11 Best Body Washes With Glycolic Acid (AHA)
Here’s the short version, if you’d rather not read eleven reviews.
For everyday use, I’d point you to the Alpha Skin Care Moisturizing Body Wash. It’s 10% glycolic acid, and it’s the easiest one here to leave in the shower and forget about.
If your problem is keratosis pilaris, those sandpapery bumps on the backs of your arms, you want a scrub rather than a wash. First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser pairs 10% AHA with physical grit, and that’s what shifts them.
And if acids usually leave you red, go fragrance-free and start with Glytone.
Whether you deal with body acne, keratosis pilaris, or you need a good body exfoliator, a glycolic acid body wash can help cleanse away dead skin and bring new skin cells to the surface.
Glycolic acid is derived from sugarcane.
It’s a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that is water-soluble and great for exfoliating the skin.
A glycolic acid/AHA body wash can be beneficial for anyone looking to improve their skin’s texture.
It’s a simple ingredient that will reduce skin issues like hyperpigmentation, psoriasis, and more.
So what are the best body washes with glycolic acid?
The best body washes with glycolic acid will gently exfoliate your skin to help get rid of unwanted skin texture, acne, and dead skin without irritating the new skin underneath.
However, there are a few other important things to consider before you jump right into ordering one that may not be right for you.
So let’s go over what to look for before we introduce you to our favourite ones to buy.
Glycolic Body Wash – What To Consider
1. AHA + BHA
Glycolic acid is in the alpha-hydroxy acid family (AHA).
However, other forms of exfoliators like beta hydroxy acid (BHA) and even polyhydroxy acid (PHA) all have their purpose regarding skin exfoliation.
If you are looking for an AHA/glycolic acid wash, it’s common for these products to be formulated with BHAs, PHAs, and even other types of AHAs like lactic acid.
The most common formulation of exfoliating washes includes AHAs and BHAs.
A popular BHA is salicylic acid, which is a great ingredient to treat acne and unclog pores.
When paired with glycolic acid, it has the potential to provide results like unclogged pores from within and dead skin cells removed from the skin’s surface.
However, this can put you at risk for over-exfoliated skin if the products are not used correctly or if the skin is sensitive.
Individuals dealing with severe skin conditions like acne or keratosis pilaris may benefit from a combo of these exfoliants.
Thankfully, some products only contain one kind of acid.
So, while multiple products only contain AHAs, there are products that contain AHAs in addition to BHAs and PHAs.
This is a significant thing to keep in mind when shopping for a glycolic acid wash.
It’s a reminder to always read the labels and ingredient lists.
It will be based on personal preference whether you want an AHA wash or one with BHA, too.
2. Concentrations
Next, it’s essential to look for the percentage or concentration of glycolic acid present in a body wash.
A higher percentage of the ingredient will determine how potent the AHA will be within the product.
For some, that can irritate.
Higher percentages of glycolic acid have a higher risk of irritating the skin, especially if you are sensitive.
However, regardless of the concentration, glycolic acid can increase sun sensitivity, so it’s recommended to wear sunscreen after using an AHA.
Body washes can have a percentage of 5% glycolic acid, or they can even be up to 20% glycolic acid for more severe skin issues.
If you aren’t sure how your body will react to glycolic acid or AHAs, a patch test can answer all of your questions.
A patch test will be the easiest method to determine if a specific percentage or concentration of glycolic acid will react well with your skin type.
Higher percentages can be more beneficial to use as a weekly treatment rather than a daily body wash.
However, it will all depend on how your skin will react to a particular product.
Therefore, it is also essential to consider other exfoliators like BHAs and PHAs if they are formulated in your body wash.
If no specific percentage or concentration is listed, the ingredient lists are always arranged from the highest percentage to the lowest.
3. Formulations
Did you know that you can repurpose a face wash into a body wash if it’s too harsh for the face?
Although sometimes a face wash can have a better formulation than a body wash, why can’t it be used for the body too? It can save you money long term.
Face washes can also contain extremely high percentages of glycolic acid.
The face is a delicate area of the body, and a product containing 20% glycolic acid has the potential to be too harsh for the face, so switch it up and use it on your body.
Liquid washes aren’t the only products formulated with glycolic acid or AHAs.
Bars of soap or exfoliating pads can contain glycolic acid, too.
This is a no-mess and travel-friendly option if liquid cleansers aren’t your favourite formulation.
Bars are versatile, and they can be used for the face and the body. Exfoliating pads can also be used whenever your skin needs the most help.
These pads can also hold a higher concentration of multiple exfoliants, so that’s one thing to look out for.
However, multiple body washes on the market contain glycolic acid to make the skin happy, healthy, and radiant.
So which product is your go-to?
Best Body Washes With Glycolic Acid
1. Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Scrub
Finally, a body product that will scrub all your worries away.
This glycolic scrub from Nip + Fab will leave you with soft and polished skin.
