10 Best Glycolic Acids 2026 in the United States

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner is a good choice if you're looking to brighten your skin and improve its texture. It contains 7% glycolic acid, which is a medium-strength concentration suitable for daily use, especially if you want to gently remove dead skin cells and even out your skin tone. The formula is a serum-type toner that includes soothing ingredients like Tasmanian Pepperberry, aloe, and ginseng to help reduce irritation, making it more comfortable for people with normal, combination, or oily skin.

It's best used in the evening and should be applied carefully to avoid sensitive areas like the eyes. Because it is an exfoliating acid, it may cause sensitivity for very dry or sensitive skin types and should be used with sun protection during the day. An extra benefit is that it can also be applied to the scalp to help hydrate dry scalp skin, which is a unique feature not common in toners.

If you are new to acids, starting slowly and following the usage instructions carefully will help you get the best results without irritation.

Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash is designed to gently exfoliate and smooth rough, bumpy skin using a blend of AHAs, including glycolic, lactic, pyruvic, and tartaric acids. This combination helps remove dead skin cells while also hydrating the skin thanks to red algae extract. Its pH is balanced to be skin-friendly, which is important because too high or too low pH can irritate sensitive skin.

The product is a creamy body wash but can also be used on the face, making it versatile for daily cleansing routines. It is free from parabens, gluten, synthetic fragrances, and is cruelty-free and vegan, which appeals to those seeking clean skincare options. With a 16.9-ounce bottle, it offers good value for regular use.

This product is ideal for anyone looking to improve skin texture and hydration with a gentle exfoliating wash, especially those who want a multi-purpose cleanser for both body and face.

The First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub is designed to help smooth rough, bumpy skin often called 'strawberry skin' or keratosis pilaris (KP). It contains 10% alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), specifically glycolic and lactic acids, which gently exfoliate the skin to improve texture and reduce bumps. The scrub also includes pumice beads for physical exfoliation, making it effective but still suitable for sensitive skin thanks to soothing ingredients like bisabolol and Vitamin E, which calm and protect the skin.

Its formulation is free from common irritants like gluten, oils, and silicones, and it’s vegan and cruelty-free, making it a good option for those with sensitive or allergy-prone skin. The scrub is unscented, which can be a plus if you prefer fragrance-free products. Usage is simple: apply to wet skin, massage gently, rinse, and follow up with moisturizer 1–2 times a week. This product has high customer ratings and is popular among body scrubs, suggesting many find it effective.

Because it uses physical exfoliants (pumice beads) combined with acids, some with very sensitive or damaged skin might want to test it carefully or use less frequently to avoid irritation. While the exact pH level is not specified, the brand’s dermatologist testing and focus on sensitive skin formulas provide reassurance. If you struggle with KP or uneven body skin texture and want a gentle but effective scrub, this product is a solid choice.