Glycolic Acid Cleanser
✓ Glycolic acid verified
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
Glycolic acid: 7%
Glycolic Acid vs Retinol: Which to Use (or Both?)
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Glycolic acid and retinol are two widely used skincare ingredients, and both appear in routines aimed at texture and the signs of aging. Both can irritate skin if used carelessly.
They are different kinds of ingredient. Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) describes glycolic acid as an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps loosen the connection holding dead skin cells together on the surface; Cleveland Clinic (retinol) describes retinol as a form of vitamin A that increases skin cell production and collagen production. They are not direct competitors, and we found no head-to-head trial of the two, so this page sets out what each source says and where the sources are silent.
Glycolic Acid vs Retinol at a Glance
| Glycolic Acid | Retinol | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Alpha hydroxy acid from sugarcane (Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid)) | A form of vitamin A, and a type of retinoid sold over the counter (Cleveland Clinic (retinol); American Academy of Dermatology) |
| How it works | Helps loosen the connection holding dead skin cells together (Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid)) | Increases skin cell production and collagen production (Cleveland Clinic (retinol)); in a lab study both retinol and retinoic acid raised collagen gene expression, with retinol's effect tending to be smaller (Kong et al. 2016) |
| Used for | Texture, clogged pores, dark spots from mild sun damage or acne, fine lines (Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid)) | Acne, fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots (Cleveland Clinic (retinol)); uneven tone, pigmentation and texture (American Academy of Dermatology) |
| Time to see results | Over-the-counter products may take several months for brighter skin or more even pigmentation (Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid)) | Several weeks for texture; usually several months for fine lines and wrinkles (Cleveland Clinic (retinol)) |
| Strength information | The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel concluded consumer products are safe at 10% or less and pH 3.5 or higher, with sun protection (FDA); in-office peels use higher concentrations (Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid)) | Over-the-counter labels are not required to disclose the retinol percentage, so the AAD dermatologist advises using the lowest formulation you can find (American Academy of Dermatology) |
| Common side effects | More irritation on sensitive, dry or rosacea-prone skin (Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid)); the FDA's adverse-event reports included burning, rash and swelling (FDA) | Dry, irritated skin, itching or burning, usually temporary (Cleveland Clinic (retinol)) |
| Sun sensitivity | Increases it; FDA volunteers' reddening response to UV was 18% higher after four weeks and back to normal a week after stopping (FDA). See glycolic acid and sun exposure | Increases it; use sunscreen and avoid the sun (Cleveland Clinic (retinol)) |
| Pregnancy | Generally safe at low concentrations, but check with your healthcare provider (Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid)) | Healthcare providers discourage retinoids during pregnancy (Cleveland Clinic (retinol)) |
We found no source comparing the sun sensitivity of the two ingredients, so the table does not rank them.
What Is Glycolic Acid?
Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) says glycolic acid comes from sugarcane and is the smallest AHA, so it can penetrate skin deeper than other AHAs. It says glycolic acid helps loosen the connection that holds dead skin cells together, leading to fresher skin underneath, and lists collagen stimulation and an improved appearance of fine lines among its effects. The FDA adds that how much exfoliation an AHA product causes depends on the type and concentration of the AHA, its pH and other ingredients.
For concentrations, the FDA reports that the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, based on industry-sponsored studies, concluded glycolic and lactic acid products are safe for consumers at 10% or less, at pH 3.5 or higher, and when formulated or labelled for daily sun protection. For a deeper look at strength, see our percentage guide.
What Is Retinol?
Cleveland Clinic (retinol) says retinol is a form of vitamin A that increases skin cell production, helps unclog pores, exfoliates, and increases collagen production. In a lab and clinical study by Kong et al. 2016, funded by Amway, four weeks of retinol or retinoic acid both increased epidermal thickness and raised collagen gene and protein expression; retinol's effect tended to be smaller than retinoic acid's. The same study found a significant reduction in facial wrinkles after 12 weeks of a retinol formulation. The abstract describes retinol as a precursor of retinoic acid.
Retinol is not the same as prescription tretinoin. Cleveland Clinic (retinol) says tretinoin is a prescription-only retinoid that is stronger than over-the-counter retinol, so it may work faster, and the Mukherjee et al. 2006 review describes tretinoin as possibly the most potent and most widely studied retinoid for photoaging, with retinol and retinaldehyde considerably less irritating than tretinoin and tazarotene. This page is about over-the-counter retinol.
