Overview

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is applied to the skin to improve its appearance. Some glycolic acid products are also used to help with acne, wrinkles, and sun damage. Common side effects include redness, itching, irritation, peeling, stinging, or burning. Glycolic acid will also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Serious side effects are uncommon but are more likely to occur with higher concentrations of glycolic acid. These include rashes, burns, blisters, or infections. Before using glycolic acid, make sure to tell your health care provider about any medicines you are taking, including products you apply to your skin. If you have a naturally darker skin tone, speak to a health care provider before using glycolic acid.

Uses

What is glycolic acid used for?

Glycolic acid is commonly used to improve the appearance of the skin and to help with acne, wrinkles, and sun damage.

Note: Glycolic acid is available in skin care and cosmetic products. The FDA has not reviewed glycolic acid for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about cosmetics here.

How does glycolic acid work (mechanism of action)?

Glycolic acid is a type of chemical known as an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is naturally found in some plants, including grapes, beets, and sugar cane, and is commonly added to cosmetic and skin care products. Although there are other AHAs in the market, glycolic acid and lactic acid are the most commonly used AHAs in skin care products.

When AHAs are applied to the skin, they can cause the top layer of dead skin cells to detach from each other and fall off (exfoliation). Getting rid of dead skin cells can help improve the appearance of your skin and also increase how quickly new skin cells grow to replace old cells. AHAs can also help attract water to your skin, increasing skin hydration. Together, these effects can help improve the appearance of your skin.

Over-the-counter skin care products usually contain lower concentrations of glycolic acid (less than 20%), which are generally safe for use at home. Low concentrations of glycolic acid help exfoliate your skin and increase the turnover of skin cells, which can help manage conditions like acne. But glycolic acid can also be irritating to the skin and increase your sensitivity to the sun. Always protect your skin from sunlight while using any products that contain glycolic acid.

Higher concentrations of glycolic acid (more than 20%) are included in chemical peels that are meant to be applied by a trained professional, such as a dermatologist or aesthetician. High concentrations of glycolic acid can cause deeper layers of the skin to peel off. These treatments may be helpful for improving skin tone and managing acne, wrinkles, and sun damage. However, these higher concentrations are more likely to cause stinging, burning, peeling, and redness.

How should I store glycolic acid?

You should store glycolic acid according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of glycolic acid?

The most common side effects of glycolic acid are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Sensitivity to sunlight (see below)
• Redness, itching, or irritation
• Peeling skin
• Stinging or burning

There may be other side effects of glycolic acid that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of glycolic acid?

While less common, the most serious side effects of glycolic acid are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Glycolic acid may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using glycolic acid and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Sensitivity to Sunlight. While you are using glycolic acid, your skin may become very sensitive to light from the sun and devices that give off similar light, such as sunlamps and tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. Use sunscreen and wear a hat and clothes that cover the areas of the skin where you use glycolic acid if you need to be in the sunlight. Exposure to this kind of light, even for a short time, can cause your skin to be sunburned, scarred, or damaged. Tell your health care provider right away if any of these happen.

Skin Infections.In rare cases, people who receive a peel containing a high concentration of glycolic acid from a trained professional may get a skin infection. To help reduce the risk of a skin infection, follow the skin care instructions provided at the time of the peel. For example, you should keep the area clean, avoid picking or irritating the area, and reduce your exposure to sweat.

Skin Reactions. High concentrations of glycolic acid may cause rashes, blisters, or burns. Most products that contain these high concentrations are applied by trained professionals. If you have any of these symptoms after using glycolic acid, follow the instructions provided by the professional. If you have blistering or severe pain after using an over-the-counter glycolic acid product, stop using the product and contact your health care provider right away.

Precautions

Who should not use glycolic acid?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use glycolic acid.

• Glycolic acid
• Hydroxyacetic acid
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific glycolic acid products they stock.

What should I know about glycolic acid before using it?

Glycolic acid is available in products that are applied to the skin. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease. The FDA has not tested products that contain glycolic acid to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep glycolic acid out of the reach of children.

Glycolic acid comes in a wide range of concentrations, usually between 5% and 70%. Products that contain more than 20% glycolic acid are typically applied by trained professionals. As the concentration of glycolic acid increases, so does the risk of side effects. Lower concentrations may cause mild skin irritation, while higher concentrations may cause redness, itching, burning, stinging, and blistering. Read the product label carefully and follow all instructions closely. Only apply the smallest amount needed to produce the desired effect.

What should I tell my health care provider before using glycolic acid?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if glycolic acid is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Naturally Darker Skin Tone.People with a naturally darker skin tone (Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI) may be more likely to have scarring or discoloration after using high concentrations of glycolic acid. If you have a naturally darker skin tone, speak to a health care provider before using glycolic acid.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Acne
• A specific type of age spot known as actinic keratosis
• Herpes
• Sensitive skin

Other Medicines and Supplements.Glycolic acid may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using glycolic acid, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how glycolic acid could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if glycolic acid passes into breast milk. Do not apply glycolic acid to an area of your skin that may be in direct contact with your infant’s skin or mouth. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does glycolic acid interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between glycolic acid and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect glycolic acid.

Does glycolic acid interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using glycolic acid.

• A topical retinoid, such as adapalene (Differin) or tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova), which is a medicine commonly used for acne or other skin problems
• Isotretinoin (Accutane, Sotret), which is a medicine commonly used for severe acne
• Other alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), including lactic acid and citric acid, or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), including salicylic acid, which are found in many over-the-counter skin care products

The interactions between glycolic acid and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with glycolic acid is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using glycolic acid with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much glycolic acid?

If you or someone else has used too much glycolic acid, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Glycolic acid is applied to the skin in a wide range of concentrations, usually from 5% to 70%. Higher concentrations are more likely to cause side effects, but all concentrations can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use glycolic acid safely. Do not use more than recommended.