Last updated: August 19, 2026
Glycolic acid and lactic acid are both AHAs, but they behave differently on skin. Glycolic acid has the smallest molecule of the alpha-hydroxy acid family, so it penetrates fast and delivers a stronger, more noticeable resurfacing effect. Lactic acid has a larger molecule, works more gradually, and pulls double duty as a humectant, which makes it the gentler option for dry or reactive skin types.
Below we’ve rounded up six exfoliating formulas for 2026, from single-percentage serums to full-body washes, so you can match the acid, strength, and format to your skin’s tolerance and your goals, whether that’s smoothing keratosis pilaris bumps or fading dullness on the face.
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Watch: Glycolic Acid vs. Lactic Acid: Exfoliants for Brighter Skin Explained — Video Review
How to Choose
- Acid type: Pick glycolic for faster, more dramatic resurfacing on resilient skin; choose lactic acid if you’re sensitive, dry, or new to chemical exfoliation.
- Concentration: Leave-on serums between 5% and 10% suit most routines a few nights a week; peeling solutions above 20% are for experienced users only, applied for a few minutes then rinsed.
- Body vs. face: Body washes and scrubs are formulated to sit briefly on skin, so they’re milder per use than a leave-on facial serum at the same percentage.
- Added actives: Salicylic acid (a BHA) or hyaluronic acid alongside the AHA can balance oil control with hydration, reducing the risk of over-drying.
- Patch test and pH: Introduce any new AHA slowly, always follow with SPF 30 or higher during the day, and stop use if you notice persistent redness or stinging.
The Best Picks Reviewed
Medix 5.5 Glycolic Acid + Lactic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash Gel
This 15 fl oz body wash combines both AHAs in a foaming gel, making it one of the few products here that lets you compare the two acids in a single formula. It’s built for keratosis pilaris and body acne, working best on arms, thighs, and back where skin is thicker and less reactive than the face. Because contact time in the shower is short, it’s a low-commitment way to start incorporating AHAs into a body routine.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
At 30% glycolic-forward AHA plus 2% salicylic acid, this is the strongest formula on this list and is meant to stay on for no more than 10 minutes before rinsing. It’s a once- or twice-weekly treatment, not a daily step, and it’s best reserved for skin that already tolerates lower-strength acids without irritation. The payoff is a visibly smoother, brighter complexion after just one use.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid 2%
This is the gentler counterpart to the peeling solution above, pairing 10% lactic acid with hyaluronic acid to offset moisture loss during exfoliation. It’s a leave-on serum suited to nightly or every-other-night use for people with normal to dry skin who want gradual brightening without the intensity of glycolic acid. It’s a solid starting point if you’ve never used a chemical exfoliant before.
Advanced Clinicals Exfoliating 10% Glycolic Acid Serum + Lactic Acid
Layering 10% glycolic acid with lactic and salicylic acid, this serum is a middle-ground option between a mild lactic serum and a high-percentage peel. The multi-acid blend targets texture, clogged pores, and dullness at once, making it a reasonable pick for combination or oily skin that can handle a slightly stronger nightly serum.
uLOOK AHA BHA Exfoliating Serum
This glycolic and salicylic acid combination leans toward oil control and pore clarity, which suits acne-prone or congested skin more than dry skin. At 1.01 fl oz it’s a smaller bottle, so it’s worth trying if you want to test a glycolic-BHA combo before committing to a larger size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use glycolic acid and lactic acid together?
Yes, several formulas above combine both, but stacking two separate acid products in the same routine increases irritation risk. If you want both, choose one blended formula rather than layering two single-acid products on the same night.
Which is better for keratosis pilaris?
Glycolic acid tends to outperform lactic acid on KP bumps because its smaller molecule clears keratin buildup in follicles more effectively. Body-specific products like a glycolic body wash or scrub are formulated for this exact use case.
How often should I use a 30% peeling solution?
Once or twice a week is standard for a high-strength formula like The Ordinary’s 30% AHA peel. Daily use at that concentration risks compromising your skin barrier, so it should never replace a daily low-percentage exfoliant.
Do I still need sunscreen with AHAs?
Yes, without exception. Both glycolic and lactic acid increase sun sensitivity by removing dead skin cells that normally offer some UV protection, so daily SPF 30 or higher is non-negotiable while using either acid.
Final Thoughts
For most people starting out, The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid 2% offers the best balance of visible results and low irritation risk. If you want a stronger occasional treatment, The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution delivers the most dramatic single-use results. For body concerns like KP or ingrown hairs, the Medix 5.5 Glycolic Acid + Lactic Acid Body Wash is the most practical daily option.
