Glycolic Acid Serum For Skin: Benefits, How to Use It & Best Serums to Try

Glycolic acid serums help exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells. Since it's an AHA, it gently dissolves the glue that holds dead skin cells together — and with time, this reveals a brighter complexion and more even-toned and smooth skin texture.

"It helps in skin brightening and fades away dullness by increasing cellular turnover," says Dr Jha. Due to its exfoliating nature, using a glycolic acid serum helps slough off dirt, grime, and other buildup, and also promotes skin cell turnover. The result? Brighter and radiant skin.

Glycolic acid acts as a humectant, meaning it attracts water to the skin, giving it that plump, radiant look, says Dr Jha. Incorporating a glycolic acid serum into your routine can help deliver that coveted youthful glow with minimal effort.

One of the standout glycolic acid serum benefits? Its ability to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation. By exfoliating the skin and boosting cell turnover, it helps diminish acne marks, sun spots, and other forms of discolouration for a more even-toned, radiant complexion.

Did you know that a glycolic acid serum can also help reduce the signs of skin ageing? "It does this by giving stimulation to fibroblasts that produce more collagen and elastin, the essential structural proteins of the skin matrix," explains Dr Jha.

Thanks to its exfoliating superpowers, glycolic acid for skin helps sweep away excess sebum and debris from deep within the pores, making it a go-to for acne-prone skin and anyone looking to keep future breakouts at bay.

By sloughing off that layer of dead skin cells, glycolic acid serums help other skincare essentials — serums, moisturisers, and targeted treatments — to absorb more effectively, boosting their overall impact and efficacy.

According to Dr Jha, most people see the best results when using glycolic acid serum at night, since using it during the day can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. That said, morning use isn't off the table — as long as you're diligent about applying (and reapplying) SPF. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a glycolic acid serum the right way.

Good skincare starts with a clean slate. Whether it's AM or PM, begin your routine by gently cleansing your face and neck.

Lock in all the glow-boosting benefits of your glycolic acid serum with a trusted moisturiser. If you have oily or combination skin, reach for a lightweight gel formula. Normal skin types can follow up with a hydrating moisturiser, while dry skin will benefit most from a richer cream, especially at night. And for sensitive skin? A barrier-repair moisturiser is a must to help soothe and protect immediately after application. LAKMĒ GLYCOLIC ILLUMINATE DAY CREAM

Who doesn't love a good skincare cocktail, right? Elevate your routine by pairing the right ingredients with your glycolic acid serum for that ultimate glow.

If glycolic acid is the life of the party, niacinamide is the friend who makes sure you drink water and get home safe. "Niacinamide helps reduce irritation and supports the skin's barrier," says Dr Jha—meaning it keeps your glow-up in check. Bonus: it also brightens, so when paired with glycolic acid, you get double the radiance with none of the drama.

After exfoliating with glycolic acid, your skin may feel slightly tight or dry. That's where hyaluronic acid steps in. This hydration powerhouse draws moisture into the skin, helping to replenish and soothe post-exfoliation. Layering a hyaluronic acid serum after glycolic acid ensures your skin stays plump, dewy, and well-hydrated.

Once glycolic acid has done its smoothing, peptides step in to lift and firm. They help support collagen production, making your skin feel bouncier and more resilient.

Azelaic acid is another excellent companion to glycolic acid, especially if hyperpigmentation is a concern. It helps fade dark spots and uneven patches without the risk of irritation often associated with stronger actives. When used in rotation with glycolic acid, it offers a more gentle yet effective approach to skin tone correction.

While using glycolic acid and vitamin C at the same time isn't always recommended due to potential irritation, separating them can do wonders for dullness and pigmentation. Vitamin C protects against environmental damage and boosts brightness during the day, while glycolic acid works overnight to refine texture and fade dark spots, making this a winning routine for glowing skin. As much as we love a power pairing, glycolic acid doesn't play well with everyone. First up: retinol and retinoids—a combo that sounds promising but can leave your skin red, irritated, and begging for a break. The same goes for layering other AHAs or BHAs in the same routine. More exfoliation doesn't mean more glow—it just means more chance of overdoing it. "Ingredients like benzoyl peroxide can cause dryness, irritation, and redness when used alongside glycolic acid," warns Dr. Jha. And if you're thinking of doubling down with a strong vitamin C in the same session? Not so fast. Especially for sensitive skin, that pairing can lead to stinging and discomfort. Additionally, always apply glycolic acid to fully dry skin to avoid deeper, harsher penetration. Rule number two: buffer with moisturiser before or after application — known as the sandwich method — if you have increased sensitivity. And rule number three: introduce your glycolic acid serums slowly — start with once to twice a week at first, and then build it up.

