Glycolic Acid Cleanser
✓ Glycolic acid verified
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner
Glycolic acid: 7%
Glycolic Acid vs Salicylic Acid: Which Do You Need?
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Cleveland Clinic (facial acids) describes glycolic acid as a water-soluble alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that smooths the skin's surface, and salicylic acid as an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that goes deeper into pores. Which one you need depends on the concern. This page sets out what the sources say about each, and says where they are silent.
Glycolic Acid vs Salicylic Acid at a Glance
| Feature | Glycolic Acid | Salicylic Acid |
|---|---|---|
| Acid type | AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), water-soluble (Cleveland Clinic (facial acids)) | BHA (beta hydroxy acid), oil-soluble (Cleveland Clinic (facial acids)) |
| Derived from | Sugarcane (Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid)) | Not stated in the sources we read |
| How it works | Helps loosen the connection holding dead skin cells together (Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid)) | Softens keratin; in acne, slows shedding of cells inside follicles and helps break down blackheads and whiteheads (DermNet NZ (salicylic acid)) |
| Used for | Texture, clogged pores, dark spots, fine lines (Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid)) | Acne, blackheads, whiteheads (Cleveland Clinic (facial acids)); thickened, scaly skin conditions (DermNet NZ (salicylic acid)) |
| Strength information | CIR panel: consumer products safe at 10% or less and pH 3.5 or higher with sun protection (FDA); professional peels run 20 to 70% (DermNet NZ (AHAs)) | FDA acne monograph: 0.5 to 2% as an OTC acne active (FDA acne monograph (21 CFR 333.310)); preparations range from 0.5% to 30% by condition (DermNet NZ (salicylic acid)) |
| Sun sensitivity | Increases it (FDA); in a 14-person study, 10% glycolic acid increased UV-induced erythema, DNA damage and sunburn cells (Kornhauser et al. 2009) | The same study found 2% salicylic acid produced no significant change (Kornhauser et al. 2009); the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel (2003) still advises sun protection with any exfoliant |
| Body use | Studied for keratosis pilaris at high strengths (Tian et al. 2021) | Listed for scaly, thickened skin and corns (DermNet NZ (salicylic acid)) |
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, and lists collagen stimulation, a more even skin tone and an improved look of fine lines among its effects. DermNet NZ (AHAs) says AHAs loosen the glue-like substances between surface cells so dead skin peels off gently.
The FDA reports that, in studies it conducted, volunteers' sensitivity to UV-induced skin reddening was 18% higher after four weeks of AHA application, and that the effect was no longer significant a week after stopping. That is why sunscreen is recommended; see our guide to glycolic acid and sun exposure.
Important: Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ when using glycolic acid. The FDA says AHAs may increase sun sensitivity and advises sun protection while using them and for a week afterwards.
For more on concentrations, see our percentage guide, or see how the regulatory ceilings above compare against what's actually sold to consumers in our product database.
What Is Salicylic Acid?
Cleveland Clinic (facial acids) says salicylic acid is the most common BHA in skin care and, being oil-soluble, gets deep into pores to remove sebum and other oils that can lead to breakouts. DermNet NZ (salicylic acid) says it is a keratolytic that softens keratin, and that in acne it helps slow the shedding of cells inside follicles, preventing clogging, and helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. In the US, the FDA acne monograph (21 CFR 333.310) lists salicylic acid at 0.5 to 2% as an over-the-counter acne active ingredient.
On sun sensitivity, Kornhauser et al. 2009 treated the backs of 14 people daily, Monday to Friday, for 3.5 weeks with 10% glycolic acid, 2% salicylic acid or vehicle, then exposed them to simulated sunlight: glycolic acid increased erythema, DNA damage and sunburn cell formation, while salicylic acid produced no significant change. The abstract does not state who funded it. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel (2003) nonetheless concluded there is a risk of increased UV damage with any exfoliant, including salicylic acid, and advised formulating for sun protection or including directions for daily sun protection. Our reading is that daily sunscreen is sensible with either acid.
DermNet NZ (salicylic acid) notes that strengths range from 0.5% to 30%, that products should be used strictly as directed because using more can lead to increased absorption, and that salicylic acid can irritate or burn healthy skin.
When to Choose Glycolic Acid
These are our groupings of what the sources say, not a ranking:
- Rough or uneven texture — Cleveland Clinic (facial acids) says glycolic acid is a strong exfoliant that smooths the skin's surface.
- Hyperpigmentation and dark spots — Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) says it lightens dark spots from mild sun damage or acne, though OTC products may take several months. Houshmand 2021 (10% glycolic acid plus 2% phytic acid emulsion, 12 weeks, American women with Fitzpatrick skin types II to VI) reported improvement from week 4; the abstract does not give the number of participants or a control group.
