12 Best Glycolic Acid Skin-Care Products For Brighter, Smoother-Looking Skin

For a nightly pick-me-up, reach for Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum ($90), which has met wide acclaim in the skin-care community. It contains 12 percent AHAs/BHA — including glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric, and salicylic — to exfoliate, brighten, and rid the skin of impurities. It also contains sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, which is the smaller molecule cousin to hyaluronic acid that instantly plumps and reduces lines.

For a peel, slather on this Lancer Caviar Lime Acid Peel ($95), which contains 10 percent glycolic acid to eliminate dead skin cell build-up, phytic acid to brighten, papaya and pineapple enzymes to smooth and soften, and caviar lime extract to further exfoliate. It can be used once or twice a week and is approved for all skin types.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution ($9) is a great option if you're looking for an exfoliating toner on a budget. The seven percent glycolic acid in the solution targets congestion in the skin, revealing a clearer complexion.

The L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Glycolic Acid Serum ($24) is a lightweight serum with a gel-like texture that you can use every night. In addition to helping with acne, it also reduces the appearance of dark spots.

Toning is such an important part of your skin-care routine because it rebalances your skin after cleansing to an appropriate pH level. Mario Badescu's Glycolic Acid Toner ($18) is a great go-to since it contains glycolic acid, which gently resurfaces the skin. It also contains grapefruit and aloe to soothe, brighten, and plump.

Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Foaming Pads ($19) boast five percent glycolic acid to gently give skin a boost while cleansing at the same time. One side is textured for a little physical exfoliating action while the other is smooth to wipe away makeup and grime. Plus, the pad foams to help you get an extra deep clean. These are great to throw in your gym bag for a quick clean.

Glycolic acid is a rock star when it comes to resurfacing the skin — and not just on your face. The Miss Spa Exfoliating Foot Booties ($7) are essentially disposable socks chock-full of ingredients, including glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and plant extracts, to fix callous-lined feet and cracked heels and reveal baby soft skin.

Glycolic acid can and should be used in conjunction with other AHAs, including lactic and citric acids, which is what the REN Skincare Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask ($58) does. This one contains four different AHAs: glycolic acid from pineapple, lactic acid from passion fruit, citric acid from lemon, and tartaric acid from grape create multi-action exfoliation. The result is refreshed, rebalanced, resurfaced skin and a reduction in congestion, fine lines, and acne.

The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Toner ($11) is a nighttime facial treatment that helps clear breakouts and improve skin's texture with 10 percent glycolic acid and five percent witch hazel to reduce excess oil.

Dull skin be gone with Peter Thomas Roth's 10% Glycolic Solutions Moisturizer ($45), a seriously potent cream that can be used both morning and evening. It quickly reveals radiant and clear skin for a shiny, youthful, just-slept-for-10-hours look. It also contains vitamin E to nourish and aloe to soothe.

With three different families of acids in the formulation — AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs — the Glossier Face Exfoliator and Skin Perfector ($24) helps you achieve a soft, smooth, and glowy complexion.

The Typology Glycolic Acid Serum ($16) treats blackheads, blemishes, and rough texture with 10 percent glycolic acid. To make it easier to tolerate, it also contains chamomile extract, which helps soothe irritation.