From the FDA Drug Label
Uses For the treatment of acne Reduces the number of acne pimples and blackheads Allows skin to heal Helps prevent new acne pimples from forming The role of glycolic acid in treating acne is to:
- Reduce the number of acne pimples and blackheads
- Allow the skin to heal
- Help prevent new acne pimples from forming 1
From the Research
Role of Glycolic Acid in Treating Acne
- Glycolic acid is widely used for skincare applications, including to treat acne vulgaris, due to its ability to reduce acne-related inflammation 2.
- The acid exhibits pH-dependent antibacterial activity against Cutibacterium acnes, a Gram-positive bacterium implicated in acne pathogenesis, with the greatest potency observed at pH 3 2.
- Glycolic acid chemical peels have been shown to be an effective treatment for all types of acne, inducing rapid improvement and restoration to normal looking skin 3.
- The use of glycolic acid peels in combination with glycolic acid home care products has been found to be effective in treating facial acne lesions and other associated skin problems, with significant resolution of comedones, papules, and pustules 4.
Concentration and Frequency of Glycolic Acid Treatment
- High concentrations of glycolic acid (~20-50 vol%) are often incorporated into chemical peels to reduce acne-related inflammation, but lower concentrations (as low as 0.2%) may also be effective with suitable pH conditions 2.
- Biweekly serial glycolic acid peels with concentrations of 20%, 35%, 50%, and 70% have been found to be effective in treating atrophic acne scars, with repetitive peels (at least six times) with 70% concentration necessary to obtain evident improvement 5.
- Long-term daily use of low-strength glycolic acid products (15% concentration) may also have some useful effects on scars and may be recommended for patients who cannot tolerate the peeling procedure 5.
Safety and Efficacy of Glycolic Acid Treatment
- Glycolic acid peels have been found to be safe and effective in treating moderate acne vulgaris in Asian skin, with statistically significant reductions in acne lesions and improved responses for noninflammatory lesions 6.
- The use of glycolic acid has been found to have minimal side effects, with only a small percentage of patients (5.6%) developing side effects in one study 4.