Best Glycolic Acid Serums to Elevate Your Skincare Routine
Have you ever wished for skin that looks naturally bright, smooth, and glowing? Meet glycolic acid serums your skincare saviors that can transform dull, tired skin into something radiant and fresh. This amazing serum is your go-to solution for removing dead skin cells, fading stubborn spots, and giving your face a spa-like glow. Sounds great, doesn’t it?
But here’s the tricky part picking the right glycolic acid serum can feel overwhelming. So, how do you find the one that’s worth it? That’s where we step in. We’ve put together a list of the best glycolic acid serums to take your skincare game to the next level. Ready to give your skin the glow it’s been waiting for? Let’s get started!
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What is Glycolic Acid, and How Does It Work?
Glycolic acid is a type of acid that dissolves in water and comes from sugarcane. It’s the smallest of its kind, which helps it go deep into the skin. This makes it a powerful ingredient in skincare, known for removing dead skin, brightening, and renewing the skin.
Here’s how glycolic acid works and what it can do for your skin:
It removes the dull top layer of skin, showing a fresher and brighter layer underneath.
It boosts collagen, which makes skin firmer, reduces fine lines, and gives a fuller, healthier look.
It clears out pores, stopping blackheads, whiteheads, and acne.
It fades dark spots, uneven skin tone, and acne scars while speeding up skin cell renewal for faster healing and a more even complexion.
It softens rough areas, making them smoother and more refined.
Once you are aware of the benefits go through with the list of who can benefit from it.
Prius Face: Dry and uneven skin tone
Acne/breakout frequently
fine lines, wrinkles and premature aging
Hyperpigmentation or dark spots.
Top Glycolic Acid Serums in India
1. Dr. Sheth’s Gulab & Glycolic Acid Serum
If your skin needs some extra attention to tackle dullness, dark spots, and uneven texture, Dr. Sheth’s Gulab & Glycolic Acid Serum could be the perfect solution for you. It’s not just another skincare product; it’s a luxurious treat that merges scientific innovation with traditional wisdom. This serum features a distinctive combination of Indian botanical knowledge and effective active ingredients, making it suitable for all Indian skin tones.
Features and Unique Selling Points:
This serum is designed to soothe your skin with the calming effects of Gulab (rose) extract. Its anti-inflammatory properties help keep freshly exfoliated skin calm and hydrated.
With 6% Glycolic Acid, this product provides deep exfoliation, effectively removing dead skin cells to reveal a smoother, clearer complexion. It also enhances cell turnover, revitalizing and refreshing your skin.
Thanks to 5% Niacinamide, this formula helps fade dark spots, blemishes, and marks while improving skin texture. It also works to reduce the appearance of pores.
The non-sticky, lightweight formula has a transparent, quick-absorbing texture, leaving your skin feeling light and fresh after each use.
Pros
Dermatologist-approved
Eco-friendly option
Appropriate for all skin types
Benefits the skin
Skin renewing formula
Cons
Newcomers may experience mild tingling
Not recommended for severely dry skin.
2. Minimalist 10% AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum
The Minimalist 10% AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum is a delicate solution designed for those whose skin needs some TLC, not the harsh scrubs or corrosive toning you read about. It is a true multitasker for the girls just diving into chemical exfoliation. For newbies, this serum is a gentle warming up of what the AHAs and BHAs can do for you in one easy application. Buy this really good glycolic acid serum and finally treat your skin properly.
Features and Unique Selling Points:
Multi-level Exfoliation:The serum exfoliates dry dead skin cells through the combination of Lactic Acid (mild AHA), Glycolic Acid (strong AHA), and Salicylic Acid(BHA).
Hydrate + Exfoliate: This formula combines with the addition of Hyaluronic and Aloe Vera to hydrate the skin and deliver a plumper, refreshing sensation after application.
A Skin Friendlier Formula: pH Optimised At a skin-friendly pH ranging from 3.5 to 4.0 serum, that effectively scrubs without harming the skin. It is additionally hypoallergenic which will be suitable for the tiniest delicate skin.
Clean & Transparent Beauty: This serum is free from a sole, parabens, sulfates, and essential oils so certain types of chemicals or additives can be avoided.
Ingredients Gathered Globally: Handpicked from good quality suppliers so that the whole drop gives you purity and potency.
Pros
Non-comedogenic formula
Offers gentle exfoliation
Treats rough texture and acne marks
Good quality product
For all skin types
Cons
Not a budget-friendly choice
It may not show immediate results
3. L’Oreal Paris Glycolic Bright Face Serum
Infrared 8% Serum is an effective dark spot corrector that goes beyond.* Yeah, it’s your go-to for beautiful, glowing skin. Kicked off with a blend of Melasyl, Glycolic Acid, and Niacinamide, this serum is formulated with 18 years of state-of-the-art research to target stubborn pigmentation while allowing your skin’s natural luster to shine through. Its lightweight, non-sticky formula also makes it one of the best Glycolic Acid serums for anyone searching for an even-toned, glowing complexion.
