With the hype around exfoliating acids in skincare, you might be intrigued to know if it’s safe to use glycolic acid and salicylic acid together and what this means for your skin.
Glycolic acid (AHA) is a game-changer when it comes to gentle exfoliation of the outer layer of your skin. Meanwhile, salicylic acid (BHA) can penetrate deeper layers and unclog pores and remove dead cells.
If you’re looking for effective exfoliation that improves your skin texture and acne, using glycolic acid and salicylic acid together might be just the thing for you.
That being said, since both acids are potent chemical exfoliants, you must use them in the recommended quantity or risk skin damage. Scroll down to learn all you need to know about using glycolic acid and salicylic acid together.
Can You Use Glycolic Acid And Salicylic Acid In The Same Skincare Routine?
Yes, you can use glycolic acid and salicylic acid in the same skincare routine1.
The key is to maintain the correct ratio.
In fact there are products that combine these two acids!
There is this super popular AHA BHA peel by The Ordinary which combines these two ingredients, as well as the COSRX AHA BHA Toner.
These skincare products have been formulated with the right quantities that yield great results without damaging your skin.
However, it is not for everyone, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Besides, if either acid is doing the work for your skin, you do not necessarily need to incorporate the other one.
If you have normal to dry skin, glycolic acid is the right choice of skin acid because it is a humectant (absorbs moisture from the air) while renewing the superficial skin layer.
Meanwhile, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you can benefit from salicylic acid as it removes excess oil, unclogs pores, and puts an end to those pesky blackheads and whiteheads.
One thing that cannot be emphasized enough is to ALWAYS use sunscreen after using topical acids to avoid sun damage.
Is It OK To Use Salicylic Acid And Glycolic Acid Every Day?
Yes, in general it is okay to use salicylic acid and glycolic acid every day. However, it depends on the concentration of each acid whether it is safe and effective to use them in your beauty routine every day.
For example, the AHA BHA peeling solution shouldn’t be used every day – it’s only safe to use it 1-2 per week! It has too high concentration and it’s too aggressive for the skin to be used every day!
By the way, in this article you can find out what to use after AHA BHA peel to soothe your skin and minimize the irritation, purging and skin peeling.
On the other hand, a cleansing oil or balm with BHA like the ones from Hanskin or a night cream with AHA (see picture below), or even the COSRX AHA BHA toner are all safe for everyday use.
Keep in mind that if you have sensitive or very dry skin, you may want to use these products with acids every other day.
You could also alternate them in your morning and night skincare routine.
For example, after using a skincare product with glycolic acid in the morning, you can use a salicylic acid cleanser or serum in the night routine.
The perfect way to use glycolic acid and salicylic acid every day is to leave some time between each application so the skin’s pH is restored.
If you don’t, the skin barrier might get compromised, leaving your skin vulnerable to serious irritation and damage from UV rays, pollution, and free radicals.
Some dermatologists recommend using glycolic acid every other day instead of daily use.
Always discuss this with your healthcare provider, especially if you’re looking to use a higher concentration.
How Do You Use Glycolic Acid And Salicylic Acid Together?
Here are different ways you can use glycolic acid and salicylic acid together:
- One in the morning, the other in the evening
This is one of the best ways of incorporating acids into your skincare routine without the risk of adverse effects.
You can opt to use a glycolic acid cleanser or serum in the A.M. routine (do not forget sunscreen) and follow with a salicylic acid-based skincare product in the P.M. routine.
This way, your skin has had the time to heal and resurface, and is ready for the upcoming active ingredient.
- Applying them on alternate days
Since both glycolic acid and salicylic acid are potent exfoliators, applying them on alternate days can be a great way to reap their benefits without damaging your skin2.
- Using them in one product
Next, you can use glycolic acid and salicylic acid together in the form of a single product (like The Ordinary’s AHA BHA peel or COSRX AHA BHA toner) that is formulated in a certain ratio so the skin can be exfoliated without being too harsh for the skin.
Since the actives are in high percentages, this is not for everyone, especially for people with more sensitive skin.
What’s more, peeling solution should be only used maximum twice per week, while the toner is safe to be used every day, if you don’t have sensitive skin.
My advice is that you start slowly and build your skin care routine according to your skin type and concerns.
