glycolic peptides FAQ

The most common side effects of glycolic acid are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

If you or someone else has used too much glycolic acid, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222. Glycolic acid is applied to the skin in a wide range of concentrations, usually from 5% to 70%. Higher concentrations are more likely to cause side effects, but all concentrations can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use glycolic acid safely. Do not use more than recommended.

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using glycolic acid.

There are no known interactions between glycolic acid and foods or drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect glycolic acid.

Glycolic acid is commonly used to improve the appearance of the skin and to help with acne, wrinkles, and sun damage. Note: Glycolic acid is available in skin care and cosmetic products. The FDA has not reviewed glycolic acid for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about cosmetics here.

Glycolic acid is available in products that are applied to the skin. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease. The FDA has not tested products that contain glycolic acid to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider. Keep glycolic acid out of the reach of children. Glycolic acid comes in a wide range of concentrations, usually between 5% and 70%. Products that contain more than 20% glycolic acid are typically applied by trained professionals. As the concentration of glycolic acid increases, so does the risk of side effects. Lower concentrations may cause mild skin irritation, while higher concentrations may cause redness, itching, burning, stinging, and blistering. Read the product label carefully and follow all instructions closely. Only apply the smallest amount needed to produce the desired effect.

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if glycolic acid is right for you. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following. Naturally Darker Skin Tone. People with a naturally darker skin tone (Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI) may be more likely to have scarring or discoloration after using high concentrations of glycolic acid. If you have a naturally darker skin tone, speak to a health care provider before using glycolic acid. Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

While less common, the most serious side effects of glycolic acid are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Severe Allergic Reactions. Glycolic acid may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using glycolic acid and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

You should store glycolic acid according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Glycolic acid is a type of chemical known as an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is naturally found in some plants, including grapes, beets, and sugar cane, and is commonly added to cosmetic and skin care products. Although there are other AHAs in the market, glycolic acid and lactic acid are the most commonly used AHAs in skin care products. When AHAs are applied to the skin, they can cause the top layer of dead skin cells to detach from each other and fall off (exfoliation). Getting rid of dead skin cells can help improve the appearance of your skin and also increase how quickly new skin cells grow to replace old cells. AHAs can also help attract water to your skin, increasing skin hydration. Together, these effects can help improve the appearance of your skin. Over-the-counter skin care products usually contain lower concentrations of glycolic acid (less than 20%), which are generally safe for use at home. Low concentrations of glycolic acid help exfoliate your skin and increase the turnover of skin cells, which can help manage conditions like acne. But glycolic acid can also be irritating to the skin and increase your sensitivity to the sun. Always protect your skin from sunlight while using any products that contain glycolic acid. Higher concentrations of glycolic acid (more than 20%) are included in chemical peels that are meant to be applied by a trained professional, such as a dermatologist or aesthetician. High concentrations of glycolic acid can cause deeper layers of the skin to peel off. These treatments may be helpful for improving skin tone and managing acne, wrinkles, and sun damage. However, these higher concentrations are more likely to cause stinging, burning, peeling, and redness.

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use glycolic acid.