Ingredient Lab
8 gentle acids that promise to go easy on sensitive skin
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As skincare ingredients grow more versatile, it should come as little surprise that your most loved actives are steadily invading the haircare and bodycare aisles. Case in point: glycolic acid. As alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), it is derived from natural sources—such as sugarcane—and works as an effective chemical exfoliant for solving a host of skincare issues at once. Looking to extend the same courtesy to the rest of your beauty regimen? Glycolic acid is also growing as a popular favourite for haircare and bodycare. Here’s how you can tap into its benefits from head to toe:
Exfoliation—necessary but tricky territory. The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid Toner is an honestly priced take on chemical exfoliation, packed with a 7% punch. We’ve all heard how glycolic acid works wonders to reveal glowy, smooth skin by gently dissolving dead skin cells. And trust us, this toner did exactly that. After just a few uses, dry patches vanished, dullness diminished and our skin had that I-just-had-a-facial radiance.
But here’s the catch—it’s strong. If you’re new to acids, start slow. And sensitive skin types? Proceed with caution, as it might be a bit much. Apply it with a cotton pad post-cleansing, but avoid sensitive areas like the eyes and your lips.
Stick to evenings and no more than three to four times a week. And don’t forget sunscreen during the day—exfoliation makes your skin more vulnerable to UV damage.
If exfoliation, acne prevention and hydration are on your skincare to-do list, you won’t want to sleep on the restorative powers of glycolic acid. As a chemical exfoliant, this AHA works on slicing through the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps vacuum pores and dislodge debris to reveal fresher, more rejuvenated skin. With accelerated collagen turnover, it also serves as a handy addition to any anti-aging skincare routine. By drawing more water molecules invited to the skin, it also plays an effective role in improving hydration levels.
So, how does glycolic acid stack up against other beloved BHAs, such as salicylic acid? As a smaller water-soluble molecule, it can penetrate deeper within the skin to pave the path for lasting exfoliation. Those with dry and normal skin will be able to sufficiently tolerate glycolic acid and its benefits also extend to oily and acne-prone skin.
Hairfall, dandruff or excessive sebum build-up on the scalp? You’ll want to call upon glycolic acid for its proven track record as an exfoliant. Ever since beauty savants discovered the healing powers of The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution for the scalp, there has been no turning back. Primarily known for sifting through dead skin cells, sebum build-up and other debris on the scalp, this AHA offers relief from dandruff. By breaking down the bond between skin cells, it dislodges dandruff flakes and other build-up that has been sitting rent-free on your scalp.
And the good work doesn’t end there, either. By serving as a magnet for drawing moisture, it fortifies the hair shaft and reduces breakage due to tangles and friction. While it works wonders on those with an oily scalp, if your skin is prone to sensitivity, you will want to consult with a certified dermatologist first. As a rule of thumb, it helps to start out with lower concentration and introduce it gradually into your haircare routine.
AHAs have long been a staple in skincare, but now glycolic acid is making waves in bodycare too. With the rise of targeted bath and body treatments, this powerhouse ingredient is popping up everywhere—from body lotions to peels and exfoliants.
So, what makes glycolic acid a must-have for your bodycare routine? For starters, its exfoliating magic smooths out rough patches on your arms and legs, leaving your skin softer and more even in texture. It also helps fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots caused by sun exposure, giving your skin a brighter, more uniform tone. If you have sensitive skin, a lower concentration is your best bet. And don’t forget SPF—glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so daily sun protection is non-negotiable.
If exfoliation, acne prevention and hydration are on your skincare to-do list, you won’t want to sleep on the restorative powers of glycolic acid. As a chemical exfoliant, this AHA works on slicing through the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps vacuum pores and dislodge debris to reveal fresher, more rejuvenated skin. With accelerated collagen turnover, it also serves as a handy addition to any anti-aging skincare routine. By drawing more water molecules invited to the skin, it also plays an effective role in improving hydration levels.