So get ready to achieve healthy, plumped skin. It couldn’t be easier, thanks to this body scrub.
Nip + Fab formulated this scrub with 3% glycolic acid to gently exfoliate and make way for new skin cells.
It is also formulated with salicylic acid (BHA) to cleanse and unclog the pores.
These two superhero ingredients will work to combat acne.
This body scrub also has a fruity grapefruit scent that will energise both you and your skin. Say hello to revitalisation!
Even though it’s marketed as a face product, it can be used on the body as well.
Having a versatile product can cut down your routine.
It’s always recommended to wear sunscreen during the day, especially after using this product.
AHAs and BHAs can increase sun sensitivity, and you don’t want any hyperpigmentation resurfacing.
Your skin will thank you for all the love you’ve given it.
2. First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
First Aid Beauty created this scrub to give you the best chemical and physical exfoliators in one product.
This one, in particular, is formulated for anyone dealing with skin bumps, like “strawberry skin” or “chicken skin.” Bumps will disappear!
This scrub will polish away dead skin in a flash.
It’s formulated with 10% glycolic acid to buff the top layer of the skin.
As an important reminder, due to the high percentage of glycolic acid, it is recommended to conduct a patch test to avoid allergic reactions.
After one use, you will be able to notice smoother and more supple skin.
This product contains numerous beneficial ingredients like lactic acid, bisabolol, liquorice root, and white tea extracts.
Also, the pumice beads will help physically remove dead skin cells.
First Aid Beauty formulated this product without fragrance, eliminating the chance for the skin to get irritated.
It’s a beautiful product to incorporate into your routine, especially if your skin is sensitive.
First Aid Beauty is also cruelty-free.
3. Alpha Skin Care Moisturising Body Wash
Get a refresh of healthy skin after every wash.
Alpha Skincare created this product to lift away dead skin cells with ease while leaving your skin nourished and hydrated.
It also has a pH balance of 4.5. Alpha Skincare will help achieve fresh skin quickly.
This product is formulated to cater to everyone’s skin type.
With consistent use, you will be able to notice an improvement in your overall skin texture.
Alpha Skincare also formulated this product to be soap-free.
It also has a blend of nourishing ingredients.
Besides glycolic acid, you can also find vitamin E and aloe vera that will work together to ensure your skin is not stripped of moisture.
Instead, it will leave you with hydrated skin that is calm and soothing. You will be one step closer to radiant skin.
This body wash will also work to encourage collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
It’s the perfect body wash to keep in your shower.
4. Touch Exfoliating Cleanser
If you are dealing with more intense skin conditions like KP or acne, this product might be a game-changer.
This product is no joke; there are high concentrations of exfoliating acids, so use this product carefully.
It has a pH of 3.5.
It’s recommended to do a patch test to ensure there won’t be any skin sensitivities.
This product contains 15% glycolic acid, 2% salicylic acid, and 2% hyaluronic acid.
So, it’s safe to say you will receive a more intense exfoliation.
The mix of AHAs and BHAs will unclog pores/hair follicles and reduce redness and inflammation.
It also includes a mix of soothing ingredients.
Aloe vera, gotu kola, and vitamin E will keep the skin fresh and hydrated.
However, it’s recommended to wear sunscreen daily while using this exfoliating body wash since glycolic and salicylic acid can increase sensitivity towards the sun.
5. Frank Body Glycolic Acid Body Scrub
Botanic Tree stopped selling the scrub that used to sit in this spot, so frank body’s glycolic acid body scrub takes its place.
This one is a coffee-grit scrub carrying 3% glycolic acid, so you get the physical scrub and the chemical exfoliant in the same handful.
That pairing is what actually works on keratosis pilaris. The grit lifts what is already loose, and the acid gets to work on what is not.
It is thick, and it smells like coffee and coconut.
You need roughly a tablespoon per limb, and it rinses out cleaner than most scrubs this gritty.
Twice a week is plenty to start with. The backs of the arms and the tops of the thighs are what it is aimed at.
Do not use it on skin you have just shaved. Glycolic acid on a fresh nick is a bad afternoon.
It sits at 4.6 stars across 3,399 reviews.
6. QRxLabs Glycolic Acid Resurfacing Pads
QRxLabs created highly concentrated glycolic acid pads for the face and body to deal with the most stubborn skin issues.
If your body wash isn’t working or you need a more potent treatment.
These pads can provide an intense exfoliation.
These pads contain 20% glycolic acid, and, as with anything in high concentrations.
It’s always recommended to conduct a patch test to avoid harming your skin.
Thankfully, these pads are also formulated with nourishing vitamins and other beneficial components.
QRxLabs formulated these pads with vitamins B5, C, and E.
They give your skin a boost of antioxidants and work to repair UV damage that the skin has endured.
There is also a blend of allantoin, green tea, and aloe for anti-inflammatory properties.
The glycolic acid resurfacing pads will diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, bumps, and scarring.