No skincare active works miracles overnight, and it's the same with a glycolic acid serum. That said, according to Dr. Jha, you might notice softer, smoother skin and a subtle glow as soon as the next morning after your first application. "After a week of consistent use, skin texture visibly improves, radiance gets a boost, and surface-level pigmentation starts to fade," she says. Those with acne-prone skin may also experience a bit of mild peeling — nothing to panic about, just your skin doing its thing. Stick with it, and by the one-month mark, you're likely to see a real transformation: brighter, smoother skin, with fine lines softened and hyperpigmented patches fading, especially when paired with daily SPF.

Curious about the buzz? Here are some of the best glycolic acid serums that will instantly get you glowing! Lakmē Glycolic Illuminate Serum With 1% Glycolic Acid If your skin's feeling a little dull and in need of a pick-me-up, Lakmé's Glycolic Illuminate Serum might just be your fix. Powered by 1 per cent glycolic acid, it gently exfoliates dead skin cells, smooths out rough texture, and boosts overall radiance. Think of it as hitting the refresh button for tired, uneven skin—perfect for anyone looking to bring back that lit-from-within glow.

Glycolic acid can be a potent ingredient on the skin, and therefore needs to be used with caution. Here are some of the potential side effects of glycolic acid serum and common mistakes you need to be wary of.

According to Dr Jha, there can be skin redness, stinging sensations, and skin peeling, especially if overused. "Skin becomes sensitive to the sun and the risk of sunburn also increases," she says. "There may also be temporary purging in acne-prone skin." Daily overuse can disturb the skin's defence barrier, irritating it too. "When you jump directly to a high concentration of glycolic acid, say 10-20 per cent, without building your body's tolerance, it makes the skin red and flaky." And always wear sunscreen! If you skip sunscreen while applying glycolic acid, you are basically depriving your skin of any benefits – this may result in more pigmentation.

Some may experience temporary purging or breakouts, such as small pimples or whiteheads, after first introducing glycolic acid into their routine.

As much as we love a power pairing, glycolic acid doesn't play well with everyone. First up: retinol and retinoids — a combo that sounds promising but can leave your skin red, irritated, and begging for a break. The same goes for layering other AHAs or BHAs in the same routine. More exfoliation doesn't mean more glow; it just means more chance of overdoing it. "Ingredients like benzoyl peroxide can cause dryness, irritation, and redness when used alongside glycolic acid," warns Dr. Jha. And if you're thinking of doubling down with a strong vitamin C in the same session? Not so fast. Especially for sensitive skin, that pairing can lead to stinging and discomfort.

When applied to damp skin, there are higher chances for the glycolic acid serum to cause skin irritation. "This is because damp skin absorbs more glycolic acid, resulting in deeper penetration into the skin." While glycolic acid isn't a new ingredient, it has definitely gained its reputation for being one of the best glow-inducers in your skincare arsenal. Whether you're looking for smooth texture, faded spots paired with acne control, or are simply chasing that natural, radiant complexion, a good glycolic acid serum delivers without any disappointment.

Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, brightens your complexion, and promotes skin cell turnover.

The benefits of using a glycolic acid serum include brightening dullness, fading dark spots and pigmentation, reducing acne and the early signs of skin ageing, smoothing skin texture, and boosting overall complexion and skin radiance.

Yes, glycolic acid serums are safe for sensitive skin. That said, it may be too strong for this skin type, and therefore starting with lower concentrations at less frequency may help build tolerance for the ingredient.

The everyday use of glycolic acid serums depends on your skin type. Oily-combination skin can use it 3 to 4 nights per week, building up to daily if tolerated. Those with normal skin can use it 2-3 nights per week, while those with dry skin, 1-2 nights per week. People with sensitive skin should patch-test first, then begin with 1 night per week.

Yes, glycolic acid serum is good for acne-prone skin as it helps unclog pores, reduce future breakouts, and even fades away any acne marks or blemishes.