Important: Healthcare providers discourage retinoids, including topical retinol, during pregnancy, and Cleveland Clinic notes reports of babies born with congenital conditions after topical retinoid use. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy, talk to your healthcare provider before using either ingredient.
Glycolic acid is treated differently from retinoids in the pregnancy guidance we read. Our pregnancy and breastfeeding guide sets out what ACOG, the American Academy of Dermatology and others say about each.
When to Use Glycolic Acid Instead of Retinol
The sources do not tell us which ingredient to use first, so the points below set out what each source says and where we are giving our own reading.
Texture, dullness or clogged pores. Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) lists removing dead skin cells, cleaning out clogged pores and brightening skin among glycolic acid's effects. It cautions that over-the-counter products may take several months before skin looks brighter, so we cannot promise a quick result.
Dark spots or uneven tone. Houshmand 2021 tested a facial emulsion with 10% glycolic acid and 2% phytic acid for 12 weeks in American women with Fitzpatrick skin types II to VI and reported significant improvement in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, hyperpigmentation, texture and tone from week 4. The abstract does not state the number of participants or include a control group, and the product also contained phytic acid. Cleveland Clinic (retinol) says some people find topical retinol lightens skin spots, though it takes months and can be irritating, so both ingredients are described as helping with dark spots.
You are pregnant or breastfeeding. Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) says glycolic acid is generally safe in pregnancy at low concentrations, and Cleveland Clinic (retinol) says healthcare providers discourage retinoids in pregnancy. Both pages say to check with your healthcare provider first.
Sensitive or retinol-intolerant skin. Cleveland Clinic (retinol) says retinol is not for everyone and that people who are prone to allergies or have sensitive skin may want alternatives. Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) says sensitive skin may be irritated by glycolic acid as well, so we cannot say glycolic acid is the gentler option.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner lists a glycolic acid concentration of 7% and a published pH of 3.5 to 3.9. By our arithmetic (label percentage ÷ (1 + 10^(pH − 3.83))), that is roughly 3.2% to 4.8% free acid. Because both ingredients can irritate, we suggest not using it on the same nights as retinol; this is our suggestion, in line with the alternating approach in Cleveland Clinic (retinol).
When to Use Retinol Instead of Glycolic Acid
Fine lines and wrinkles. Cleveland Clinic (retinol) says retinol increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and that it usually takes several months of use to notice a difference. The Mukherjee et al. 2006 review reports that retinoids have shown histological and clinical improvement in skin aging, mostly in studies of photoaged skin. We did not find a source comparing retinol with glycolic acid for wrinkles.
Acne. Cleveland Clinic (retinol) says retinol is used to treat acne, helps prevent clogged pores, and can reduce the swelling and inflammation that come with breakouts. It adds that you may still see pimples for the first couple of months. Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) also lists clearing clogged pores and preventing blackheads among glycolic acid's effects, and we found no source that compares the two for acne.
Mild acne, mild pigmentation or mild lines. American Academy of Dermatology says a retinoid is a good option for someone with mild acne, mild pigmentation irregularities or mild fine lines and wrinkles. Starting with the least intense formulation, every other night, is the dermatologist's advice there.
Can You Use Glycolic Acid and Retinol Together?
Cleveland Clinic (retinol) says yes, with care: alternating glycolic acid and retinol might work well for dark spots and acne scars, but they can both irritate your skin, so consider alternating days or glycolic acid in the morning and retinol at night. Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) says that when you are first starting out you may want to avoid combining glycolic acid with retinol, because fewer active ingredients make it easier to isolate what is causing a problem, and warns that overdoing it can cause irritation, dryness and increased sensitivity.
Evidence for the combination comes from product studies, not routines. Bertin et al. 2008 (a Johnson & Johnson Consumer France study) applied a cream containing retinol, lactose and glycolic acid to one side of the face and a placebo to the other in 40 women twice daily for 12 weeks; the treated side improved significantly. DiNatale et al. 2021 (funded by Avon) found that rotating a retinol product with a phytol/glycolic acid product improved crow's feet wrinkles in two split-face trials (12 months, and 6 months plus 2 months of regression) more than the comparison products. Neither tested the nightly schedule below, and both were funded or run by the product makers, so treat them as showing that the two ingredients can be used in one regimen rather than that any particular routine is best.
