How Exfoliating With Glycolic Acid Can Make Your Skin Look Younger
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Time to read 5 min
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What is a glycolic acid cleanser? Glycolic cleanser benefits for younger-looking skin Cleanse Glycolic Gel: The glycolic acid cleanser that does it all Why Cleanse Glycolic Gel is the perfect prep for retinol How the best glycolic acid cleansers compare Why The A Method’s Cleanse Glycolic Gel is the best choice How to use a glycolic acid cleanser for best results Make glycolic acid part of your routine
Noticing more dullness, uneven tone, or fine lines lately? As cell turnover slows with age, surface cells build up, stealing your glow and making it harder for your skincare products to do their job.
The solution? A glycolic acid cleanser, a type of facial cleanser that works as a chemical exfoliant, helping resurface skin, clear clogged pores, and smooth away fine wrinkles for more youthful, healthy-looking skin. When used as part of your skincare routine, this cleanser helps your skin make the most of other active ingredients.
What is a glycolic acid cleanser?
A glycolic acid cleanser is a face wash made with glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. Of all the AHAs — like lactic and citric acids — glycolic acid has the tiniest molecules, allowing it to absorb easily into the skin and break down the bonds that keep dead skin cells on the surface.
Unlike physical exfoliation, which uses abrasive particles, glycolic acid works chemically. This is why it’s often included in chemical peels and other exfoliating treatments. Glycolic acid cleansers are typically gel cleansers or foaming cleansers, giving you a satisfying cleanse that’s effective yet gentle enough for everyday use — provided your skin can handle it.
Glycolic cleanser benefits for younger-looking skin
Whether you have oily skin, dry skin, sensitive skin, or blemish-prone skin, a well-formulated glycolic acid face wash can help address these common concerns:
Rough skin texture: Loosens dead skin cells for a smoother feel
Uneven tone and dark spots: Improves skin tone and reduces the look of discoloration from sun damage
Visible pores: Clears excess oil and debris to minimize the look of clogged pores
Fine lines and loss of elasticity: Supports collagen production for smoother, firmer-looking skin
Poor product absorption: Removes buildup so active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C can work more effectively
Some formulations combine glycolic and lactic acids or include other chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid to target blemishes and keep skin clear. Others add hyaluronic acid, sodium PCA, or hydrating ingredients like squalane and aloe vera to help maintain the skin barrier.
Cleanse Glycolic Gel: The glycolic acid cleanser that does it all
One great cleanser that meets all these qualities — medical-grade formulation, clean skincare standards, and a balanced, skin-friendly formula — is Cleanse Glycolic Gel. It’s a medical-grade glycolic acid face wash designed for everyday use, and many users say they absolutely love how it transforms their skincare routine.
So what makes it a great cleanser?
Resurfaces and brightens: Lifts dead skin cells for smoother skin texture and more even skin tone
Anti-aging support: Encourages collagen production and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Clean skincare standards: Cruelty-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, and includes botanical extracts like ivy to help calm and refresh the skin
Soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid: Help protect the skin barrier during exfoliation
Cleanse Glycolic Gel is also designed to prevent breakouts by keeping pores clear, making it a smart choice for pimple-prone and oily skin.
Why Cleanse Glycolic Gel is the perfect prep for retinol
Retinol is a favorite in anti-aging skincare, but for it to work best, it needs to penetrate past the layer of dead skin cells on the surface. A glycolic face wash like Cleanse Glycolic Gel clears that path.
Here’s why it works:
Removes buildup: Clears clogged pores and surface debris
Boosts absorption: Prepares skin so retinol and other actives reach deeper layers
Supports results: Consistent use before retinol can improve skin tone and texture faster
A board-certified dermatologist will often recommend using AHAs before retinol — but only if your skin type can handle it. Always patch test and gradually increase your retinol use as your skin builds tolerance.
How the best glycolic acid cleansers compare
There are plenty of glycolic cleansers on the market, but not all are created equal. To make the differences easier to see, here’s a quick comparison of popular options side by side.
Cleanser |
Size |
Price (approx.) |
Key Actives |
Formula Notes |
Highlights |
Dermalogica Daily Glycolic Cleanser |
5.1 oz / 150 mL |
~$37–39 |
Glycolic acid, jojoba seed oil, calendula |
Contains fragrance, citrus oils |
Brightens, gentle for daily use |
Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser |
6 oz |
~$16 |
Glycolic acid, plant extracts (chamomile, sage, papaya, grapefruit) |
Contains fragrance, parabens |
Affordable, foaming action; best for weekly use |
SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser |
5 oz / 150 mL |
~$42 |
8% glycolic acid, 1% phytic acid, aloe, glycerin |
Alcohol-free, soap-free, paraben-free, dye-free, fragrance-free |
High concentration with gentle humectants; daily-use potential |
The A Method Cleanse Glycolic Gel |
4 oz / 120 mL |
$35 |
Glycolic, lactic, salicylic acids, ivy extract |
Fragrance-free, paraben-free, vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free |
Multi-acid formula for exfoliation, pore care, and renewal; dermatology-grade |
Why The A Method’s Cleanse Glycolic Gel is the best choice
Many cleansers rely on glycolic acid alone, but Cleanse Glycolic Gel goes further with its triple-acid blend, clean and professional-grade formulation, and balanced price point.
Criteria |
Best Choice |
Why |
Most effective formula |
The A Method |
Triple-acid blend targets surface, pores, and renewal — beyond standard glycolic cleansers. |
Cleanest formulation |
The A Method |
No parabens, fragrance, or allergens. Vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free. |
Best value |
The A Method |
Professional-grade actives at a mid-tier price point. |
Derm-friendly choice |
The A Method |
Developed to meet dermatology-level standards with inclusive, skin-safe ingredients. |
How to use a glycolic acid cleanser for best results
To get the most from your glycolic acid cleanser, focus on frequency, technique, and aftercare. Starting slow helps your skin adjust to the exfoliating effects and reduces the risk of irritation.
Start slowly: Begin with 2–3 times a week, especially for sensitive or super-sensitive skin types.
Apply to wet skin: Use gentle circular motions for 30–60 seconds.
Rinse thoroughly: Avoid leaving the product on longer than directed.
Follow with hydrating ingredients: Look for hyaluronic acid or sodium PCA to replenish moisture and support the skin barrier.
Protect with SPF: Freshly exfoliated skin is more vulnerable to sun damage, so apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
If you’re new to AHAs, gradually increase use as your skin adjusts.
Make glycolic acid part of your routine
Using a glycolic acid cleanser is a reliable way to achieve glowing, healthy-looking skin. By sweeping away dead skin cells, it refines skin texture, evens tone, and softens the look of fine lines for a more youthful appearance.
The A Method's exfoliating Cleanse Glycolic Gel combines the power of glycolic acids with soothing ingredients and clean skincare standards to deliver results you can see. Add it to your skin care routine today, and enjoy a cleansing experience that not only refreshes but also transforms.
Have any questions about using it or choosing the best products for your skin? Our customer support team is here to help.
