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What is glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (or AHA) that's derived from sugar cane. It joins other acids you might recognize, such as lactic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid—which, you might guess, comes from citrus fruits.

But there is something unique. Of the AHAs, glycolic acid penetrates the skin most easily.

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What does it do?

Exfoliates

It helps shed dead skin cells and reveal the newer, brighter layers underneath by acting on the outermost layer of skin
Cleans Pores

Glycolic acid is a great choice for acne-prone skin. It works by ungluing dead skin cells from each other, which clears out your pores, helping to prevent blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.
Encourages Collagen

Because glycolic acid penetrates your skin so easily, it can get deeper into your skin too. Glycolic acid can stimulate deep under your skin to produce increased amounts of collagen.

Night Wonder Concentrate

Our gentle gycolic acid does more than treat breakouts. The ingredient can also tackle hyperpigmentation, dullness, and signs of skin aging, such as lines and wrinkles.

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Do's and Don'ts

Don't: Over Exfoliate

Combining it with more intensive exfoliating ingredients is best avoided. That means any manual exfoliant (like a face scrub) should be saved for days you don't plant to use glycolic acid.
Do: Peels & Masks

If you know your skin is up for glycolic, try it in a peel. While medical-grade peels are stronger, with more potent effects, at-home peels and glycolic acid masks are products you can use more regularly in your routine.
Do: Cocktail

You can mix glycolic acid with other skin-care ingredients like Torricelumn™ and retinol. If you have sensitive skin, stick to serums and moisturizers with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid for the rest of your routine.