All Ingredients
62

Glycolic Acid

Moderate

Quick verdict

Use with caution

Glycolic Acid skin safety dashboard

Glycolic Acid scores 62/100 across 4 product analyses. The most important acne and irritation checks are summarized first.

Comedogenic rating

3/5

Moderate clogging risk; formula context matters.

Fungal acne concern

Review

Review the full formula before using on Malassezia-prone skin.

Pregnancy concern

Review

Ask a clinician before using during pregnancy or nursing.

Skin types to avoid

Acne-prone, Sensitive

Based on pore-clogging and irritation risk signals.

What is Glycolic Acid and why is it used?

We're still generating a detailed description for Glycolic Acid. Check back shortly - or scan a product containing this ingredient to speed things up.

Will Glycolic Acid clog my pores? (Comedogenic Rating)

Comedogenic Risk: 3/5

Glycolic Acid has an estimated comedogenic risk of 3/5 based on GlowLens ingredient scoring across 4 product analyses. A higher number signals a stronger pore-clogging tendency for acne-prone skin. This is informational, not medical advice.

Known Side Effects and Allergies: how concerning is Glycolic Acid?

Moderate

Glycolic Acid currently scores 62/100, which places it in a moderate-concern band overall. The main practical consideration is skin irritation, sensitivity, or breakouts in formulas where it appears alongside other potentially irritating ingredients. This is informational, not medical advice.

Is Glycolic Acid safe for pregnancy?

While our analysis gives Glycolic Acid a safety score of 62/100 with a medium concern level, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider about any cosmetic ingredients during pregnancy or nursing. GlowLens provides general safety assessments - pregnancy-specific advice should come from your doctor or midwife.

Final Verdict: who should be most cautious with Glycolic Acid?

No specific skin type is automatically excluded for Glycolic Acid, but a patch test is still useful for reactive skin. This is informational, not medical advice.

How we rate this ingredient

Rating sourced from official regulatory and scientific databases.Confidence: MediumLast reviewed Jun 13, 2026
4 products analyzed containing Glycolic AcidAnalyze a new product

Found in 4 Products

Smoothie Outf von geek&gorgeous - contains Glycolic Acid
62

Smoothie Outf von geek&gorgeous

medium

Diese Alpha-Hydroxysäure peelt die Haut effektiv, kann aber bei empfindlicher Haut Reizungen verursachen.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner - contains Glycolic Acid
62

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner

medium

A strong alpha-hydroxy acid that effectively exfoliates but significantly increases the skin's photosensitivity.

62

Global beauty care vitamin C glow

medium

A powerful exfoliating alpha hydroxy acid that resurfaces skin but requires diligent sun protection after use.

62

Dermasil labs pharmaceutical research aha glycolic acid

medium

An alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin surface to improve texture and tone while increasing sun sensitivity.

Showing all 4 of 4 products

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glycolic Acid and why is it used?
We're still generating a detailed description for Glycolic Acid. Check back shortly - or scan a product containing this ingredient to speed things up. Across 4 products in our database, Glycolic Acid appears in various formulations. Use our free skincare ingredient checker to see how it interacts with other ingredients in specific products.
Will Glycolic Acid clog my pores? (Comedogenic Rating)
Glycolic Acid has an estimated comedogenic risk of 3/5 based on GlowLens ingredient scoring across 4 product analyses. A higher number signals a stronger pore-clogging tendency for acne-prone skin. This is informational, not medical advice.
Known Side Effects and Allergies: how concerning is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic Acid currently scores 62/100, which places it in a moderate-concern band overall. The main practical consideration is skin irritation, sensitivity, or breakouts in formulas where it appears alongside other potentially irritating ingredients. This is informational, not medical advice.
Is Glycolic Acid safe for pregnancy?
While our analysis gives Glycolic Acid a safety score of 62/100 with a medium concern level, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider about any cosmetic ingredients during pregnancy or nursing. GlowLens provides general safety assessments - pregnancy-specific advice should come from your doctor or midwife.
Final Verdict: who should be most cautious with Glycolic Acid?
No specific skin type is automatically excluded for Glycolic Acid, but a patch test is still useful for reactive skin. This is informational, not medical advice.