Glycolic Acid Treatment
Glycolic Acid Treatment
Product Description
Product overview
A cult-favorite glycolic acid treatment that deeply exfoliates and repairs the look of dull, congested, and sun-damaged skin for a visibly radiant, healthier-looking complexion. With 7% ultra-pure glycolic acid balanced by soothing prickly pear extract for instant radiance after just one use.
Instant Radiance
Visibly brighter, more radiant skin after just one use with tiny glycolic acid molecules that penetrate deeper than other AHAs.
Texture & feel
SENSORYInstant Radiance
Visibly brighter, more radiant skin after just one use with tiny glycolic acid molecules that penetrate deeper than other AHAs.
Deep Exfoliation
Breaks apart pore-clogging debris and repairs the look of sun-damaged, congested, wrinkled, or dull skin.
Soothing Formula
Balanced with fermented prickly pear extract to soothe and calm the complexion, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Clean Glycolic Acid
Ultra-pure, formaldehyde-free glycolic acid that delivers results without compromising on safety or quality.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEGlycolic acid is generally considered safe in OTC concentrations per ACOG, but consult your doctor before use during pregnancy. Safe while breastfeeding when used topically.
Contains Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract (yeast ferment), stearic acid, palmitic acid, and cetearyl alcohol which may trigger fungal acne in susceptible individuals.
AHAs increase photosensitivity. Always use SPF 30+ daily when using this product, even if applied at night.
Formulated with soothing prickly pear extract and lemongrass. Can be used as a 15-minute mask for very sensitive skin types.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGlycolic Acid 7%Proven
The smallest AHA molecule, allowing it to penetrate deeper into the skin than other alpha hydroxy acids for more effective exfoliation and skin renewal.
- Mechanism: Dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells, accelerating cell turnover
- Research: Clinically proven to improve fine lines, uneven texture, and hyperpigmentation
- pH: Formulated at pH 3.5 for optimal efficacy while minimizing irritation
Potassium Lactate 3%Proven
A member of the lactic acid family that provides smooth, even, and gentle exfoliation while also boosting hydration levels.
- Function: Gentle exfoliant and humectant that attracts moisture to the skin
- Benefit: Helps maintain skin hydration during the exfoliation process
- Synergy: Works with glycolic acid for comprehensive yet gentle exfoliation
Prickly Pear Extract N/APromising
Fermented Opuntia Ficus-Indica fruit extract that soothes, calms, and hydrates the complexion while providing antioxidant protection.
- Properties: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids
- Benefit: Helps reduce redness and inflammation from exfoliation
- Fermented: Enhanced bioavailability through fermentation process
Squalane N/AProven
A lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that mimics skin's natural sebum to provide deep hydration without clogging pores.
- Compatibility: Excellent biocompatibility with all skin types
- Function: Locks in moisture and supports skin barrier function
- Texture: Contributes to smooth, silky product application
Lemongrass Oil N/APromising
Natural lemongrass essential oil that provides astringent, purifying, and antimicrobial benefits while refreshing the complexion.
- Properties: Natural astringent and antimicrobial agent
- Scent: Provides the product's subtle citrus aroma
- Benefit: Helps tone and refresh the skin
28 ingredients
Water/Eau/Aqua, Dimethicone, Glycolic Acid, Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate, PPG-12/SDMI Copolymer, Squalane, Propanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Potassium Lactate, Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Oil, Glycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, PPG-24-Glycereth-24, Sodium Phytate, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract, Ceteareth-20, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply after cleansing and toning, before serums and moisturizers. Use morning or night (PM preferred). For sensitive skin, use as a 15-minute mask and rinse off.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Skin
Start with clean, dry skin. Use your regular cleanser and pat face dry completely before application.
Apply 1-2 Pumps
Dispense 1-2 pumps onto fingertips. Gently massage into face, avoiding the eye area. Can be used day or night.
Leave On or Rinse
For normal use, leave on as a treatment. For sensitive skin, use as a mask for 15 minutes, then rinse well and pat dry.
Follow With Moisturizer
Continue with your serum and moisturizer. Oily/combination skin may skip moisturizer. Apply SPF in the morning.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want instant radiance and glow
- You struggle with dull, congested skin
- You have sun damage or uneven skin tone
- You want to minimize the appearance of fine lines
- Your skin can tolerate AHAs
- You prefer clean, high-performance skincare
- You want visible results quickly
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia)
- Your skin is extremely reactive or compromised
- You're on a tight budget
- You're pregnant (consult doctor first)
- You cannot commit to daily SPF use
- You're already using other strong actives
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESGlycolic acid helps control excess sebum and unclogs pores. Many oily skin types can skip moisturizer after application.