The ultimate goal is to achieve radiant, smooth, and glowing skin.
It’s also recommended to wear sunscreen to avoid further irritation.
7. Some By Mi Acne Clear Body Cleanser
This body cleanser from Some By Mi is filled with all the best exfoliating acids that will help you reach a smooth and even skin texture.
Not only will it improve skin texture, but it will also keep oil production at bay, and it’s kind to sensitive skin.
It contains AHAs like glycolic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells, while BHA will clear out impurities and reduce acne or blackheads.
In addition, PHA is the milder exfoliant that will gently lift away dead skin to achieve a bump-free texture.
This body cleanser is also formulated with nourishing ingredients that oily or sensitive skin will love.
Houttuynia cordata extract, eucalyptus, tea tree, mugwort, centella asiatica, and more all soothe, cleanse, hydrate, and keep oil at bay.
You won’t have to worry about feeling dry or stripped of your natural oils after the product.
Some By Mi ensured anyone dealing with severe skin conditions or oily/sensitive skin types would achieve happier and healthier skin after each use.
8. Glytone Glycolic Acid Body Wash
Mederma discontinued its AG body cleanser, so this is the closest replacement worth pointing you to.
Glytone’s glycolic body wash is built for the same job. A mild exfoliation that does not strip, for skin that goes tight and itchy after a shower.
It is fragrance-free, and that matters more than it sounds. Fragrance is usually what turns an exfoliating wash into a red, angry mess.
The glycolic acid loosens the dead cells sitting on the surface so the skin underneath feels smooth instead of scaly.
Rough, bumpy skin and keratosis pilaris are what it targets.
Glytone is a dermatologist-office brand and the price shows it. What you are paying for is a boring, well-made wash that works.
It sits at 4.3 stars across 1,425 reviews.
9. Touch 10% Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Wash
Now, this product is technically a face wash, but who says you can’t use it as a body wash or body treatment?
Touch formulated this exfoliating wash with 10% glycolic acid.
It will be an excellent product that treats problematic skin and blemishes.
This product is formulated with 10% glycolic acid.
It is always a good idea to conduct a patch test to ensure your skin will react well to the wash.
This AHA will work to reduce signs of ageing and blemishes while making room for glowy skin.
Aloe vera, chamomile, and green tea are the hydrating and nutritional components of this exfoliating wash.
They all work together to give the skin a boost of antioxidants and fight against inflammation.
As a result, you will achieve smooth and radiant skin.
Touch formulated this product without yucky ingredients like sulfates, drying alcohol, parabens, dyes, and phthalates.
You can use this product daily if you notice your skin reacting well, or as a treatment one to two times a week. The choice is all yours!
10. Some By Mi Cleansing Bar
Some By Mi also created a miracle exfoliating product into a compact, mess-free bar.
This bar is perfect for those who are constantly on the go or don’t have the time or space to lug around multiple bottles of toiletries.
This bar will make life easier.
It shares similarities with the Some By Mi Acne Body Cleanser.
This bar also contains the main exfoliating components.
AHA and PHA will scrub away any dead skin and gently exfoliate, while BHA will unclog pores and prevent future blemishes from arising.
Some By Mi’s Cleansing Bar has three main goals: to brighten the skin, moisturise, and tend to the pores.
It also contains 2% niacinamide to help improve the skin’s overall tone and texture.
Also, niacinamide is a superhero ingredient for dark spots.
This bar is formulated with 10,000ppm of tea tree to keep your natural oils at bay.
You will also find soothing skin ingredients like Asiatic pennywort extract and olive oil.
You can rest assured, this bar won’t strip away moisture from the skin.
Some By Mi created this bar to be versatile.
It will work wonders for your body and your face.
Because this bar soap is natural, it’s recommended to cut it into four pieces to prolong its lifespan, so it doesn’t melt down the drain after a few uses.
11. Dr Song Glycolic Acid Wash
Dr Song’s Glycolic Acid Wash is another product formulated for the face.
But it can work just as well for the body, too!
However, this product contains 10% glycolic acid, and a higher percentage can be too harsh for the face alone to deal with.
The skin on our face can sometimes be more delicate than the skin on our body.
This is why switching up this face wash and using it as a body wash can be beneficial, especially if you are dealing with body acne or KP.
This cleanser is formulated for all skin types, and it will wash away all dirt, impurities, sunscreen, and makeup with ease.
Glycolic acid is considered a mild exfoliant, and this one can clarify your skin without leaving it stripped.
Dr Song created this product to treat acne, signs of ageing like fine lines or wrinkles, sun damage, discolouration, clogged pores, and so much more.
It claims that this cleanser will also allow your other products to absorb into the skin seamlessly.
This wash is free of parabens, sulfates, and dyes. In addition, it will balance the skin’s pH level and leave you feeling hydrated.
It can be used daily if your skin reacts well, or used as a treatment product a few times a week.
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