Features and Unique Selling Points:
Powered by Melasyl – This multi-patented molecule binds to excess melanin, preventing and reducing dark spots from their source. Whether you’re dealing with sunspots, age spots or acne marks, it’s an all-encompassing option to have.
Dual-Action Brightening – 1% Glycolic Acid in the serum sloughs off dead skin cells, and 2% Niacinamide brightens skin and fades existing spots at the deeper layers.
Clinically Proven Efficacy – Dermatologically tested, it has been clinically proven to reduce 77% of dark spots within just four weeks; it also gives an instant brightness effect with long-term results.
Non-Sticky Formula – Perfect for daily application, this lightweight formula absorbs quickly. It sinks into the skin easily and does not clog pores or leave a greasy feeling.
Stimulates Skin Cell Renewal – This combination of Melasyl and Glycolic Acid works through the skin layers at different levels, increasing the turnover of skin cells for a fresher, healthier surface.
Pros
Balanced 8% formula
Hypoallergenic and safe
Free from fragrances
Research-backed ingredients
Targets all types
Cons
Not a good choice for extremely dry skin
Requires consistent use
4. Himalaya Dark Spot Clearing Turmeric Serum
Turmeric has always been considered the golden juice when it comes to time-tested skin remedy. Now, pour that magic of turmeric into a single serum with actives like 2% Niacinamide and 10% Glycolic Acid. The Himalaya Dark Spot Clearing Turmeric Face Serum is the best of both worlds when it comes to an alpha-hydroxy acid-AHA-and turmeric combination. It claims to combine ancient Ayurvedic Svarasa cold-pressed extraction of turmeric with modern science to reduce dark spots in just 7 days.
Features and Unique Selling Points:
Cold-pressed turmeric- the extraction method of choice for cold-pressed extracts allows turmeric to retain its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities and hence provide your skin with unsurpassed clarity and brightness.
Dual-power- formulation goodness of 10% Glycolic Acid which exfoliates while the 2% Niacinamide helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduce acne marks, and balance the tone of the skin.
Enhances Natural Radiance- The phyto-vitamin complex is a potent combination of turmeric, licorice, and niacinamide, that fades dark spots and boosts your skin’s radiance.
Non-Staining- The serum has been specially made to be non-staining and very light, making it perfect for daily use without having to worry about leftover remnants or greasiness.
Dermatologically Tested & Safe-The serum is dermatologically tested for the safety of all skin types. It is free from mineral oils, parabens, phthalates, sulfite, and SLS/SLES.
Pros
Enhances skin’s natural hedge
Organically sourced constituents
Fast absorbing formula
Healthy & radiant skin
Value for plutocrat serum
Cons
Not everyone likes the fragrance of the serum
5. Rejusure 5% Glycolic Acid Facial Serum
Imagine a skincare result that addresses multiple enterprises in one drop dark spots, wrinkles, dullness, and rough skin. The Rejusure Glycolic Acid Serum is exactly that. Powered by 5 Glycolic Acid, Vitamin C, and Hyaluronic Acid, this serum is a comprehensive formula that rejuvenates and brightens your skin while supporting collagen products. It’s a professional-grade product that offers advanced results, whether you’re battling acne scars or looking to ameliorate your skin’s overall texture.
Features and Unique Selling Points:
Advanced Brightening Formula – The serum combines Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C to reduce saturation, dark spots, and uneven skin tone, leaving your skin with a natural, radiant gleam.
Multi-Concern Solution – With its exfoliating parcels, this serum addresses acne scars, wrinkles, rough patches, and congested pores. It also works on purifying oil painting, dirt, and bacteria for cleaner skin.
Deep Hydration- Hyaluronic Acid in the formula ensures that your skin stays doused and rotund, neutralizing any blankness caused by exfoliation.
Collagen-Boosting Formula- With 5 Glycolic Acid, the serum stimulates collagen production, helping to ameliorate skin pliantness, reduce fine lines, and give your skin a firmer, immature appearance.
Non-Comedogenic Formula– This serum is paraben-free, sulfate-free, vegan, and atrocity-free, making it gentle on the skin while icing it doesn’t clog pores or beget vexation.