- Fine lines — Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) and Cleveland Clinic (facial acids) say long-term use can boost collagen production and improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Keratosis pilaris (KP) — in Tian et al. 2021, 25 people were treated with 50% or 70% glycolic acid four times over 60 days; keratotic papules had fallen by 60% on day 80, and there was no significant difference from baseline at the 5-year follow-up in the 9 participants who returned. That is a professional-strength treatment. See our KP guide.
- Underarms and rough feet — none of the sources we read addresses these, so we do not claim an advantage. See our body and underarm guide.
When to Choose Salicylic Acid
- Acne, blackheads and whiteheads — Cleveland Clinic (facial acids) says salicylic acid is a good choice for people who get blackheads and whiteheads and is found in many acne products; DermNet NZ (salicylic acid) says it helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. A 2020 Cochrane review of topical acne treatments (49 trials, 3,880 participants) found there may be little or no difference between salicylic acid and tretinoin in one 46-person study (low-quality evidence), and the authors rated most comparisons low or very low quality.
- Frequency — Cleveland Clinic (facial acids) says salicylic acid is not overly irritating to most people and can be used twice a day by most, while glycolic acid should be started once or twice a week.
- Thickened, scaly skin — DermNet NZ (salicylic acid) lists salicylic acid for psoriasis, ichthyosis, corns and viral warts.
The sources we read do not say salicylic acid lacks anti-aging effects, nor do they test it for fine lines. If you have seen salicylic acid paired with mandelic acid in peels, our glycolic acid vs mandelic acid page covers that combination. If aging is your main concern, see our glycolic acid vs retinol guide. We found no source on oily skin, body acne or ingrown hairs specifically, so we make no claim there.
Can You Use Both?
We found no study that tests the two on the same skin. Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) says that when you are first starting out you may want to avoid combining glycolic acid with other exfoliants like lactic and salicylic acids. It explains that using fewer active ingredients lets you isolate what is causing an issue, and that overdoing it can cause irritation, dryness and increased sensitivity. Cleveland Clinic (facial acids) warns that over-exfoliating strips the top layer of skin. The schedule below is our suggestion, not a studied schedule.
Alternating days (our suggestion)
| Day | Evening Active | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Glycolic acid | Surface texture, tone |
| Tuesday | Salicylic acid | Pore clearing |
| Wednesday | Glycolic acid | Surface texture, tone |
| Thursday | Salicylic acid | Pore clearing |
| Friday | Glycolic acid | Surface texture, tone |
| Saturday | Moisturizer only | Recovery |
| Sunday | Moisturizer only | Recovery |
A newcomer would begin below this schedule: Cleveland Clinic (facial acids) advises starting glycolic acid once or twice a week at night.
Important: If you notice irritation, dryness or increased sensitivity, cut back. Cleveland Clinic says overdoing actives can cause all three. Stop and speak to a healthcare provider if reactions are moderate or severe.
Zone method (our idea)
If your skin concerns vary by area, you could keep each acid to its own zone — for example salicylic acid on the T-zone and glycolic acid on the cheeks. This is our idea, not a method any source we read describes, and it needs more attention, so it suits people who already tolerate each acid.
If you are new to both
Introduce one acid at a time so that you can tell which one causes any irritation, a point Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) makes about using fewer actives. We found no study that sets a timetable for adding the second.
Products We Recommend
For glycolic acid
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner lists 7% glycolic acid 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.
✓ 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 wash intended for body use.
For salicylic acid
We have not yet verified salicylic acid products for our site, so we recommend none. For reference, the FDA acne monograph (21 CFR 333.310) lists 0.5 to 2% salicylic acid as the over-the-counter acne range, and DermNet NZ (salicylic acid) notes that salicylic acid products should be used strictly as directed.
Common Mistakes
- Using both acids at once without a plan. Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) says that when you are starting out, using fewer actives makes it easier to isolate what causes a problem.
- Skipping sunscreen. The FDA says AHAs may increase sun sensitivity, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel (2003) advises sun protection with any exfoliant, salicylic acid included. Cleveland Clinic (facial acids) recommends SPF 30 or higher on your face every day; our house line is SPF 30+. See glycolic acid and sun exposure.
- Choosing by popularity. Cleveland Clinic (facial acids) describes salicylic acid as the pore-focused acid and glycolic acid as the surface-focused one; match the acid to the concern.
- Using more than directed. DermNet NZ (salicylic acid) warns that using more salicylic acid, more often or for longer than recommended can lead to increased absorption, and Cleveland Clinic (facial acids) warns that exfoliating too much strips the top layer of skin.
- Starting too strong. Cleveland Clinic (facial acids) says glycolic acid can be strong and irritating and should be started once or twice a week at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which one is better, glycolic acid or salicylic acid?
