As Black people, we often experience hyperpigmentation and acne. While there are products available on the market that can address these issues, it is important to pay attention to the ingredients in our favorite beauty products, too. For instance, glycolic acid is a potent ingredient that can help even out our skin tone and treat breakouts by exfoliating away the dead skin cells.
“Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant derived from sugarcane,” Sasha Banner, a skincare trainer and licensed esthetician at Heyday Skincare, tells ESSENCE. “This acid falls under the AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) category and is known for its brightening and exfoliating properties.”
Additionally, it’s good to know that glycolic acid works for all skin types. “It’s also really great for getting deep into your skin to increase hydration levels and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
If you’re wanting to try this powerful acid but don’t know where to begin, below you’ll find 9 of our favorites for smoother, brighter skin.
01
Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash
If you have rough and bumpy skin, this body wash with glycolic, tartaric, pyruvic, and lactic acid can remove dead skin cells. It exfoliates and hydrates your skin for a smoother texture.
Available at amazon.com
02
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
This particular body scrub is designed to deliver impressive results by combining a chemical peel with a microdermabrasion treatment. It also contains both glycolic and lactic acid to help unclog your pores and get rid of any rough bumps on your skin.
Available at amazon.com
03
Caudalie Vinoperfect Glycolic and AHAs Peel Mask
Upgrade your skincare routine with a 10 minute peel mask that gently exfoliates, refines, and renews your skin.
Available at amazon.com
04
Drunk Elephant T.L.C Glycolic Body Lotion
This Drunk Elephant lotion restores skin with shea butter, marula butter, electrolytes, and a blend of T.L.C. Framboo acids for even, replenished skin.
Available at sephora.com
05
Youth To The People Kombucha + 10% AHA Liquid Exfoliant
This overnight leave-on exfoliant helps revamp your skin’s texture, tone, and moisture with kombucha black tea ferment.
Available at sephora.com
06
Dermalogica Daily Glycolic Cleanser Face Wash
This cleanser multitasks by cleansing skin, removing buildup, and renewing tone.
Available at amazon.com
07
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Face Serum
This dermatologist-tested serum reduces wrinkles, resurfaces dead skin cells, and soothes with aloe vera.
Available at amazon.com
08
OffCourt Deep Cleansing Body Wash
Your man will love this sulfate-free body wash thanks to its superpower ingredients like glycolic and lactic acid to exfoliate, balance, and hydrate his skin.
Available at offcourt.com
09
Typology Exfoliating Serum
This vegan serum targets post-acne marks such as blackheads, blemishes, and dark spots.
Available at typology.com
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