I’m usually a gentle cleanser girl. But my skin has been looking a little dull, my pores have been clogged (I spend too much time in front of a magnifying mirror), and I’ve had a couple of breakouts around my chin, so I decided to try out the best glycolic acid cleansers to give my skin a brightening boost. “Through exfoliation, glycolic acid can lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, diminish hyperpigmentation, and reduce acne,” says Dr. Anne Chapas, board-certified dermatologist and medical director at Union Square Dermatology.
Typically, glycolic acid is found in leave-on treatments like serums or peel pads. But there are a handful of wash-off cleansers—both cult classics and new launches—that are not only ideal for gentle exfoliation, but also sideswipe irritation. Many dermatologist-loved formulas are combined with salicylic acid or lactic acid, as well as hydrating ingredients like peptides and glycerin to combat irritation.
Glycolic acid cleansers come in a range of concentrations, but finding one between one to 10 percent will prevent irritation.
I’ve tried my fair share of glycolic acid-based cleansers in search of smoother, more radiant skin—and tapped top doctors for their recommendations. Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about using the active ingredient and which glycolic acid cleansers to keep in your bathroom.
The Best Glycolic Acid Cleansers
- The Best Glycolic Acid Cleanser Overall: SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Gel Cleanser
- The Best Glycolic Acid Cleanser for Acne: Replenix Gly-Sal Deep Pore Cleanser
- The Best Glycolic Acid Cleanser for Sensitive Skin: Glyderm Gentle Cleanser
- The Best Glycolic Acid Cleanser for Oily Skin: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
- The Best Glycolic Acid Cleanser for Body: Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Body Wash
A do-it-all cleanser with Sofia Richie’s stamp of approval, this gentle cleanser, which features eight percent glycolic acid, is a great addition to most routines. It is powerful enough to remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping the skin of essential oils. In fact, it does just the opposite. While it removes dead skin cells and provides exfoliation, this gel-to-foam face wash simultaneously replenishes hydration with aloe leaf extract.
Pros: Gentle enough for daily use; Great texture; Gives clean feeling
Cons: A bit harsh for sensitive skin
If you’re dealing with acne, but want to avoid benzoyl peroxide cleansers (a single study recently warned against the possibility of benzene, a carcinogen, developing in hot temperatures), consider using Replenix’s glycolic-salicylic blend. It will target inflammation and bacteria simultaneously to support a clear complexion. “This also has green tea polyphenol to provide soothing, calming, and antioxidant benefits,” adds board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mamina Turegano.
Pros: Dermatologist-recommended; Great for acne-prone skin types
Cons: Might cause slight purging
Sensitive skin types (like me!) must be cautious when using glycolic acid cleansers (it's easy to get irritated)—but specific formulations can be game-changing. “This Glyderm cleanser is 0.2 percent and works well for those with rosacea-prone skin who also want to exfoliate,” says Dr. Turegano. I was able to use this formula every single night without burning or stinging and was floored by how bright and glowy my skin looked after the two-week mark.
Pros: Dermatologist-recommended; Can be tolerated by sensitive skin
Cons: Won’t be as effective on oily or acne-prone skin types
A combination of alpha-hydroxy acids (read: glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, and malic acid) join forces with salicylic acid and soft, soothing jojoba to create this Marie Claire 2023 Skin Award winner. “I love this for those with oily or textured skin looking for a refreshing cleanser,” says Dr. Turegano. It’s a bit grainy without being too abrasive and manages to leave pores looking tighter and smoother.
Pros: Dermatologist-recommended; Deeply exfoliating; Oil controlling
Cons: Too intense for some
Glycolic acid’s benefits aren’t exclusively reserved for the face. A glycolic acid cleanser can brighten your legs in time for summer or help with pesky red bumps and body acne. This Naturium option is affordable—and tolerable enough for everyday use. I like to let the formula sit on my skin for five to ten minutes to prevent ingrown hairs and papules on my chest and back.
Pros: Affordable; Editor-loved; Gentle
Cons: Strong scent
Also Recommended
AHAs don’t have to work against redness-prone skin—this soothing formula is proof. The pH-balanced formula pairs a low concentration of glycolic acid with Ayurvedic herbs like turmeric, ashwaganda, and bilberry to create homeostasis on the skin’s surface. The brand was specifically developed to address the unique needs of melanated skin, making this cleanser uniquely suited to target hyperpigmentation and inflammation.
Pros: Vegan; Great texture; BIPOC-owned
Cons: Might cause a purge
With summer around the corner, I’ve been extra focused on restoring a glow to my skin. Dermalogica's glycolic acid-based cleanser has done just that. The concentration is tame enough for daily use, removing dead skin cells with every use. This blend also contains hydrating and soothing ingredients like calendula, jojoba seed oil, and allantoin to ensure skin stays looking dewy as opposed to red and irritated.