- Layering
If you have been using acid exfoliants for a while, you can choose to layer both acids in the same routine. Just remember to space the two exfoliants by a good 10 minutes to ensure that the skin’s pH has normalized.
For instance, you can choose a glycolic acid cleanser or toner followed by a salicylic acid serum after some time between the two applications.
Try to focus on the T zone and acne spots with the salicylic acid, and glycolic acid elsewhere to minimize potential dryness or irritation.
Keep in mind that sometimes it’s better to stick to one acid, to avoid over-exfoliation3!
Should You Use Salicylic Acid Before Or After Glycolic Acid?
Skin experts recommend that you use salicylic acid (BHA) in the morning and glycolic acid in the evening.
Using salicylic acid in the morning routine can benefit individuals with oily skin to stay clear and matte for a measurable time.
Besides, since glycolic acid increases the risk of sunburn, it is better to use it at night. If you must use it in the daytime, make sure to follow with sunscreen and protective clothing to avoid sunburn.
Can I Use Glycolic Acid At Night And Salicylic Acid In The Morning?
Yes, you can use glycolic acid at night and salicylic acid in your morning routine.
This is the recommended way of combining these acids into your skincare. Since glycolic acid is photosensitive, it makes your skin more prone to being sunburned. Hence using it in the evening eliminates the risk of sun damage.
On the plus side, using salicylic acid in the morning helps keep oil production in check, so it is a great way to start the day for people with acne-prone or oily skin.
Can Salicylic Acid And Glycolic Acid Cause Purging?
Yes, salicylic acid and glycolic acid can cause purging, just like retinoic acid, lactic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. This purging can last up to two to eight weeks, as the skin gets accustomed.
Benefits Of Using Glycolic Acid And Salicylic Acid Together
Since glycolic acid and salicylic acid are both hydroxy acids (AHA and BHA respectively), using them together gives you a multitude of skin benefits.
Glycolic acid works to boost the skin cells renewing process, slough off dead skin cells, improve skin tone and fight dull skin, signs of aging, and hyperpigmentation.
Meanwhile, salicylic acid goes deeper into the skin layers to unclog pores, remove excess sebum, blackheads, and whiteheads and minimize the appearance of pores while eliminating dead skin cells.
It is also great for acne treatment and other skin disorders such as Keratosis Pilaris.
Here are the benefits of using them together:
Potential Side Effects Of Pairing Glycolic Acid With Salicylic Acid
Since both salicylic acid and glycolic acid are strong exfoliants, here are some potential side effects of pairing the two:
- Redness
- Skin Irritation
- Skin barrier disruption due to over-exfoliation
- Burning
- Skin dryness and flakiness
- More prone to sun damage
Always remember to use a hydrating moisturizer after using salicylic acid and glycolic acid together. If you’re heading out during the day, remember to use sunscreen to avoid sunburn and future skin damage.
Everything You Need To Know About Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is one of the AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), derived from sugar cane.
This superstar is loved by beauty enthusiasts for its ability to gently exfoliate the outer layer of skin removing dead skin cells while boosting skin renewal and improving hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and fine lines and wrinkles. This results in a clear complexion and fresher skin.
Glycolic acid is a water-soluble alpha hydroxy acid. Due to its small molecular size as compared to other AHAs, it can easily penetrate the epidermis and break down dead cells.
Since it is a humectant, individuals with dry skin can benefit from this chemical exfoliant as it effectively exfoliates without drying the skin out.
Benefits Of Glycolic Acid
- Gentle exfoliation
Glycolic acid gently exfoliates dead skin cells and improves skin texture.
- Glowing complexion
Since it removes dull skin, using glycolic acid results in a smoother complexion and radiant skin. This is why it is so commonly used in skin peels and treatments.
- Reduced signs of aging
Due to increased collagen production and skin renewal, glycolic acid significantly reduces fine lines and wrinkles, mild hyperpigmentation, spots, and sun damage.
- Great for dry skin
As it draws moisture from the atmosphere due to its humectant properties, it is a great exfoliant for dry skin types.
Does Glycolic Acid Have Any Side Effects?
- Mild irritation
Glycolic acid can cause stinging or burning sensation, temporary redness and skin purging.
- Sun damage
Since AHAs are photosensitive, using glycolic acid can lead to sunburn and damage. Always follow with sunscreen, even if you use AHA in the evening routine.
What Can You Not Mix With Glycolic Acid?