One way to alternate nights
Below is our suggested pattern, built on the alternate-days advice in Cleveland Clinic (retinol). It is our suggestion, not a studied schedule:
| Day | Evening Routine |
|---|---|
| Monday | Glycolic acid (toner or serum) |
| Tuesday | Retinol |
| Wednesday | Glycolic acid |
| Thursday | Retinol |
| Friday | Glycolic acid |
| Saturday | Retinol |
| Sunday | Moisturizer only |
That pattern uses each ingredient up to three nights a week. Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) advises starting glycolic acid once or twice a week and working up, and Cleveland Clinic (retinol) advises applying retinol every other day for the first couple of weeks, so a newcomer would begin below this schedule.
Using both on the same night
None of the sources we read gives an order or waiting time for putting glycolic acid and retinol on in one session, so we do not give one. Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) suggests keeping the number of actives low when you start, and Cleveland Clinic (retinol) suggests alternating days or splitting them between morning and night.
Important: If you get persistent redness, itching or burning, stop and talk to a healthcare provider. Cleveland Clinic says early redness, itching or burning from retinol goes away as skin adjusts, but cautions that overdoing actives can cause irritation, dryness and increased sensitivity.
How to start if you're new to both
Our suggestion, based on the Cleveland Clinic advice that fewer actives help you isolate the cause of irritation, is to introduce one at a time. Start glycolic acid once or twice a week (Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid)), or retinol every other day for the first couple of weeks after a patch test (Cleveland Clinic (retinol)), and add the second only once your skin is settled. We found no study that tests a timetable for adding the second ingredient.
What About Prescription Retinoids (Tretinoin)?
Cleveland Clinic (retinol) says tretinoin is a prescription-only retinoid that has been used for decades for acne and photoaging and is stronger than over-the-counter retinol. The Mukherjee et al. 2006 review describes tretinoin and tazarotene as more irritating than retinol and retinaldehyde. We found no source on combining glycolic acid with tretinoin, so if you use a prescription retinoid, follow your prescriber's instructions and ask before adding glycolic acid. Our page on glycolic acid with prescription treatments reads what the tretinoin label does and does not say.
Glycolic Acid Product We Recommend
Since this is a glycolic acid site, we keep our product recommendation to glycolic acid. For retinol products, ask your dermatologist; the AAD dermatologist quoted by the American Academy of Dermatology notes that over-the-counter retinol labels do not have to disclose the percentage.
✓ Glycolic acid verified
TOUCH Keratosis Pilaris Exfoliating Body Wash Cleanser
Glycolic acid: 15%
TOUCH Keratosis Pilaris Exfoliating Body Wash Cleanser lists 15% glycolic acid and a published pH of 3.5. By our arithmetic (label percentage ÷ (1 + 10^(pH − 3.83))), that is roughly 10% free acid. It is a rinse-off body wash, so it may suit areas of the body where you do not apply retinol; we found no source comparing irritation between rinse-off and leave-on products.
Common Mistakes When Using Glycolic Acid and Retinol
Starting both at the same time. Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) says using fewer active ingredients when you start lets you isolate what is causing an issue.
Skipping sunscreen. Cleveland Clinic (retinol) says retinol makes you sunburn more easily and recommends SPF 30. The FDA says AHAs increase UV sensitivity and recommends sun protection while using them and for a week afterwards. Our house line is SPF 30+, and Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) recommends broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher reapplied every two hours. See glycolic acid and sun exposure.
Starting too strong. The AAD dermatologist advises using the least intense retinoid formulation you can find and building up slowly (American Academy of Dermatology). The FDA reports that the more serious AHA adverse reactions appeared most often with products causing the greatest exfoliation, such as skin peelers.
Ignoring irritation. American Academy of Dermatology says that in skin of color, irritation can trigger dark marks (hyperpigmentation), so starting slowly and using moisturizer helps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, retinol or glycolic acid?
Neither source we read ranks one above the other, and we found no head-to-head trial of the two. Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) lists exfoliation, collagen stimulation, fine lines and dark spots among glycolic acid's effects; Cleveland Clinic (retinol) lists unclogged pores, collagen production and fine lines among retinol's. American Academy of Dermatology calls retinol a type of retinoid used for uneven tone, pigmentation and texture. Our reading is that the two overlap, so the better choice depends on how your skin tolerates each.