The sources we read do not rank them. Cleveland Clinic (facial acids) says glycolic acid is a strong exfoliant that smooths the surface and helps with discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles, and that salicylic acid goes deep into pores to remove sebum and is a good choice for blackheads and whiteheads. A 2020 Cochrane review of topical acne treatments found little or no difference between a glycolic acid peel and a salicylic-mandelic acid peel (one 40-person trial, low-quality evidence). Our reading is that they suit different concerns, and you can match the acid to the concern.
Can I use salicylic acid and glycolic acid together?
We found no study of the two used together. Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) says that when you are first starting out you may want to avoid using glycolic acid with other exfoliants such as lactic and salicylic acids, because fewer actives make it easier to isolate what is causing a problem. Cleveland Clinic (facial acids) warns that too much exfoliation can strip the top layer of skin. If you want to use both, alternating days is our suggestion, not a studied schedule.
Which penetrates deeper, glycolic acid or salicylic acid?
Cleveland Clinic (facial acids) says salicylic acid, an oil-soluble BHA, penetrates deeper into pores than water-soluble AHAs, and that glycolic acid penetrates deeper than some other acids because its molecules are very small. They go deep in different ways: salicylic acid into pores, glycolic acid into the skin surface. We found no source that ranks overall depth.
Can glycolic acid lighten skin?
Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) says glycolic acid lightens dark spots that result from mild sun damage or acne and creates a more even skin tone, but that over-the-counter products may take several months before pigmentation looks more even. DermNet NZ (AHAs) says brown marks can improve with regular applications or peels. In a 12-week study (Houshmand 2021) of an emulsion with 10% glycolic acid and 2% phytic acid, hyperpigmentation improved from week 4. Nothing we read describes it as bleaching skin.
Can I put salicylic acid on my armpits?
None of the sources we read addresses salicylic acid or glycolic acid on the underarms, so we cannot say. DermNet NZ (salicylic acid) says salicylic acid preparations should be used strictly as directed, not on irritated or reddened skin, and can irritate or burn healthy skin. See our body and underarm guide for what we do cover.
Is salicylic acid or glycolic acid better for keratosis pilaris?
We found no study comparing the two for keratosis pilaris. The glycolic acid evidence is Tian et al. 2021: 25 people had 50% or 70% glycolic acid applied to a test area on days 0, 20, 40 and 60, and keratotic papules had fallen by 60% by day 80. That is a high-strength treatment, not an over-the-counter product, and in the 9 participants followed for 5 years the difference from before treatment was no longer significant. DermNet NZ (salicylic acid) lists salicylic acid as a keratolytic that softens keratin in scaly, thickened skin.
What should you never mix with glycolic acid?
No source we read gives a list of combinations to never use. Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) says that when you are first starting out you may want to avoid other exfoliants such as lactic and salicylic acids, retinol and vitamin C serums, so that you can isolate what causes any irritation. DermNet NZ (AHAs) says leave-on AHA products can be alternated with retinoid creams and vitamin C. For your own skin, ask a dermatologist.
Is glycolic acid or salicylic acid better for cracked heels?
We found no source on glycolic acid for cracked heels. DermNet NZ (salicylic acid) says salicylic acid is a keratolytic used for thickened, scaly skin conditions, and lists preparations of 15 to 27% for corns and viral warts; it says strengths range from 0.5% to 30% depending on the condition and that the product should be used strictly as directed. For severe cracking, see a healthcare provider.
Which comes first, salicylic acid or glycolic acid?
None of the sources we read gives an order or a waiting time for using them in one session, so we do not give one. The Cleveland Clinic glycolic acid page suggests limiting the number of actives when you start; alternating evenings is our suggestion rather than a tested schedule.
Does glycolic acid pull out blackheads?
Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) says glycolic acid removes dead skin cells, cleans out clogged pores and prevents blackheads and breakouts. DermNet NZ (salicylic acid) says salicylic acid helps break down blackheads and whiteheads and slows the shedding of cells inside follicles, and Cleveland Clinic (facial acids) says salicylic acid is a good choice for people who get them. We found no source comparing the two for blackheads.
Does glycolic acid shrink pores?
Cleveland Clinic (facial acids) says glycolic acid works to smooth out the skin's surface and refine pores, and lists unclogging pores as salicylic acid's role. We found no source that measures pore size, and none that says pore size is genetic, so we do not say either.
What should you never mix with salicylic acid?
No source we read gives a list. DermNet NZ (salicylic acid) says to use salicylic acid preparations strictly as directed and not on irritated, infected or reddened skin, and notes that using more than directed can lead to increased absorption. We found nothing on benzoyl peroxide or niacinamide with salicylic acid, so we make no claim about them.
What skin types benefit from glycolic acid?
Cleveland Clinic (glycolic acid) says most people can benefit from glycolic acid, and lists sensitive skin, dry skin, rosacea, eczema and active skin infections as reasons for caution. Cleveland Clinic (facial acids) says lactic acid is one of the gentler AHAs and a good choice for sensitive skin, and that glycolic acid can be strong and irritating, so you should start slowly with once or twice a week at night.