- Retinoids
- Benzoyl Peroxide
Everything You Need To Know About Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is the most popular BHA (beta-hydroxy acid).
Found naturally in willow bark and broccoli, this oil-soluble acid can penetrate deeper than other acids, hence it is effective at clearing out clogged pores, blackheads, and whiteheads while removing dead skin cells and excess oil.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is used to treat acne and other skin conditions e.g. Keratosis Pilaris.
Hence it is a great option for people with acne-prone and oily skin types.
Benefits Of Using Salicylic Acid
The benefits of using salicylic acid are as follows:
- Reduces and treats acne
Since salicylic acid is anti-inflammatory, it fights the bacteria that cause acne and removes excess oil that leads to breakouts. This makes it a great skincare ingredient for treating acne.
- Unclogs pores
Being oil-soluble, salicylic acid reaches down into the pores and gets rid of the excess sebum, bacteria, dead skin cells, and other residual impurities.
- Controls oil production
Salicylic acid inhibits the excessive production of oil to prevent future acne breakouts.
- Minimizes the appearance of pores
Salicylic acid clears the clogged pores which gives a reduced appearance of pores.
- Improves texture
Since it exfoliates the dead cells from both outer and deep layers, using salicylic acid improves the texture of your skin.
- Reduces blemishes and inflammation
Being anti-inflammatory, salicylic acid fights inflammation and is perfect for treating acne, keratosis pilaris, and other skin conditions.
Does Salicylic Acid Have Any Side Effects?
- Sensitivity and redness
It can increase skin sensitivity and cause redness, rashes, and dryness.
- Skin irritation
It can lead to skin peeling and give you burning sensation. Skin purging is also a common side effect of salicylic acid.
- Not for sensitive skin types
Salicylic acid can dry out sensitive skin, so such individuals should opt for PHA (polyhydroxy acids) for gentle exfoliation.
- Aspirin-allergy
People who are allergic to aspirin should never use salicylic acid.
What Should You Not Mix With Salicylic Acid?
- Retinoic acid
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Vitamin C
Main Difference Between Glycolic Acid And Salicylic Acid
The main difference between glycolic acid and salicylic acid is:
- Suitability for different skin type
Glycolic acid is best for dry and normal skin types whereas salicylic acid is best for oily and acne-prone skin types6.
- Skin penetration
Glycolic acid acts only on the outer layers of skin whereas salicylic acid can penetrate deeper to exfoliate.
- Action
Glycolic acid works to renew skin cells, gently exfoliate, improve tone and texture, and reduce aging signs, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots.
On the contrary, salicylic acid works to treat acne, remove excess oil and blackheads, clear out the pores, and fight inflammation7.
- Photosensitivity
Glycolic acid is photosensitive while salicylic acid is not. So it’s better to use glycolic acid in the night.
- Solubility
Glycolic acid is water-soluble whereas salicylic acid is oil-soluble.
- Daily use
Glycolic acid should be used every other day whereas salicylic acid can be used daily.
PRO TIP: If you want to learn more about all those acids, make sure to read my article with comparison: AHA vs. BHA vs. PHA. It will help you choose the right one for your skin types & skin concerns.
Wrap-Up: Should You Use Glycolic And Salicylic Acids Together?
You can definitely use glycolic and salicylic acids together, but the best way to reap their combined benefits is to use them in different skincare routines (morning and evening) for effective results.
Using them together is great for people with dull, acne-prone, and oily skin types.
If you wish to layer them, you can use a salicylic acid cleanser in the morning followed by glycolic acid (you can choose from toners, serums etc.) in the evening routine.
Always do a patch test first. If you have reactive or sensitive skin, try using less-irritating acids (like PHA, or the most gentle AHA: lactic acid). And remember to build up slowly.
The purpose of this article is informative and entertaining. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Safety should be your priority.
All pictures in this article with YouAreBeautie logo belong to YouAreBeautie.com and were taken by the owner of this website. All these images are copyright-protected.
Sources of other pictures: Boots Brand (pictures of toner and serum), Hanskin Brand & Sokoglam (Hanskin cleansing oil), The Ordinary Brand (Salicylic Acid Solution and Glycolic Acid Toning Solution).
Resources:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- https://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/
- https://www.womenshealthmag.com/
- https://weheartthis.com/
- https://skinpharm.com/
- https://www.stylist.co.uk/
