The Best Glycolic Acid Cleansers Can Transform a Dull Complexion (2024)

Skinceuticals Glycolic Renewal Gel Cleanser

A do-it-all cleanser with Sofia Richie’s stamp of approval, this gentle cleanser, which features eight percent glycolic acid, is a great addition to most routines. It is powerful enough to remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping the skin of essential oils. In fact, it does just the opposite. While it removes dead skin cells and provides exfoliation, this gel-to-foam face wash simultaneously replenishes hydration with aloe leaf extract.

Pros: Gentle enough for daily use; Great texture; Gives clean feeling

Cons: A bit harsh for sensitive skin

Replenix Gly-Sal 5-2 Deep Pore Cleanser

If you’re dealing with acne, but want to avoid benzoyl peroxide cleansers (a single study recently warned against the possibility of benzene, a carcinogen, developing in hot temperatures), consider using Replenix’s glycolic-salicylic blend. It will target inflammation and bacteria simultaneously to support a clear complexion. “This also has green tea polyphenol to provide soothing, calming, and antioxidant benefits,” adds board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mamina Turegano.

Pros: Dermatologist-recommended; Great for acne-prone skin types

Cons: Might cause slight purging

Glyderm Gentle Face Cleanser

Sensitive skin types (like me!) must be cautious when using glycolic acid cleansers (it's easy to get irritated)—but specific formulations can be game-changing. “This Glyderm cleanser is 0.2 percent and works well for those with rosacea-prone skin who also want to exfoliate,” says Dr. Turegano. I was able to use this formula every single night without burning or stinging and was floored by how bright and glowy my skin looked after the two-week mark.

Pros: Dermatologist-recommended; Can be tolerated by sensitive skin

Cons: Won’t be as effective on oily or acne-prone skin types

Skinmedica Aha/bha Exfoliating Cleanser

A combination of alpha-hydroxy acids (read: glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, and malic acid) join forces with salicylic acid and soft, soothing jojoba to create this Marie Claire 2023 Skin Award winner. “I love this for those with oily or textured skin looking for a refreshing cleanser,” says Dr. Turegano. It’s a bit grainy without being too abrasive and manages to leave pores looking tighter and smoother.

Pros: Dermatologist-recommended; Deeply exfoliating; Oil controlling

Cons: Too intense for some

Naturium the Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash, Soft & Smoothing Cleanser

Glycolic acid’s benefits aren’t exclusively reserved for the face. A glycolic acid cleanser can brighten your legs in time for summer or help with pesky red bumps and body acne. This Naturium option is affordable—and tolerable enough for everyday use. I like to let the formula sit on my skin for five to ten minutes to prevent ingrown hairs and papules on my chest and back.

Pros: Affordable; Editor-loved; Gentle

Cons: Strong scent

Plantkos Phyto Exfoliating Cleanser

AHAs don’t have to work against redness-prone skin—this soothing formula is proof. The pH-balanced formula pairs a low concentration of glycolic acid with Ayurvedic herbs like turmeric, ashwaganda, and bilberry to create homeostasis on the skin’s surface. The brand was specifically developed to address the unique needs of melanated skin, making this cleanser uniquely suited to target hyperpigmentation and inflammation.

Pros: Vegan; Great texture; BIPOC-owned

Cons: Might cause a purge

Dermalogica Daily Glycolic Cleanser

With summer around the corner, I’ve been extra focused on restoring a glow to my skin. Dermalogica's glycolic acid-based cleanser has done just that. The concentration is tame enough for daily use, removing dead skin cells with every use. This blend also contains hydrating and soothing ingredients like calendula, jojoba seed oil, and allantoin to ensure skin stays looking dewy as opposed to red and irritated.

Pros: Hydrating; Gentle enough for daily use

Cons: Doesn’t work into a full foam

Neostrata Resurface Foaming Glycolic Wash Aha

One of my cleanser non-negotiables: The formula needs to foam. The presence of bubbles leaves my face with a squeaky clean feel that I can’t quite get from gel or cream washes. That’s in part why I love this NeoStrata formula. It has a whopping 18 percent glycolic acid formula (it’s not for everyday use), but it certainly delivers on its promises. The AHA, paired with grapefruit extract, works as a targeted treatment for uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.

Pros: Evens skin tone; Great texture

Cons: Too irritating for some

Nulastin Gentle Exfoliating Skin Facial Cleanser

I typically need to double cleanse to wash off all my makeup and sunscreen, but this uniquely designed exfoliating cleanser is a one-and-done situation. Even my mascara comes off entirely without intense scrubbing. The brand uses plant-based and botanical sulfate-free cleansing agents, alongside potent actives, to truly get rid of every ounce of dirt and oil, while replenishing the skin with hydrating and soothing agents including jojoba oil and calendula.

Pros: Removes all makeup; Vegan; Lasts long

Cons: Strong smell

Tatcha The Matcha Cleanse Daily Clarifying Gel Cleanser

If you need a cleanser to deep-clean your pores, turn to Tatcha. It’s no-nonsense; just take it from Teyana Taylor. “When I had kids and I started to really deal with breakouts, random pimples, bumps, and blackheads, I started getting into skincare,” she shared in a Vogue Beauty Secrets video before shouting out this cleanser as her go-to. It pairs glycolic acid with plant-based decongestants like willow bark to create a clear, smooth base for makeup application.

Pros: Doubles as a makeup primer; Balances oil production

Cons: Can be drying

Jan Marini Bioglycolic Face Cleanser

While foaming agents can provide that extra-clean feeling, the surfactants responsible for the foam can be drying. Jan Marini created a solution. Her soap-free, non-foaming, glycolic acid formula still leaves skin with a fresh, squeaky feel—you won’t need to use a toner or additional astringent before bed. The bottle is huge and will last you months, making the investment pretty worthwhile.