Pros: Hydrating; Gentle enough for daily use
Cons: Doesn’t work into a full foam
One of my cleanser non-negotiables: The formula needs to foam. The presence of bubbles leaves my face with a squeaky clean feel that I can’t quite get from gel or cream washes. That’s in part why I love this NeoStrata formula. It has a whopping 18 percent glycolic acid formula (it’s not for everyday use), but it certainly delivers on its promises. The AHA, paired with grapefruit extract, works as a targeted treatment for uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.
Pros: Evens skin tone; Great texture
Cons: Too irritating for some
I typically need to double cleanse to wash off all my makeup and sunscreen, but this uniquely designed exfoliating cleanser is a one-and-done situation. Even my mascara comes off entirely without intense scrubbing. The brand uses plant-based and botanical sulfate-free cleansing agents, alongside potent actives, to truly get rid of every ounce of dirt and oil, while replenishing the skin with hydrating and soothing agents including jojoba oil and calendula.
Pros: Removes all makeup; Vegan; Lasts long
Cons: Strong smell
If you need a cleanser to deep-clean your pores, turn to Tatcha. It’s no-nonsense; just take it from Teyana Taylor. “When I had kids and I started to really deal with breakouts, random pimples, bumps, and blackheads, I started getting into skincare,” she shared in a Vogue Beauty Secrets video before shouting out this cleanser as her go-to. It pairs glycolic acid with plant-based decongestants like willow bark to create a clear, smooth base for makeup application.
Pros: Doubles as a makeup primer; Balances oil production
Cons: Can be drying
While foaming agents can provide that extra-clean feeling, the surfactants responsible for the foam can be drying. Jan Marini created a solution. Her soap-free, non-foaming, glycolic acid formula still leaves skin with a fresh, squeaky feel—you won’t need to use a toner or additional astringent before bed. The bottle is huge and will last you months, making the investment pretty worthwhile.
Pros: No alcohols; Well tolerated by most skin types
Cons: Can sting a little
Getting acne under control with a glycolic acid cleanser doesn’t have to cost you much. Just take Aja Naomi King’s word for it—this cleanser was an integral part of cleaning up her adult acne. “I’ve seen such a difference with this,” she shared with Marie Claire. “I’ve been using it for years.” The formula features a 3.5 percent concentration and boosts acne-fighting properties with a hint of salicylic acid.
Pros: Affordable; Celebrity-loved
Cons: Irritating for some
This superpowered cleanser boasts a laundry list of celebrity fans—Carey Mulligan, Rosie-Huntington Whitely, Lea Michelle, Chrissy Teigen—and rightfully so. With a blend of powerful physical and chemical acids, it reveals brighter, smoother skin pretty instantly. “This is the only thing I use consistently, and it’s always been so good to me,” Teigen shared via Instagram. While some people can tolerate it every day, normal or sensitive skin types will only want to use it a few times a week.
Pros: Celebrity-loved; Marie Claire Skin Award winner
Cons: Too drying for some
Having bumps and an uneven skin texture is entirely normal. That said, incorporating this glycolic, lactic, and willow bark-powered cleanser into your routine can help smooth out your skin with time. It’ll speed up cell renewal to reveal a fresh complexion, incite collagen products (a glycolic acid benefit!), fade existing scarring, and prevent new breakouts by controlling oil production.
Pros: Vegan; Recyclable packaging; Smooths texture
Cons: Might strip sensitive skin
If your skin is all over the place—with excess oil, dry patches, breakouts, or irritation—consider adding this pH-balanced formula into your routine one to three times a week. It removes dead skin cells without disrupting the skin barrier or over-exfoliating. You’ll find soothing ingredients like chamomile and marshmallow extract in the mix to ensure skin stays calm and hydrated. You can also use this on your body to target body breakouts.
Pros: Helps balance skin barrier; Gentle enough for sensitive skin; Affordable
Cons: Some report no noticeable results
Skipping an exfoliating step can leave skin with dead skin cell buildup and accumulating dirt and oil. Does this sound like you? Try this powerful cleanser, which leverages the benefits of glycolic acid and fruit enzymes. The latter—which includes papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin—provides extra exfoliation and pore-tightening properties without risking dryness or flaking.
Pros: Vegan; Cruelty-free
Cons: Can be abrasive if used daily
Leverage the benefits of glycolic acid with those of antioxidants by scooping up Glow Recipe’s latest creation. It uses blueberry extract to protect against pollution, free radicals, and other environmental stressors, as well as hyaluronic acid for added hydration. The trio of ingredients will result in smoother, brighter skin, less acne, and tighter pores. Plus, one wash can remove all makeup and sunscreen.
