How often have you noticed the name ‘glycolic acid’ in your favorite skincare products? Probably lots of times! You have come to the right page if you have always wondered what glycolic acid is and how it can help your skin. In this post, we will share all the information about glycolic acid that you must know and the best creams in India that can give your skin a beautiful makeover. Keep reading.
What Is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is the minor form of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), a group of naturally occurring fruit acids. It is known to be one of the best and safest AHAs you can ever use on your skin. It quickly penetrates the skin and loosens the glue-like substance that keeps the dead cells attached to the topmost layer of the skin. Thus, it helps reveal newer, healthier skin while stimulating new cell generation. As a result, we get an improved skin texture, better skin tone, and a brighter complexion.
Though it is naturally obtained from sugar cane, grapes, beets, pineapples, milk, apples, and all kinds of citrus fruits, the production of synthetic glycolic acid has also become widespread in recent years. The first use of glycolic acid in the cosmetic industry was around 20 years ago in skin peel-off procedures. But now, it is used in various beauty and skincare products for its versatility (1).
Before being incorporated into beauty products, Glycolic acid is distilled, filtered, and diluted. This ensures that every individual finds the appropriate product for herself that would work safely and effectively.
Skin Benefits Of Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid offers a whole lot of skin benefits, which include the following (2):
- Promotes the production of collagen and elastin proteins
- Provides instant skin rejuvenation
- Accelerates skin healing
- Cures scarring and skin discoloration
- Reduces the signs of environmental damage
- Moisturizes dry and scaly skin
- Reduces excessive skin oiliness
- Exfoliates sensitive skin safely
- Cleanses the skin without causing irritation
- Treats skin conditions like melasma, psoriasis, seborrheic keratosis, etc.
10 Best Glycolic Acid Creams In India
1. Micro Labs’ Glyco 6 Cream
Glyco 6 Cream by Micro Labs is one of the most common glycolic acid creams in the Indian market. The product is made in India and is also known as the best product for treating hyperpigmentation, healing acne scars, and reducing pimple marks. It contains 6% glycolic acid in a cream base, which helps get rid of dead skin cells, thereby revealing the brighter layer of the skin underneath. A highly effective exfoliating formula, it is also considered an excellent medication for achieving even-toned and youthful skin. Read the full review of Glyco 6 Cream.
Price: Rs. 220 for 30 gm.
Read Also – Best Acne Fighter- Benzoyl Peroxide Or Salicylic Acid
2. Micro Labs’ Glyco A Cream
This is another product by Micro Labs. This cream is a more robust version of the Glyco 6 Cream, containing 12% glycolic acid in a cream base. Like the Glyco 6 Cream, it is also pretty effective in eliminating skin discoloration caused by hyperpigmentation. The medicated cream offers even better exfoliation than the Glyco 6 Cream, giving brighter skin with fewer marks and scars. It also treats acne, blackheads, dullness, and oiliness successfully. However, it might cause irritation, itching, or burning sensation in sensitive skin.
Price: Rs. 320 for 30 gm.
3. Ranbaxy’s Decroma 6 Cream
Here is another glycolic acid cream product that is made by Ranbaxy and has gained extreme popularity throughout the country. It contains 6% glycolic acid extract in its purest form, which is again formulated in a cream base for easier penetration and better efficacy. Decroma 6 is mainly used for treating acne and other related issues. It can gradually fade the scars and marks away by removing dead cells from the upper layer of the skin and revealing the new layer of cells underneath. The best part about using Decroma 6 is that it does not irritate the skin.
Price: Rs. 96 for 30 gm.
Read Also – Should Your Face Wash Contain Salicylic Acid? We Tell You The Truth!
4. Psyco Remedies’ Golic D Cream
Golic D is another renowned name for skin cream, which has glycolic acid as its only active ingredient. The product contains 6% glycolic acid extract in a cream base. It is widely used for treating acne and preventing premature aging. Just like other glycolic acid creams, it also removes the top layers of dead cells from the skin and makes the skin radiant and flawless. Golic D Cream is also available in a more robust version with 12% glycolic acid in its composition.
Price: Rs. 105 for 30 gm.
5. Reviva Labs’ 5% Glycolic Acid Cream
This simple cream by Reviva Labs contains 5% advanced glycolic acid, perfect for treating skin disorders and aging skin. The best thing about this professional strength cream is its 100% glycolic acid extract as full-strength crystals. This penetrates the surface of the skin more effectively. Moreover, the glycolic acid polymers are present in a natural base, necessary for improved exfoliation and better cell renewal. It is a made-in-USA product with no animal testing and no animal ingredients used.
Price: Rs. 495 for 42 gm.
