Glycolic Acid
Active (AHA exfoliant) · INCI: Glycolic Acid
Reviewed by Elysiana Aguilar, master esthetician
How we read it
Not a pore-clogger. Considered safe for acne-prone skin.
Is Glycolic Acid comedogenic?
No. Glycolic Acid isn't considered pore-clogging, and we read it as safe to use on acne-prone skin. That doesn't make it right for everyone, but congestion isn't the thing to watch for with it.
Why we read it this way
Glycolic acid is the smallest of the alpha hydroxy acids, an exfoliant that loosens the bonds holding dead cells to the surface of the skin. It dissolves in water and leaves nothing oily behind. Glycolic acid is one we read as not pore-clogging.
The nuance
Its small size gets it into skin quickly, which makes it the alpha hydroxy acid most likely to sting. Stinging is a reaction to strength, not a sign of clogged pores. A label that says only AHA may mean this acid or another.
Where it shows up
Exfoliating toners, resurfacing serums, peel pads and wash-off masks carry it, and so do body lotions aimed at rough or bumpy skin.
Related ingredients
One ingredient rarely tells the whole story. The acne ingredient checker reads everything in a product at once, and there is more on what comedogenic means. Also in the guides: What causes acne.