Top Glycolic Acid Serum Brands for Radiant Skin

If you're on the hunt for the best glycolic acid serums to boost your skincare routine, you're in the right place. Glycolic acid, known for its exfoliating properties, can help brighten your complexion and improve skin texture. From well-established skincare giants to innovative indie brands, there are numerous options that cater to different skin types and preferences. To discover top recommendations and choose the perfect glycolic acid serum to meet your skincare needs, explore the curated list below.

Illustration of glycolic acid serum

Best brands of glycolic acid serum in 2025

The Ordinary

The Ordinary is renowned for its effective and affordable skincare products, particularly its Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, which contains a significant 7% concentration of glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the top surface of the skin to promote radiance and improve texture. This product also includes soothing ingredients like Tasmanian Pepperberry derivative, ginseng root, and aloe vera to reduce irritation. With a high satisfaction rate, 85% of users have reported loving the product and seeing improvements in their skin. The Ordinary's transparency in ingredient strengths and affordability, with prices typically between £5−7, make it a favorite among skincare enthusiasts. The product is available in an 8.1 fl. oz bottle for around $10, offering great value for its effectiveness.

Paula's Choice

Paula's Choice is renowned for its high-quality glycolic acid serums, offering effective and gentle formulations that enhance skin texture and tone. Their products, such as the SKIN PERFECTING 8% AHA Lotion Exfoliant and the Resist Advanced Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA, contain concentrated glycolic acid to provide deep exfoliation and skin renewal. These serums are designed for daily use, are lightweight and non-sticky, and have been praised for their ability to leave skin feeling soft and smooth without irritation. With a range of products suitable for various skin types, including dry skin, Paula's Choice ensures comprehensive skincare solutions. The brand's formulations are backed by research and customer reviews highlighting significant improvements in skin texture and radiance.

Skinceuticals

SkinCeuticals is renowned for its high-quality glycolic acid products, particularly the Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight, which boasts a 10% glycolic acid concentration and 2% phytic acid, clinically proven to enhance skin radiance by 36%, skin texture by 37%, and skin tone by 19% in an 8-week study involving 52 females. This nighttime cream is formulated to stimulate natural exfoliation, minimize dead skin cells, and promote deep hydration, making it a staple in many skincare routines. The product's effectiveness is further enhanced by its soothing complex, which includes natural oils and botanicals like jojoba and sunflower seed wax. SkinCeuticals' commitment to using potent, clinically-tested ingredients has solidified its position as a leader in the skincare industry. The Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight is a testament to the brand's dedication to delivering visible, long-term results.

Mario Badescu

Mario Badescu is renowned for its effective glycolic acid products, particularly the Glycolic Acid Toner, which contains 2% glycolic acid and is enriched with grapefruit extract and aloe vera to exfoliate, brighten, and balance the skin, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. This alcohol-free, vegan, and cruelty-free toner is suitable for dry and mature skin types, promoting a radiant and youthful complexion. It helps refine pores, lighten pigmentation spots, and hydrate the skin. The formula is mild and restorative, making it ideal for daily use. With over 1,144 reviews and a 4.4-star rating, it is a highly recommended product in the skincare industry.

Drunk Elephant

Drunk Elephant is renowned for its high-quality skincare products, particularly the T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, which stands out as a top choice for glycolic acid serums. This serum features a potent blend of 10% AHAs (including glycolic, lactic, and tartaric acids) and 1% BHA (salicylic acid), making it highly effective for resurfacing dull, congested skin and improving the appearance of pores, blemishes, fine lines, and wrinkles. Introduced with a pH level of 3.5 to maintain the potency of the acids, this product is suitable for all skin types and is cruelty-free and vegan. Users have reported noticeable improvements in skin smoothness and a brighter complexion after just a few uses. The serum's formulation also includes soothing ingredients like raspberry fruit extract to mitigate potential irritation.

Pixi Beauty

Pixi Beauty is renowned for its effective glycolic acid serums, particularly the Overnight Glow Serum, which contains 10% glycolic acid and arginine to exfoliate and soothe the skin, reducing fine lines and sun spots over time. This serum, suitable for all skin types, is enriched with cucumber and aloe vera extracts and vitamins A, C, and E, making it a popular choice for achieving a brighter, healthier complexion. With over 25 years of dedication to enhancing natural beauty, Pixi Beauty's products are paraben-free and not tested on animals. The Overnight Glow Serum is highly praised for its ability to smooth skin texture and create a radiant glow. It is recommended to use this serum at night and follow up with SPF during the daytime.

L'Oréal Paris

L'Oreal Paris is renowned for its high-quality glycolic acid serums, leveraging the potent exfoliating properties of glycolic acid to promote smoother, more even-toned skin. Their Revitalift Derm Intensives 10% Pure Glycolic Acid Serum, for instance, contains a significant 10% concentration of glycolic acid, which helps reduce dark spots and wrinkles over time, with noticeable results in as little as one week. This serum is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and mineral oil-free, making it suitable for various skin types. Additionally, L'Oreal Paris's commitment to using the latest research and technology ensures their products are science-backed and effective. The brand's glycolic acid products are recommended by dermatologists for their ability to deeply penetrate the skin and boost cell renewal.

Murad

Murad is renowned as one of the best producers of glycolic acid serums, offering products like the Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum, which combines glycolic acid and vitamin C to deliver superb brightening benefits, reduce dark spots, and enhance skin texture. This serum features glycolic acid concentrations estimated between 3% to 3.7% and ascorbic acid between 0.55% to 0.85%, making it suitable for daily use. Clinical results show that 91% of users saw brighter, smoother skin, and 94% noticed softer and more hydrated skin. The serum is formulated with a unique Vita-C Complex that enhances L-ascorbic acid stability and potency, providing 55% higher antioxidant defense than traditional vitamin C. It is designed for all skin types and tones, from oily to dry, and is free from fragrance and artificial colors.

Sunday Riley

Sunday Riley is renowned for its scientifically inspired skincare products, particularly the Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment, which is formulated with 7% glycolic acid and 3% lactic acid salt to adhere to EU regulations. This treatment serum and mask helps to unclog pores, reduce sun damage, and minimize fine lines and wrinkles, making it a favorite among users for its immediate and long-term benefits. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and can be used daily after the skin is accustomed to it. The product has gained a loyal following, including rave reviews and cult status, with many users noticing significant improvements in skin texture and brightness within days of use. Sunday Riley's commitment to using clean and formaldehyde-free ingredients further enhances the product's appeal.

COSRX

COSRX is renowned as one of the best producers of glycolic acid serums, particularly with their AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid, which contains a concentration of glycolic acid ranging from 4.70% to 7.10%. This product is effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone, and improving lines and wrinkles, while also stimulating collagen production and reducing pore congestion. Introduced in 2013, COSRX has gained significant popularity globally for its high-quality, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly skincare products. The AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid is also free from harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones, and sulfates, making it suitable for various skin types. This serum is highly effective in anti-aging, anti-blemish, and moisturizing, with a medium to high irritation risk, necessitating daily sunscreen use.