7 Glycolic Acid Products That Won’t Disturb Sensitive Skin
Finding the best glycolic acid for sensitive skin is no easy task, as too many formulas can cause irritation. But we conducted research and found seven products that contain glycolic acid that work wonders for sensitive skin. These products include cleansers, toners, serums, masks and creams, all of which are gentle enough not to affect your complexion. This article also discusses how to use glycolic acid on sensitive skin, so read on.
Sensitive skin is delicate, and you may want to think twice before applying a product that contains a lot of glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is a potent alpha-hydroxy acid that dissolves dead cell buildup and refreshes the skin – unsurprisingly, people with reactive complexions will try to avoid it. So, is glycolic acid safe for sensitive skin? Experts confirm that glycolic acid is safe for sensitive skin, as long as you add it to your routine in small and slow amounts.
In fact, glycolic acid accelerates cell renewal, so dead cells fall off faster, revealing healthier, stronger cells. In addition, glycolic acid promotes collagen production, which in turn strengthens the skin, thus reducing the chance of sensitivity. The key is to add glycolic acid to your daily routine in small and slow amounts. You can do this by using our streamlined glycolic acid products that are best for sensitive skin.
How do I use glycolic acid on sensitive skin?
When your skin is prone to reactions, the secret is to start with a low concentration product such as a glycolic acid cleanser or toner. If you use glycolic acid in your serum, use it at night, as glycolic acid can make your skin sensitive to UV rays. And use sunscreen daily.
It is also important to use a closed moisturizer after applying the glycolic acid serum. As a moisturizer, glycolic acid binds moisture from the environment to the skin, and the sealant helps by forming a protective barrier to lock in moisture and prevent it from evaporating.
Best Glycolic Acid for Sensitive Skin
Youth To The People Complimentary Tea Exfoliating Toner
What we like: Fragrance and alcohol free, with powerful yet gentle exfoliating acids
What else: Nighttime use only, vegan, cruelty-free and recyclable packaging
This is a great glycolic acid toner for sensitive skin because it is made with only 3% glycolic acid and is enriched with L-Arginine, a hydrating and rehydrating amino acid. The toner helps exfoliate for a smoother complexion, while the 8% lactic acid gradually supports this process. The “kampocha” in its name comes from black tea ferment, which acts as a probiotic to strengthen the skin’s microbiome, which is essential for sensitive skin.
Dermalogica Daily Glycolic Acid Cleanser
What we like: Sulfate-free SLS and SLES, doesn’t feel dry or flaky, great for brightening skin tone
What else: Lightweight gel texture
The ideal glycolic acid cleanser for sensitive skin, Dermalogica Daily Glycolic Acid Cleanser is a blend of botanical extracts and oils that dissolve makeup and debris while maintaining the lipid barrier. It’s suitable for sensitive skin because it’s not a leave-on product, so the chance of irritation is almost nil. We also like it because it contains lots of skin moisturizers such as alginate, allantoin, allantoin and sodium hyaluronate, which are perfect for sensitive skin.
Sesderma Acglicolic Liposomal Serum
What we like: Uses nanotechnology to improve tolerance, best for anti-aging, suitable for all skin types
What else: Contains perfume
A disruptive product for sensitive skin, this glycolic acid serum uses 6% free glycolic acid and liposomal glycolic acid to improve tolerance. This means that the actives are located within the fatty acid particles, so there is less chance of disturbing the skin. The blend of ceramides, ascorbyl glucoside and cholesterol makes it ideal for strengthening the fragile barrier, a common cause of skin reactions. Although the formula is mild, using this serum once a week allows you to observe your skin’s reaction and increase the frequency of use if tolerated.
Alpyn Beauty Bearberry and Vitamin C Luminous Serum
What We Like: Great for dark spots and uneven tone
What else: Clean, sustainable, vegan, fragrance-free
If dark spots bother you, this is the right glycolic acid product to use that’s gentle enough for sensitive skin. This serum contains bearberry extract, a natural skin brightener, and 3-O-ethyl-ascorbic acid, a mild form of vitamin C that is very effective for sensitive skin because it can be formulated at a higher pH. Plant-derived glycolic acid and psoralenol (a retinol substitute) delicately resurface the skin to reveal a brighter complexion. We also love the aloe vera leaf juice base, which makes this product gentle, even for reactive skin.
Cocokind Lighting Solutions
What we like: Affordable and clean
What else: Use at night after cleansing and before serums
This exfoliating leave-in solution is the right choice for sensitive skin that struggles with uneven skin tone, texture and dullness.Cocokind Illuminating Solution is made with 3% Glycolic Acid, 2% Mandelic Acid and 2% Gluconolactone, which work synergistically to reduce dark spots, fine lines and sun damage. Ideally, use this exfoliating solution three times a week in your nighttime skin care regimen.
Peach & Lily Super Reboot Resurfacing Mask
What we like: K-beauty, alcohol and fragrance free
What Else: Slight tingling is normal; use once a week for 15 minutes
This mask works on multiple fronts to reveal your best skin, designed for the most delicate of complexions. The 10% glycolic acid in this mask may scare you, but people with sensitive skin will love this product, and the reviews bear that out. Plus, this AHA-infused peel mask boasts plenty of moisturizers, including aloe vera extract, cica, hyaluronic acid, panthenol and sodium hyaluronate, to keep skin hydrated, soothed and counteract the dryness that glycolic acid can cause.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Acid Night Cream
What we like: Lightens dark spots, improves texture
What else: May clog pores, suitable for PM
This is one of the best glycolic acid products for sensitive skin because, as a cream, it sits on the surface of the skin and is therefore less likely to cause dryness. In addition, this moisturizer contains shea butter, squalane, red myrcene alcohol and vitamin E to soften and soothe the skin, keeping it moisturized and calm. Thanks to glycolic acid and papaya enzymes, this cream gently exfoliates to reveal an even skin tone and radiant skin.
DISCLAIMER
How we found the best glycolic acid products for sensitive skin
There are countless different formulations of glycolic acid products, but only a few are suitable for sensitive skin. During our research, we examined more than 300 products and handpicked seven that would work for any troubled skin. To find the best glycolic acid for sensitive skin, we researched products that
Contain a low concentration of glycolic acid
Have formulas optimized for sensitive skin
Are rich in soothing ingredients
Received positive reviews from people with sensitive skin
Are free of irritants
All products shown here comply with all of our editorial policies and guidelines mentioned on this page. We turn a blind eye to marketing claims and make decisions based on product formulations, customer reviews and dermatologist insights. We also ensure that all products are easily accessible worldwide and suitable for all budgets.