Pros
Professional-grade serum
Multi-concern targeting formula
Enhances skin radiance
Affordable option
Gender- Inclusive
Cons
Limited to oily and normal skin
No immediate shine
6. Dot & Key Watermelon 10% Glycolic Serum
Want to Hatch a Skincare Product That Is as Refreshing as Biting into a Slice of Watermelon on a Summer Day? So, let me introduce you to the Dot & Key Watermelon 10% Glycolic Serum, a silky-smooth cocktail of fruit-based antioxidants and high-performance actives. Excellent for oily and normal skin types to clear dark spots, clogged pores, and dullness, this serum will give you visibly smoother, more luminous skin. This booster is a lightweight, non-sticky formula that promises visibly smoother and more radiant skin with every single drop!
Features and Unique Selling Points:
Glycolic Acid- This serum is defined with 10 Glycolic Acid, an important AHA that gently exfoliates the skin by lifting off dead skin cells, allowing for smoother, lit-up skin to shine through.
Watermelon Extract- Combining the aliment of watermelon, an antioxidant-rich component that hydrates the skin, makes a difference with over-the-top sebum that can make you feel unctuous, and clears out you feeling revived.
Spot Correction- Kojic Corrosive in the serum works on discoloration and immersion to help in achieving an indeed skin tone by fading time to make pores less obvious.
Offers savage Hydration- Mixing hyaluronic acid with the nitrification of cloudberry oil portray to keep skin impregnated and supple for a while.
Reduces flights latterly on This serum prevents new flights through pores blockage and dead skin cell junking, so it’s both preventative and remedial.
Pros
Soft and supple skin
Dermatologist- tested
scent and silicone-free
Non-comedogenic formula
snippersnapper and gentle
Cons
Slight tingling may occur during original use
7. Lakme Glycolic Illuminate Face Serum
Get ready for the spotlight with the Lakmé Glycolic Illuminate Serum, your skincare partner for refined, radiant skin. This serum contains a 1% concentration of nature’s number-one exfoliator, Glycolic Acid, which gently resurfaces the skin, creating a silky satin finish that modern skincare enthusiasts covet. Lightweight, offering quick results, and conveniently packaged for travel, it could be one of the best Glycolic Acid serums one could find for that polished, radiant signature look.
Features and Unique Selling Points:
Visible Improvement- The clinically effective serum visibly reveals results; in a survey, 97% of users agreed it smoothes out the texture and brightens the skin in 10 days.
Ease of Application- Just drip, dab, and glow! Its satin-finish texture absorbs quickly, making it convenient for those who need to run about.
Regularly takes Multiple Rough Supports- It helps improve the appearance of rough patches and uneven skin texture with the proper and careful application, giving it a smooth and healthy-looking complexion.
Always Hydrated- What this serum does, other than smoothen, is hydrate; being Sodium Hyaluronate, it makes your skin feel firm and moist.
Costs Less than Suggested- Unlike other serums, this serum from Lakme offers professional-grade exfoliative and brightening benefits for an affordable price, which makes it woefully inexpensive for everyone else.
No Harsh Chemicals- Contains no parabens, sulfates, or any kind of harsh chemicals to guarantee a safe and skin-friendly experience for all users.
Pros
trip-friendly packaging
Suitable for all skin types
Improves skin radiance
Fast-absorbing formula
Perfect for all-rainfall
Cons
less, 15 ml size may run out snappily
8. Dermtribe 10% Glycolic Acid Face Serum
Why go for the standard skincare items when they seem great? The Dermtribe 10% Glycolic Acid Face Serum is a complete and powerful formulation having a wonderful blend of 10% Glycolic Acid, 5% Niacinamide, Turmeric, and Hyaluronic Acid that actually work. The Glycolic Acid based formulas are among the most reputed skincare potions in achieving brightness, correcting dark spots, a touch of moisture, and slowing down aging. This hybrid formula is combined for all skin types- sensitive skin and acne-prone skin. It can be a game-changer.
Features and Unique Selling Points:
Advanced Exfoliation- With 10% of Glycolic Acid, this potent AHA treats dead skin cells with incredible gentleness and serves to care for cell turnover; thus, it reveals a fresh, smooth, and even skin tone.
Brightening and Refining- Niacinamide minimizes pores, reduces redness, and reinforces the skin barrier; thus, is the perfect partner for those looking for a clearer complexion.”
Adds Natural Glow- Turmeric is an instantaneous antidote for any inflammation or redness and enhances your natural glow due to its antioxidant properties.
Multi-Action- Unlike other serums, it works for all skin concerns, be it hyperpigmentation, fine lines, acne scars, uneven tone, or oil control. It caters to all skin woes in one formula.
Balances Production- Great for oily and combination skin, this serum keeps excess sebum in control and refreshes your skin, showing no risk of blocking the pores.
Pros
Lightweight formula
Quick-absorbing texture
Dermatologist-tested
Hydrates the skin
A well-balanced blend of actives
Cons
It may not pair well with strong actives
Overuse may lead to dryness
How to Choose the Best Glycolic Acid Serum?
