Best Glycolic Acid Face Washes And Cleansers

1. Best For All Skin Types:Jack Black Deep Dive Glycolic Facial Cleanser

This glycolic acid cleanser has a clay base that clears oil from your face and washes away dirt and dead skin cells. It makes your skin firm and smooth. This product has a gentle formula that cleans your skin without drying it. It is formulated with PureScience formula and is suitable for all skin types. Pros

Contains volcanic ash Contains kaolin clay Contains natural herbal extracts Certified organic Can be used as a mask No synthetic fragrance No artificial colors Cruelty-free Dermatologist tested

Cons None

2. Best For Minimizing Pores:Insta Natural Glycolic Cleanser

This cleanser works to reduce skin issues like blackheads, irritation, and clogged pores. It is oil-free and helps in controlling breakouts and keeping your skin hydrated. It also claims to heal chapped and flaky skin. Pros

Naturally derived extracts Contains lactic acid No parabens No SLS and SLES No formaldehyde releasers No synthetic dyes No petroleum and PEGs No mineral oils

Cons

The fragrance might be overpowering for some.

3. Best For Skin Texture:SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser

This is a purifying cleansing gel. It has a 3% optimized blend of key ingredients, which include glycerin, glycolic acid, and other ingredients. This unique combination brightens up your dull skin tone and improves skin texture. It conditions your skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and renewed. Pros

Mild formula No parabens No sulfates No artificial fragrance No dyes Alcohol-free Suitable for all skin types

Cons None

4. Best Non-Drying:Anthony Glycolic Facial Cleanser

It contains 4.9% glycolic acid that removes dirt from your skin effectively. It cleanses your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. It is a non-drying formula that does not cause breakouts. It is non-foaming, and it gently exfoliates your face, leaving it smooth. Pros

Contains vitamins A, C, and E Hydrating formula No parabens Gluten-free Hypoallergenic Dermatologist tested

Cons

Packaging is not good.

5. Best For Sensitive Skin:iS Clinical Cleansing Complex

This product contains willow bark and sugar cane extracts. Both are the natural forms of salicylic and glycolic acid. These natural forms are mild and gentle and also help in controlling excess oil production. Pros

Doubles as a toner Can be used as a makeup remover No parabens Suitable for all skin types Reduces blemishes Best for sensitive skin

Cons

Cannot remove makeup as effectively as claimed.

6. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Replenix Acne Solution Gly/Sal 10-2 Cleanser

Replenix Gly/Sly 10-2 cleanser is best for acne-prone skin. It contains glycolic (10%) and salicylic (2%) acids that encourage healing. It unclogs the skin pores and eliminates dead skin cells, whiteheads, and blackheads. It also helps in brightening your skin tone. Pros

Contains green tea extracts Suitable for normal and oily skin types Contains witch hazel Non-comedogenic Contains anti-aging ingredients (peptides, hyaluronic acid, and retinol)

Cons

Not suitable for all skin types

7. Best For Moisturizing:QRx Labs Glycolic Acid Gel Cleanser

This cleanser contains 5% glycolic acid. This advanced formula contains natural extracts and is extremely gentle. It helps in controlling acne breakouts and diminishing age lines. It claims to fade your blemishes and spots and improve your skin radiance. Pros

 Contains honey and coconut milk extracts  Contains vitamin E  Moisturizing formula  Improves skin tone

Cons

 Contains alcohol

8. Best Cruelty-Free:Claridad Glycolic Face Wash

It is a gentle glycolic acid face wash that claims to even out your skin tone, fade age spots, exfoliate your skin gently, and also improve your acne scars. It promotes healthy skin by stimulating new cell development. It cleanses dirt, impurities, and traces of pollution and keeps your skin feeling refreshed throughout the day. Pros

Medical grade ingredients Developed by dermatologists Contains yucca extracts for skin soothing effect Natural glycolic acid (extracted from sugar cane) No parabens 100% cruelty-free

