{"id":9574,"date":"2025-07-25T13:11:37","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T13:11:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.isdin.com\/en-US\/blog\/?p=9574"},"modified":"2025-07-25T13:11:47","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T13:11:47","slug":"what-is-glycolic-acid-and-how-to-use-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.isdin.com\/us\/blog\/isdinnovation\/what-is-glycolic-acid-and-how-to-use-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Glycolic Acid: What It Is and How To Use It"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading:<\/span> 4<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sugarcane and healthy, beautiful skin\u2014what could these two possibly have in common? Turns out, this plant doesn\u2019t just sweeten things up, it also brings us dermatologist-favorite skincare ingredient glycolic acid.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A natural-origin powerhouse, glycolic acid in skincare is known for its brightening, smoothing, and unifying qualities. Join us as we explore what makes it so special, the many benefits of glycolic acid, and how to use it safely and effectively in your routine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The journey to radiant skin starts now<\/strong>\u2014ready to come along?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

THE BASICS<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

GLYCOLIC ACID<\/strong> 

WHAT IT IS:<\/strong> An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane.<\/span>

WHAT IT DOES: <\/strong>This exfoliant helps support skin turnover, improve texture, add brightness, and balance out oil levels.

WHO IT'S FOR:<\/strong> Depending on the concentration, glycolic acid can be gentle enough for all skin types. But it's best to start slow and consult your dermatologist.

HOW TO USE IT:<\/strong> Use it at night on clean, dry skin via serum, cream or gel formulas.

GOES WELL WITH:<\/strong> Hyaluronic acid<\/a>, niacinamide, bakuchiol<\/a>

DON\u2019T MIX WITH:<\/strong> Space out the use of vitamin C products (opt for vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid at night). As for retinal<\/a>, consider alternating nights using the skin cycling method<\/a>.

TRY IT IN:<\/strong> Glicoisdin\u00ae<\/a><\/span>
<\/pre>\n\n\n\n
What is glycolic acid?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Why<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among all AHAs, glycolic acid is one of the most popular\u2014and for good reason. With the smallest molecular size of its group, it can easily sink into your skin and deliver powerful effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How glycolic acid works<\/h3>\n\n\n\n