So, how does glycolic acid stack up against other beloved BHAs, such as salicylic acid? As a smaller water-soluble molecule, it can penetrate deeper within the skin to pave the path for lasting exfoliation. Those with dry and normal skin will be able to sufficiently tolerate glycolic acid and its benefits also extend to oily and acne-prone skin.
Hairfall, dandruff or excessive sebum build-up on the scalp? You’ll want to call upon glycolic acid for its proven track record as an exfoliant. Ever since beauty savants discovered the healing powers of The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution for the scalp, there has been no turning back. Primarily known for sifting through dead skin cells, sebum build-up and other debris on the scalp, this AHA offers relief from dandruff. By breaking down the bond between skin cells, it dislodges dandruff flakes and other build-up that has been sitting rent-free on your scalp.
And the good work doesn’t end there, either. By serving as a magnet for drawing moisture, it fortifies the hair shaft and reduces breakage due to tangles and friction. While it works wonders on those with an oily scalp, if your skin is prone to sensitivity, you will want to consult with a certified dermatologist first. As a rule of thumb, it helps to start out with lower concentration and introduce it gradually into your haircare routine.
AHAs have long been a staple in skincare, but now glycolic acid is making waves in bodycare too. With the rise of targeted bath and body treatments, this powerhouse ingredient is popping up everywhere—from body lotions to peels and exfoliants.
So, what makes glycolic acid a must-have for your bodycare routine? For starters, its exfoliating magic smooths out rough patches on your arms and legs, leaving your skin softer and more even in texture. It also helps fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots caused by sun exposure, giving your skin a brighter, more uniform tone. If you have sensitive skin, a lower concentration is your best bet. And don’t forget SPF—glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so daily sun protection is non-negotiable.
If exfoliation, acne prevention and hydration are on your skincare to-do list, you won’t want to sleep on the restorative powers of glycolic acid. As a chemical exfoliant, this AHA works on slicing through the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps vacuum pores and dislodge debris to reveal fresher, more rejuvenated skin. With accelerated collagen turnover, it also serves as a handy addition to any anti-aging skincare routine. By drawing more water molecules invited to the skin, it also plays an effective role in improving hydration levels.
So, how does glycolic acid stack up against other beloved BHAs, such as salicylic acid? As a smaller water-soluble molecule, it can penetrate deeper within the skin to pave the path for lasting exfoliation. Those with dry and normal skin will be able to sufficiently tolerate glycolic acid and its benefits also extend to oily and acne-prone skin.
Hairfall, dandruff or excessive sebum build-up on the scalp? You’ll want to call upon glycolic acid for its proven track record as an exfoliant. Ever since beauty savants discovered the healing powers of The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution for the scalp, there has been no turning back. Primarily known for sifting through dead skin cells, sebum build-up and other debris on the scalp, this AHA offers relief from dandruff. By breaking down the bond between skin cells, it dislodges dandruff flakes and other build-up that has been sitting rent-free on your scalp.
And the good work doesn’t end there, either. By serving as a magnet for drawing moisture, it fortifies the hair shaft and reduces breakage due to tangles and friction. While it works wonders on those with an oily scalp, if your skin is prone to sensitivity, you will want to consult with a certified dermatologist first. As a rule of thumb, it helps to start out with lower concentration and introduce it gradually into your haircare routine.
AHAs have long been a staple in skincare, but now glycolic acid is making waves in bodycare too. With the rise of targeted bath and body treatments, this powerhouse ingredient is popping up everywhere—from body lotions to peels and exfoliants.
So, what makes glycolic acid a must-have for your bodycare routine? For starters, its exfoliating magic smooths out rough patches on your arms and legs, leaving your skin softer and more even in texture. It also helps fade hyperpigmentation and dark spots caused by sun exposure, giving your skin a brighter, more uniform tone. If you have sensitive skin, a lower concentration is your best bet. And don’t forget SPF—glycolic acid can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so daily sun protection is non-negotiable.