Pros: Provides antioxidant protection; Reasonably priced; Vegan
Cons: Some say it feels too thick on the skin
Cream cleansers typically feel a little smoother and softer on the skin’s surface. If you're partial to the milky texture, The Ordinary offers a great budget option. It’s non-drying and removes makeup (seriously, you don’t even have to scrub hard) while preserving your skin’s balance. As for the results? Let the brand’s third-party clinical trial speak for itself—94 percent of participants said their skin felt smooth and clean after two weeks of use.
Pros: Affordable; Soothing texture; Removes makeup
Cons: Fragrant smell can be off-putting
For a cleanser that leaves no film or tacky feeling behind, Biossance is the clear front runner. The gel texture works up into a slight foam that can lift up makeup, oil, and dirt. During the process, it infuses skin with a hydrating boost of squalane and amino acids, but you won’t find an oily residue once you splash your face with water. Instead, your skin will be soft, glowing, and hydrated.
Pros: No greasy residue; Provides antioxidant protection
Cons: Some say it makes their face feel tight
White truffles aren’t just for pasta—they have incredibly skin-soothing benefits. Need further proof? Try Elemis’ cleanser, which I love to use in tandem with their cleansing balm. This particular formulation is complete with white truffle, to balance the skin’s floral, as well as a blend of enzymes that slough away dead skin cells. I’m never left with a dry or tight feeling—it actually leaves my face feeling balanced and incredibly soft.
Pros: Good for all skin types; Smoothing
Cons: Scent isn’t for everyone
What Are the Benefits of a Glycolic Acid Cleanser?
Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant, specifically an alpha-hydroxy acid, so it will gently remove dead skin cells to reveal brighter, new skin underneath. “Through exfoliation, glycolic acid cleansers can help improve dullness, texture, and uneven skin tone, as well as acne,” says Dr. Toregano. “In addition to exfoliating the skin superficially, it can work deeper on the collagen level to help promote collagen production, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.”
While glycolic acid-packed serums, masks, peels, or treatments are markedly gentle compared to other acids, a cleanser is remarkably well tolerated because of its short-contact nature.
Do I Need a Glycolic Acid Cleanser?
Most adults can benefit from a glycolic acid cleanser, especially “if they are looking to achieve a refreshed and revitalized look,” says Dr. Turegano. Along with a personalized routine, a glycolic acid cleanser can target fine lines, breakouts, or uneven tone. “The exfoliating and hydrating properties of glycolic acid make it a savior for sun-damaged skin,” adds Dr. Chapas.
Glycolic acid cleansers come in a variety of textures: Some foam, other are cream, and a handful are gel-based.
That said, depending on your skin concerns, a different active ingredient might be better suited for you. Salicylic acid cleansers are great for targeting blackheads and whiteheads, as well as regulating oil production, whereas azelaic acid cleansers can be ideal for those with rosacea or inflammation-prone skin.
What Concentration of Glycolic Acid Should I Look For?
Search for a glycolic acid concentration between five to 10 percent, depending on your skin type. “I typically recommend using a cleanser that is less than five percent on normal skin or if you want to use something daily,” says Dr. Turegano. “For strengths closer to 10 percent, only use the cleanser one to two times a week.” If you have sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, you can even look for it in concentrations under one percent—you’ll get exfoliating benefits without irritation or dryness.
When Should I Use a Glycolic Acid Cleanser?
You don’t need to use a glycolic acid cleanser every time you wash your face. “Using it twice a day may be excessive and potentially over-exfoliating,” says Dr. Turegano. Instead, use a glycolic acid cleanser only at night. “It can potentially make your skin more sensitive to the sun if you use it in the morning.”
Meet the Dermatologists
Dr. Mamina Turegano, a triple board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist who is on a mission to revolutionize traditional approaches to dermatology while empowering her patients and audience to own their own wellness from the inside out.
Anne Chapas, M.D. is a Manhattan-based dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon who specializes in laser surgery, Mohs micrographic surgery for the treatment of skin cancers, and cosmetic procedures.
Dr. Chapas is the Founder and Medical Director of UnionDerm, a state-of-the-art center for medical and cosmetic skin treatments. Dr. Chapas is certified by the American Board of Dermatology and she is a Fellow of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, the American Academy of Dermatology, the American College of Mohs Surgery and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. She is also a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center.
Dr. Chapas graduated magna cum laude in Biochemistry from the University of Pennsylvania and earned an M.D. with honors from Harvard Medical School. She completed a residency in Dermatology and prestigious fellowships in Mohs surgery and in procedural, cosmetic and laser dermatology.
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