Can I use glycolic acid as well as retinol?
Cleveland Clinic (retinol) says you can combine or alternate retinol with other treatments carefully, and that alternating glycolic acid and retinol might work well for dark spots and acne scars, though both can irritate. It suggests alternating days, or glycolic acid in the morning and retinol at night. Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) separately says people just starting out may want to avoid combining glycolic acid with retinol. Both pages say to use sunscreen; see our guide to glycolic acid and sun exposure.
Which goes first, retinol or glycolic acid?
None of the sources we read gives an order or a waiting time for using both in one session, so we do not give one. The Cleveland Clinic retinol page instead suggests alternating days or splitting them between morning and night. Our reading is that spacing them apart sidesteps the question. If you are unsure, ask a dermatologist.
Does glycolic acid make skin look younger?
Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) says glycolic acid improves tone and texture, stimulates collagen production and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and that over-the-counter products may need several months of consistent use before skin looks brighter. In a 12-week study (Houshmand 2021), a facial emulsion with 10% glycolic acid and 2% phytic acid in American women with Fitzpatrick skin types II to VI improved the look of hyperpigmentation, texture and tone from week 4. The abstract does not report the number of participants or a comparison group.
Does glycolic acid get rid of deep wrinkles?
None of the sources we read tests glycolic acid on deep wrinkles specifically. Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) says glycolic acid improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and Cleveland Clinic (retinol) says topical tretinoin and tazarotene (prescription retinoids) can improve fine lines and wrinkles by slowing the breakdown of collagen, usually over several months. For established wrinkles, a dermatologist can tell you which options suit your skin.
Should mature skin use glycolic acid?
Cleveland Clinic (retinol) notes that skin cells divide more slowly with age and the dermis thins, and Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) says most people can benefit from glycolic acid. It advises starting once or twice a week and working up to nightly use if skin tolerates it, and cautions that sensitive skin, dry skin, rosacea, eczema or skin that is not healing may be irritated more.
Is glycolic acid safe for all skin types?
No. Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) lists sensitive skin, dry skin, rosacea, eczema and active skin infections as reasons for caution, and advises a patch test on one area first. A dermatologist quoted by the American Academy of Dermatology says that in skin of color irritation can trigger dark marks (hyperpigmentation), so starting slowly and using moisturizer helps. The FDA says AHAs may increase sun sensitivity, which is why daily sun protection matters.
Does retinol cause purging?
Cleveland Clinic (retinol) says you may still see pimples for the first couple of months of treatment and that skin may look worse at first, which it calls the retinol purge, and that redness, itching or burning at the start go away as skin adjusts. The page does not distinguish purging from an allergic reaction or give a cut-off for when to stop, so we do not either. If irritation is severe or does not settle, speak to a healthcare provider.
What do Koreans use instead of retinol?
None of the sources we read describes Korean skincare routines, so we cannot say. The alternative they do discuss is bakuchiol, a plant extract. Cleveland Clinic (bakuchiol) describes it as a gentler alternative to retinol and says that further research is needed to see how it compares with prescription retinoids.
Is 40 too late to start retinol?
None of the sources we read sets an age limit. Cleveland Clinic (retinol) says to start slowly: apply every other day for the first couple of weeks, use a pea-sized amount, and finish with a non-pore-clogging moisturizer. The American Academy of Dermatology advises using the least intense formulation you can find and building up slowly, and notes that over-the-counter retinol labels are not required to disclose the percentage.
What works 11 times faster than retinol?
We found no source for an "11 times faster" figure. The trial we did read (Dhaliwal et al. 2019) randomised 44 people to bakuchiol 0.5% twice daily or retinol 0.5% once daily for 12 weeks and found both significantly reduced wrinkle surface area and hyperpigmentation, with no statistically significant difference between them; retinol users reported more scaling and stinging. It does not report bakuchiol working faster.
What is the closest thing to retinol?
The only direct comparison we found is the bakuchiol trial: Dhaliwal et al. 2019 found bakuchiol comparable to retinol for photoageing over 12 weeks and better tolerated (44 participants; the abstract does not state who funded it). We found no study comparing glycolic acid with retinol directly, so we do not rank them. Prescription retinoids such as tretinoin are a stronger relative of retinol according to Cleveland Clinic (retinol).