6. Life Essentials Skin Care’s 10% Glycolic Acid Cream
Regarding skin renewal, glycolic acid creams help a lot, and this Life Essentials Skin Care product is perfect. It comprises 10% glycolic acid extract for sloughing off dead cells, renewing skin cells, boosting collagen, revitalizing the skin’s overall health, reducing large skin pores, eliminating dark spots, and reducing hyperpigmentation. It is a cruelty-free product that suits even the most sensitive skin type,
Price: Rs. 1,050 for 30 ml.
7. InstaNatural’s 10% Glycolic Acid Cream
Finally, the ultimate skin-perfecting cream by InstaNatural is enriched with glycolic acid extract and works as a ‘professional-grade moisturizer and exfoliator.’ The unique formulation combines 5% glycolic acid with 20% vitamin C and 10% hyaluronic acid. It also contains CoQ10, niacinamide, and bearberry extract, which work together to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize our skin. It is suitable for all skin types. However, the formulation makes it a gem for dry and mature skin or people with severe acne.
Price: Rs. 5,230 for 30 ml.
8. Avéne TriAcnéal Expert
Avene TriAcnEal Expert is an evening moisturizer that suits oily skin with severe imperfections and residual marks. Being rich in glycolic acid, it is ideal for limiting bacterial proliferation and fighting adult acne. It also contains retinaldehyde (a vitamin A-derivative) and X-pressin (an exfoliating enzyme) as active ingredients, which play critical roles in rejuvenating and exfoliating skin. These comprehensively eliminate blackheads, redness, blemishes, stubborn spots, and residual marks and successfully refine and smoothen the skin texture. The dermatological skincare also targets the first signs of aging, making the skin feel soft, hydrated, and comfortable.
Price: Rs. 4995 for 30 ml.
9. MIZON AHA 8% Peeling Serum
Mizon AHA 8% Peeling Serum answers your dry, dull, and aging skin. It contains 8% glycolic acid as its main ingredient. In contrast, other ingredients are portulaca extract, sagebrush extract, aloe vera leaf extract, arnica flower extract, castor oil, panthenol, allantoin, papaya fruit extract, yarrow extract, and Gentiana extract. This hypoallergenic peeling serum can be applied daily to remove damaged and dead cells and restore the skin’s health. Once applied, it creates a moisturizing protection veil on the skin to retain moisture for hours while maximizing cell turnover and creating a smooth texture. Aloe vera leaf extract also protects the skin from harmful stimulation.
Price: Rs. 3,400 for 50 ml.
10. Cosrx AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
Cosrx AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid treats dullness, rough skin, and acne scars. It is an innovative formulation of apple water containing AHA and 7% glycolic acid, a savior for controlling sebum production and reducing whiteheads. A minimal amount of this treatment essence can help slough off dead cells from the skin surface, revealing the layer of fresher and brighter cells underneath. It moisturizes, whitens, and brightens the skin without clogging the pores. The gentle product even suits sensitive and irritated skin.
Price: Rs. 1050 for 100 ml.
Side Effects Of Glycolic Acid Creams
Glycolic acid comes with its own set of risks. Here are the most common side effects you can experience:
- Though safe for sensitive skin, glycolic acid can cause redness, itchiness, mild irritation, bumps, etc..
- Being a solid exfoliant, it can dry your skin, and you may need to moisturize it.
- Sometimes, it makes the skin prone to sunburn and suntan. Hence, never go out in the sun right after applying these creams.
- A high concentration of glycolic acid can irritate or burn your skin. It can also damage your skin eventually.
Consult your physician before starting the use of any commercial glycolic acid creams available in the market. It will help you avoid all sorts of undesired outcomes.
Summary –
Glycolic acid is of the safest AHAs which is widely used in beauty products. Glycolic acid exfoliates and removes dead cells from the outer layer of the skin. It works as a skin lightening agent and is also used for treating acne. It is recommended for normal, oily and combination skin types. If you have dry or sensitive skin, it’s better to avoid it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Skin Products Have Glycolic Acid?
The excellent skin benefits of glycolic acid have made it a mainstream ingredient in the cosmetic industry. There are glycolic acid creams, serums, peel-off masks, face washes, and many other similar products from different brands. You can pick any of them per your skin’s unique requirements.
Should I Apply Glycolic Acid Every Day On Skin?
Diluted glycolic acid is generally safe for the skin. However, you must apply it every alternate day for the best results. It is even better to consult a dermatologist before using any glycolic acid product.
Is Glycolic Acid Better Than Lactic Acid?
Both glycolic and lactic acid are used in skin care for the same purpose. But glycolic acid is more potent than lactic acid; hence, it is more useful in severe skin conditions.
How Long Should I Leave Glycolic Acid On My Face?
While using a 10% (or higher concentration) glycolic acid product, please do not leave it on your face for over a minute. Otherwise, it can irritate your skin or damage it. There is no need to follow the maximum time limit for application. It will depend upon the tolerance of your skin, too.
References:
- “7 Ways to Use Glycolic Acid in Your Skincare Regimen“, Dermstore.com
- “What is Glycolic Acid?“, SkinStore.com