Cons

Might be a bit harsh for sensitive skin

9. Best For Anti-Aging:Toulon Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleansing Gel

This product has a superior AHA exfoliating formula. It controls breakouts effectively. It uses the powerful antioxidant properties of vitamin C to protect your skin from the harmful effects of free radicals. It diminishes the signs of aging. It also comes with a 30-day no-questions-asked return policy. Pros

Contains AHA (glycolic acid, lavender, and burdock) Gluten-free Paraben-free Cruelty-free Fragrance-free Hypoallergenic

Cons

Might irritate sensitive skin

10. Best Organic:Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser

This is an anti-aging face wash that sloughs away the dead skin cells from your skin and unclogs the pores. It works well on age spots, dark spots, blemishes, discoloration, and signs of aging. Pros

100% organic extracts Contains seaweed, peppermint extracts Contains 10% glycolic acid 100% cruelty-free No parabens

Cons

May make dry skin drier Might irritate the skin

11. Best For Dull Complexion:Body Merry Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser

This formula contains 2.5% glycolic acid and a combination of many ingredients that ensure deep cleansing. It claims to remove dark spots, sun spots, and discoloration. It also claims to prevent premature aging and brighten a dull complexion. Pros

Contains kojic acid Non-drying formula Removes makeup Does not cause breakouts Contains AHA

Cons

Not suitable for all skin types Might cause dryness

12. Best Dermatologist Recommended:Mederma Advanced Dry Skin Therapy Facial Cleanser

This facial cleanser can also double as a shaving cream (for sensitive areas, such as the face and underarms). It contains glycolic acid. This product belongs to the brand’s advanced dry skin therapy products and is suitable for all skin types. It improves skin irritation and heals shaving bumps. Pros

Hypoallergenic Non-comedogenic No added fragrances Dermatologist recommended Non-drying formula

Cons

Contains parabens

13. Best Gentle:Serious Skincare Glycolic Cleanser

No products found. Its low pH balanced formula gently removes all the dead skin cell build-up from your face. It is completely oil-free and suitable for all skin types. It is extremely gentle and ensures deep-pore cleansing. Pros

Low pH balanced Contains chamomile extracts No foaming formula

Cons

Contains parabens Contains urea Can be drying

14. Best For Skin Discoloration:Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser

This cleanser is suitable for all skin types. It lathers well and gives you a deep cleansing effect. The exfoliating effects of glycolic acid make your skin smooth and glowing. It removes all traces of makeup and dirt and reduces skin discoloration. Pros

Contains natural herbal extracts, such as marshmallow and sage Suitable for sensitive skin Packaging ensures hygiene No breakouts Non-drying

Cons

Contains SLS Contains parabens Contains urea

15. Best Skin Brightening:Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser

This is an extremely mild and lightweight cleanser that exfoliates your skin gently and rejuvenates it. It contains glycolic acid and a hydrating formula that leaves your skin soft and smooth. Pros

Enhances the effects of skin procedures (such as chemical peels) Anti-aging effects Brightening effect Dermatologist recommended

Cons

Contains SLS Might not work on all skin types

What does glycolic acid face wash do? Glycolic acid is known for its exfoliating properties. In addition, it helps in deep cleaning the skin pores by removing excess sebum and dirt. Can I use glycolic acid face wash every day? Yes, you can safely use it daily, but be mindful about the concentration of glycolic acid in your face wash, as higher concentrations can dry and damage the skin. Is glycolic acid face wash effective? Yes. Daily use can clear your skin and remove all the dead skin cells effectively. You may notice differences liked brighter skin in just a month. Which is stronger glycolic or salicylic acid? Concentrations of any acid can make it stronger, but salicylic acid is more effective as it has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. What should I do after glycolic acid cleanser? After cleansing your skin, use a toner and moisturizer. If it is during the day, apply SPF30 sunscreen as the final step. Do dermatologists recommend glycolic acid? Yes, dermatologists recommend glycolic acid, especially for acne-prone skin, as it’s very effective is reducing acne and breakouts.

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