Aiming for brighter, smoother skin? Then you might want to consider adding some glycolic acid into your beauty routine. This chemical exfoliant is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid or AHA, which exfoliates the top layer of your skin to even out its tone and reduce unwanted texture. It's really effective for anti-aging as well, because it helps your skin renew itself faster! Convinced? Here are glycolic acid-infused products for you try out:
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
Potent yet famously effective, this serum contains a blend of gylcolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid that works against fine lines and hyperpigmentation. To soften the blow, though, it has soothing ingredients like aloe and white tea!
DRUNK ELEPHANT T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum, P7895, Sephora.ph
Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner
For a quick swipe of exfoliation, soak a cotton pad with this resurfacing toner which contains 2% of our star ingredient. Don't worry about it drying out your skin, because it has no alcohol! After that, allow it to absorb for a minute before moving on to the rest of your skincare.
MARIO BADESCU Glycolic Acid Toner, P1250, Rustan's
In Her Element Glow Job 5% Glycolic Gel Cream
If you're a glycolic acid veteran, then your skin wouldn't mind if you left this cream on overnight. With 5% glycolic acid and moisturizing oils like jojoba and sunflower oil, it'll address your dark spots and flakiness without wringing your face dry.
IN HER ELEMENT Glow Job 5% Glycolic Gel Cream, P775, In Her Element
Murad Rapid Resurfacing Peel
Combining glycolic acid and vitamin C in one product is already a feat, but Murad also made sure each ply of this at-home peel is gentle enough for all skin types. That said, it still contains 10% AHA, so it's a decent alternative for when you're too busy to drop by your derm for a proper peel.
MURAD Rapid Resurfacing Peel, price unavailable, Rustan's
Herbivore Botanicals Prism Natural Fruit Acid 5% Exfoliating Glow Potion
This lightweight, vegan formula combines natural fruit acids (lactic, malic, citric) to clarify and hydrate the skin. The aloe and rose water are there to soothe sensitive skin as well, plus hyaluronic acid for hydration.
HERBIVORE BOTANICALS Prism Natural Fruit Acid 5% Exfoliating Glow Potion, P3510, Sephora.ph
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
For a quick yet effective round of exfolation, apply a thin layer of this mask on freshly cleansed skin. Let it sit for a maximum of 10 minutes (or less if it's your first time!) before rinsing it off. Because this contains such a high percentage of AHAs and BHAs, it's crucial to only use this at night and only twice a week. It sounds like a lot, but that combo will help you release your inner glow!
THE ORDINARY AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, P700, Calyxta
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
Korean brand Cosrx offers a gentler option for those of you who aren't a fan of that glycolic-induced tingling sensation. Used like a toner, the AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid gently exfoliates at the proper acidic pH of 4.0 to effectively refine skin texture.
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid, P850, Watsons