Pros: No alcohols; Well tolerated by most skin types

Cons: Can sting a little

L'oreal Paris Revitalift 3.5% Pure Glycolic Acid Brightening Cleansing Gel

Getting acne under control with a glycolic acid cleanser doesn’t have to cost you much. Just take Aja Naomi King’s word for it—this cleanser was an integral part of cleaning up her adult acne. “I’ve seen such a difference with this,” she shared with Marie Claire. “I’ve been using it for years.” The formula features a 3.5 percent concentration and boosts acne-fighting properties with a hint of salicylic acid.

Pros: Affordable; Celebrity-loved

Cons: Irritating for some

Is Clinical Cleansing Complex

This superpowered cleanser boasts a laundry list of celebrity fans—Carey Mulligan, Rosie-Huntington Whitely, Lea Michelle, Chrissy Teigen—and rightfully so. With a blend of powerful physical and chemical acids, it reveals brighter, smoother skin pretty instantly. “This is the only thing I use consistently, and it’s always been so good to me,” Teigen shared via Instagram. While some people can tolerate it every day, normal or sensitive skin types will only want to use it a few times a week.

Pros: Celebrity-loved; Marie Claire Skin Award winner

Cons: Too drying for some

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Aha/bha Daily Cleansing Gel

Having bumps and an uneven skin texture is entirely normal. That said, incorporating this glycolic, lactic, and willow bark-powered cleanser into your routine can help smooth out your skin with time. It’ll speed up cell renewal to reveal a fresh complexion, incite collagen products (a glycolic acid benefit!), fade existing scarring, and prevent new breakouts by controlling oil production.

Pros: Vegan; Recyclable packaging; Smooths texture

Cons: Might strip sensitive skin

Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser for All Skin Types

If your skin is all over the place—with excess oil, dry patches, breakouts, or irritation—consider adding this pH-balanced formula into your routine one to three times a week. It removes dead skin cells without disrupting the skin barrier or over-exfoliating. You’ll find soothing ingredients like chamomile and marshmallow extract in the mix to ensure skin stays calm and hydrated. You can also use this on your body to target body breakouts.

Pros: Helps balance skin barrier; Gentle enough for sensitive skin; Affordable

Cons: Some report no noticeable results

Exfolikate™ Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash With Aha & Enzymes

Skipping an exfoliating step can leave skin with dead skin cell buildup and accumulating dirt and oil. Does this sound like you? Try this powerful cleanser, which leverages the benefits of glycolic acid and fruit enzymes. The latter—which includes papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin—provides extra exfoliation and pore-tightening properties without risking dryness or flaking.

Pros: Vegan; Cruelty-free

Cons: Can be abrasive if used daily

Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser

Leverage the benefits of glycolic acid with those of antioxidants by scooping up Glow Recipe’s latest creation. It uses blueberry extract to protect against pollution, free radicals, and other environmental stressors, as well as hyaluronic acid for added hydration. The trio of ingredients will result in smoother, brighter skin, less acne, and tighter pores. Plus, one wash can remove all makeup and sunscreen.

Pros: Provides antioxidant protection; Reasonably priced; Vegan

Cons: Some say it feels too thick on the skin

The Ordinary Glycolipid Cream Facial Cleanser

Cream cleansers typically feel a little smoother and softer on the skin’s surface. If you're partial to the milky texture, The Ordinary offers a great budget option. It’s non-drying and removes makeup (seriously, you don’t even have to scrub hard) while preserving your skin’s balance. As for the results? Let the brand’s third-party clinical trial speak for itself—94 percent of participants said their skin felt smooth and clean after two weeks of use.

Pros: Affordable; Soothing texture; Removes makeup

Cons: Fragrant smell can be off-putting

Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Pore-Minimizing Cleanser

For a cleanser that leaves no film or tacky feeling behind, Biossance is the clear front runner. The gel texture works up into a slight foam that can lift up makeup, oil, and dirt. During the process, it infuses skin with a hydrating boost of squalane and amino acids, but you won’t find an oily residue once you splash your face with water. Instead, your skin will be soft, glowing, and hydrated.

Pros: No greasy residue; Provides antioxidant protection

Cons: Some say it makes their face feel tight

Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash

White truffles aren’t just for pasta—they have incredibly skin-soothing benefits. Need further proof? Try Elemis’ cleanser, which I love to use in tandem with their cleansing balm. This particular formulation is complete with white truffle, to balance the skin’s floral, as well as a blend of enzymes that slough away dead skin cells. I’m never left with a dry or tight feeling—it actually leaves my face feeling balanced and incredibly soft.

Pros: Good for all skin types; Smoothing

Cons: Scent isn’t for everyone

Anne Chapas, M.D. is a Manhattan-based dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon who specializes in laser surgery, Mohs micrographic surgery for the treatment of skin cancers, and cosmetic procedures.

Dr. Chapas is the Founder and Medical Director of UnionDerm, a state-of-the-art center for medical and cosmetic skin treatments. Dr. Chapas is certified by the American Board of Dermatology and she is a Fellow of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, the American Academy of Dermatology, the American College of Mohs Surgery and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. She is also a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center.

Dr. Chapas graduated magna cum laude in Biochemistry from the University of Pennsylvania and earned an M.D. with honors from Harvard Medical School. She completed a residency in Dermatology and prestigious fellowships in Mohs surgery and in procedural, cosmetic and laser dermatology.