seems to help reverse sun damage to the skin.

People use glycolic acid for acne, aging skin, dark skin patches on the face, and acne scars. It is also used for stretch marks and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these other uses.

Don't confuse glycolic acid with other alpha hydroxy acids, including citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

Acne. Applying glycolic acid to the skin seems to help reduce acne in people 12 years and older who have mild to moderate acne.
Aging skin. Applying glycolic acid to the skin seems to reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging and sun damage.
Acne scars. Applying glycolic acid to the skin, alone or together with microneedling, seems to reduce acne scars.
Dark skin patches on the face (melasma). Applying glycolic acid to the skin, alone or together with other treatments, seems to reduce mixed-type and epidermal-type melasma. But it doesn't seem to help dermal-type melasma, which occurs in a deeper layer of the skin.

There is interest in using glycolic acid for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if glycolic acid is safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: Glycolic acid is likely safe when used in products containing concentrations of 10% glycolic acid or less. But it is possibly unsafe when used in products containing higher concentrations. Concentrations of greater than 10% glycolic acid should only be used while under the care of a dermatologist. Using high concentration products inappropriately can cause serious skin reactions.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Glycolic acid is likely safe when applied to the skin appropriately while pregnant or breast-feeding. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if glycolic acid is safe to use by mouth. Stay on the safe side and stick to topical products.

Sensitive skin: Glycolic acid can cause skin irritation and make certain skin conditions worse. Use cautiously in people with sensitive skin.

Interactions

We currently have no information for GLYCOLIC ACID overview.

Dosing

Glycolic acid has most often been applied to the skin by adults in lotions and creams containing glycolic acid 10% to 15% once or twice daily for up to 4 months. Short facial peels have also been used under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and concentration might be best for a specific condition.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Abdel-Motaleb AA, Bakr RM. Microdermabrasion assisted delivery of glycolic acid 70% peel for the treatment of melasma in dark-skinned patients. Dermatol Ther 2021;34(4):e15025. View abstract.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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