It seems like everywhere you look, a new buzzy skin care ingredient has entered the chat, and we know it can get pretty confusing. One ingredient that seems to have become a staple in popular skin care products is glycolic acid.
With the promises of targeting anti-aging concerns such as fine lines, texture and dark spots, glycolic acid seems to be the bread-and-butter of skin care ingredients. So what exactly is glycolic acid? Shop TODAY previously spoke to board-certified dermatologists to break down the benefits and uses of this trendy ingredient.
Plus, you'll find the best skin care ingredients deals that you can shop during Amazon Prime Day.
What is glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is derived from sugar cane. Dermatologists previously told our team that the water-soluble ingredient is most commonly used in skin care products such as serums and moisturizers. You can even find the ingredient in natural deodorants, too.
AHAs work as a gentle, chemical exfoliant by "peeling off the dead skin layer, breaking the bonds between skin cells and reducing the ‘stickiness’ of skin cells so they can slough off,” board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Macrene Alexiades, previously explained to Shop TODAY.
What are the benefits of using glycolic acid?
This powerful ingredient has many skin care benefits, from dry skin to signs of aging. Dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Chwalek previously shared that glycolic acid/AHAs can treat sun spots, pigmentation, fine lines and help with skin's texture and tone.
Some may think it can also be used in deodorant; however, Dr. Marisa Garshick previously told us that while it may help with odor control, only aluminum-based products will keep your armpits dry.
“Glycolic acid is thought to help reduce body odor by reducing the pH of the skin and making it harder for the odor-causing bacteria to survive,” Garshick says. “By exfoliating away the dead skin cells and lowering the skin’s pH, it may also help to prevent body odor by preventing buildup and making it less likely for bacteria to lead to foul-smelling odors.”
Amazon Prime Day glycolic acid skin care deals
This body mitt contains glycolic acid, plum extract and vitamin C to gently exfoliate the skin and reveal a smoother complexion.
Stubborn acne? AcneFree's Acne Free Oil-Free Cleanser nourishes and targets the skin while targeting existing acne and preventing more developing.
According to the brand, this anti-aging cream is a deep wrinkle treatment that works overtime overnight to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. That way, you can wake up with smoother and more radiant skin.
While removing dirt and makeup, this foaming cleanser refines and exfoliates with the power of glycolic acid and aloe vera.
Dark spotS? At 40% off, this vitamin C serum is worth picking up this Prime Day to address dull skin and pores.
The brand says their exfoliating toner contains 96% natural ingredients, including glycolic acid and their well-known witch hazel, to improve texture.
The brand claims that within a week of using this acne cleanser, you should notice a difference in acne and texture.
Just place these pore refining nose strips to unclog pores in just five minutes. Once in contact with your skin, the mask will bubble up to help exfoliate, too.
This true anti-aging serum from L'Oreal is 45% off this Prime Day. From dark spots to wrinkles, the serum targets some of the most common concerns for mature skin.
If you’d like to improve texture, this moisturizing cream uses 10% AHA to refine the skin surface over time.
With SPF 30 and skin-smoothing ingredients, this facial cream protects, exfoliates and moisturizes the skin in one.
Your hands deserve love too! With this area of the skin being the most delicate, treat it with a quality moisturizing cream, such as this pick from Nécessaire.
Usually $65, but you can grab Peter Thomas Roth's resurfacing serum at a discounted price for Prime Day. It helps target multiple skin concerns with the help of glycolic acid and retinol.
All skin types can enjoy the exfoliating benefits of this two-step system of the Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel. Each wipe has 5 AHA/BHAs, antioxidants and vitamins, which all help to transform the skin with every use.
Meet our experts
- Dr. Macrene Alexiades, MD, PhD, is a dual board-certified dermatologist and runs the Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center of New York.
- Dr. Marisa K. Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
- Dr. Jennifer Chwalek, MD, is a dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City.
How we chose
We meticulously combed through over hundreds of products on sale during Amazon Prime Day 2025 to determine the absolute best Prime Day deals during the four-day event, identifying expert recommendations from previous reporting on Shop TODAY and staff-tested award winners.
We also consider factors like a high average rating (of over four stars), the amount of verified shopper ratings (over 1,000) and specific user feedback. From there, we fact-check each deal through price trackers like CamelCamelCamel to ensure that they’re at their lowest price in at least three months (or, in some instances, their lowest price ever).
