Glycolic acid is an ingredient with real benefits and real responsibilities. In a face wash, it gives everyday cleansing a light exfoliating edge, which some people love. It can also leave others red and uncomfortable if they use it too often or combine it with too many other actives. This page explains the category honestly while we finalise the label for our Glycolic Acid Face Wash.
What does glycolic acid do?
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), the smallest member of that family. AHAs loosen the bonds between dead cells on the skin's surface, helping them shed more evenly. That can make skin feel smoother and look brighter. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's consumer information on alpha hydroxy acids explains both their uses and a key caution: AHAs can increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun.
Why a face wash behaves differently
In a cleanser, glycolic acid is only on the skin briefly before being rinsed off. That short contact time generally makes a wash gentler than a leave-on exfoliant with a similar ingredient. How much the product actually exfoliates, however, depends on its concentration, its pH and how long you leave it on, and none of those have been published for this product yet. We are not going to estimate them, and a stronger product is not automatically a better one.
What might it help with?
Exfoliating cleansers are often chosen to help skin feel smoother and look more even and radiant with regular, moderate use. Specific benefits for this product will be described once its formula and directions are confirmed.
Who might consider it?
People whose skin tolerates exfoliating ingredients, and who like the idea of folding exfoliation into cleansing rather than adding a separate step, are the natural audience. It is not usually the best first face wash for very sensitive, broken or freshly irritated skin. Many people keep a gentle daily cleanser such as Cleanser 1 and use an exfoliating wash only some days.
Texture and feel
These details have not been confirmed. We will describe them from the finished product.
How to use it
Directions for this product will appear here once its label is confirmed.
Until the confirmed directions are published, the general principle with any exfoliating product is to start infrequently and increase only if your skin is comfortable.
Where it fits in a routine
Use it as your cleansing step, then follow with a soothing, comfortable moisturiser. Avoid stacking several exfoliating or strong active products in the same routine unless a professional has advised it. Because AHAs can increase sun sensitivity, daily sunscreen is essential. Our guide to glycolic acid in cleansers covers this in more depth.
Safety and suitability
Product-specific warnings will be published from the final label.
Avoid the eye area and broken skin. Mild tingling can occur with acids, but persistent burning, redness or peeling means you should stop and give your skin time to recover. Patch test before regular use.
Ingredients
The full ingredient list will be published here from the final label before this product goes on sale.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of glycolic acid does it contain?
The concentration and pH will be confirmed on the label. We do not publish strength claims in advance.
Can I use it every day?
Wait for the confirmed directions. Many people find exfoliating cleansers more comfortable a few times a week.
Does glycolic acid make skin sensitive to the sun?
AHAs can increase sun sensitivity, so daily sunscreen is strongly advised while using it and for a week afterwards, according to FDA guidance.
Can I use it with retinol or other acids?
Combining strong actives can cause irritation. Introduce one at a time and ask a professional if you are unsure.
Is it suitable for acne-prone skin?
Some people with blemish-prone skin like exfoliating cleansers, but this is a cosmetic product, not an acne treatment.
Respect the acid
Used thoughtfully, an exfoliating wash can be a satisfying part of a routine. The confirmed label, size and price will appear here before it goes on sale.