If you’re still deciding which Glycolic Acid Serum to use, here’s how to choose a product with the right formulation and features.
Identify Your Skin Type
Everyone’s skin is unique what works for someone else may not work for you. So, start by understanding your skin type.
If you have dry skin, look for serums containing glycolic acid combined with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
For oily or acne-prone skin, opt for a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that may also include ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide.
Sensitive skin individuals should choose a serum with a lower glycolic acid concentration (5% or less) and soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.
Check the Glycolic Acid Concentration
Too much of a good thing can be bad, and very little of it won’t be effective, especially when it comes to active ingredients. Knowing the right concentration is key to reaping the benefits without irritating your skin.
Beginners should start with a low concentration of 5%–7%
Experienced users can opt for higher concentrations (10%–12%)
Advanced users can go for serums with up to 15% glycolic acid
Look for Soothing and Hydrating Ingredients
Since glycolic acid can be powerful, it is a good idea to pair it with calming ingredients that make it gentle enough for daily use. These ingredients can include aloe vera to calm and soothe the skin, hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture, and ceramides to repair the skin barrier.
Consider Your Skin Concerns
Not all glycolic acid serums are created equal some are tailored for acne, while others focus on anti-ageing. Pinpoint your biggest concern and let the serum do its magic.
For dullness and uneven tone, serums with added vitamin C can boost brightness
For fine lines and wrinkles, products with glycolic acid and peptides work well for anti-aging
For acne-prone skin, serums that combine glycolic acid with salicylic acid can help exfoliate and unclog pores.
Matters on the Budget
When it comes to skin, some options won’t jeopardize your finances, it can be a basic, affordable option or an extravagant treatment; there is a serum for every budget. Some offer effective formulations at a minimal price whereas others provide high-end options with advanced formulations yet with a price that realizes luxury. Hunt for that brand that suits your portmanteau.
How to use Glycolic acid serums Safely
Glycolic acid serums are skincare superheroes, but like any powerful tool, they need to be used properly to work their magic. Misuse can cause irritation or other skin issues. Here’s a detailed guide to incorporate them safely into your routine.
Step 1: Start Slow
Begin with a low concentration (5%-7%) and use it only 2-3 times a week to allow your skin to gradually adjust.
Step 2: Apply to Clean Dry Skin
Ensure that your skin is clean and dry to avoid irritation before applying the serum.
Step 3: Use a Pea-Sized Amount
Gently rub a small amount of serum all over the face, avoiding sensitive areas such as the vicinity of the eyes and corners of the mouth.
Step 4: Layer Wisely
Use gentle, hydrating serums, like hyaluronic acid, because glycolic acid typically works better with these. On any given routine, it should not be mixed with stronger active ingredients like retinol or vitamin C.
Step 5: Always Finish with a Moisturizer
Glycolic acid can dry out your skin, so use a nice hydrating cream or gel to seal in the moisture.
Final Thoughts
Glycolic acid serums can shimmer up the skin beautifully. Whether new or not to the world of chemical exfoliation, finding the current best glycolic acid serum for you will lift a new radiance from you.
Do remember that a skincare routine is a slow and steady process. Focus on doing things slowly, be attuned to your skin, and stick with it. So, what are you still waiting for? Choose your serum, go for it, and bask in the radiance! Share with us which one worked best for you or any of your additions to the list!
FAQ
What is glycolic acid, and how does it work?
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin by dissolving dead skin cells, improving skin texture, and promoting cell turnover.
Who should use glycolic acid serum?
It is suitable for people with dull skin, uneven texture, fine lines, acne scars, or hyperpigmentation. However, those with sensitive skin should use it cautiously.
How often should I use glycolic acid serum?
Beginners should start with 1-2 times per week and gradually increase frequency as the skin builds tolerance.
Can I use glycolic acid every day?
Yes, but only if your skin tolerates it well. Daily use is more suitable for experienced users and those using lower concentrations.
At what time of the day should I apply glycolic acid serum?
It is best to apply it at night to allow the skin to regenerate and avoid sun sensitivity.
Can glycolic acid be used with other skincare ingredients?
Avoid mixing it with retinol, vitamin C, or benzoyl peroxide at the same time to prevent irritation. It pairs well with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Does glycolic acid cause purging?
Some users may experience purging (temporary breakouts) as glycolic acid speeds up skin cell turnover, but this usually subsides within a few weeks.
Is glycolic acid safe for sensitive skin?
Sensitive skin users should opt for lower concentrations (5% or less) and patch-test before full application.
Can glycolic acid help with acne?
Yes, it unclogs pores, reduces blackheads, and prevents breakouts by exfoliating the skin.
Should I use sunscreen when using glycolic acid?
Absolutely! Glycolic acid increases sun sensitivity, so applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) during the day is essential.