Contains squalane and potassium lactate for hydration. Follow with a rich moisturizer for best results.
Balances well across different face zones. Helps with oily T-zone while hydrating drier areas.
Prickly pear extract soothes skin. Use as a rinse-off mask for 15 minutes if skin is reactive. Patch test first.
Helps with congestion and dead skin buildup. NOT fungal acne safe due to fermented ingredients and fatty acids.
Results timeline
MONTH 2-3Instant Radiance
Skin appears visibly brighter and more luminous immediately after application. Texture feels smoother to the touch.
100% noticed instant glowImproved Texture
Skin surface feels noticeably smoother. Fine lines appear softer. Some users may experience initial purging of congestion.
85% noticed smoother textureEnhanced Clarity
Pores appear minimized. Skin tone looks more even. Dark spots and hyperpigmentation begin to fade visibly.
78% noticed clearer skinTransformed Complexion
Significant improvement in overall skin quality. Fine lines and wrinkles appear diminished. Radiant, healthy-looking skin becomes the norm.
92% would recommendRatings by platform
6K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Instant visible radiance after one use
- Clean, ultra-pure glycolic acid formula
- Effective for fine lines, texture, and dullness
- Suitable for most skin types including sensitive
- Vegan, cruelty-free, and B Corp certified
- Elegant, lightweight texture absorbs quickly
- Can be used as leave-on or rinse-off mask
- Award-winning, cult-favorite formula
Criticized
- Premium price point (~$85 for 30ml)
- Not fungal acne (malassezia) safe
- Glass bottle not ideal for travel
- Lemongrass scent not for everyone
- May cause initial purging for some
- Requires daily SPF commitment
- Not suitable during pregnancy without doctor approval
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Same 7% glycolic acid concentration at a fraction of the price. Water-based toner format rather than cream. Lacks soothing botanicals but includes Tasmanian pepperberry. 240ml size lasts much longer.
Slightly higher 8% glycolic concentration in a lightweight gel. Includes green tea antioxidants. Fragrance-free formula. No soothing prickly pear but well-tolerated by most skin types.
Multi-acid blend (glycolic, lactic, tartaric, citric, salicylic) for comprehensive exfoliation. More potent formula. Contains raspberry extract. Similar luxury positioning and price point.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDESunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic (Featured)
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Use within one year of first use for optimal efficacy.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep at room temperature (15-25°C / 59-77°F).
Glass bottle with airless pump dispenser for hygienic, precise dispensing and product protection.
30ml size is under 100ml TSA limit. Glass bottle - pack carefully. Consider travel-size kit options.
Frequently asked questions
FAQGlycolic acid in over-the-counter concentrations is generally considered safe during pregnancy according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), as minimal amounts are absorbed systemically. However, it's always recommended to consult your doctor before using any AHA products during pregnancy. The product is considered safe while breastfeeding when used topically, as it's unlikely to be absorbed into breastmilk in significant amounts.
No, this product is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that may feed malassezia yeast, including Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract (a yeast ferment), stearic acid, palmitic acid, and cetearyl alcohol (fatty alcohols). If you're prone to fungal acne, consider The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution or Paula's Choice 8% AHA Gel as fungal-safe alternatives.
Use caution when combining with other actives. Glycolic acid can be used with vitamin C, but apply vitamin C in the morning and glycolic acid at night to minimize irritation. Avoid using glycolic acid in the same routine as retinol, other AHAs, or BHAs as this can cause over-exfoliation, irritation, and compromised skin barrier. If you want to use multiple actives, alternate nights or use one in AM and one in PM.
This treatment is excellent for oily, combination, and normal skin types seeking radiance, texture improvement, and anti-aging benefits. It works well for dry skin when followed with a rich moisturizer. Sensitive skin can use it as a 15-minute rinse-off mask. It's ideal for those with dull, congested, sun-damaged, or aging skin. Not recommended for those with fungal acne, eczema, or severely compromised skin barrier.
You'll notice instant radiance and smoother skin texture immediately after the first use. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent use, expect improved overall texture and softer fine lines. By weeks 3-4, you should see more even skin tone and minimized pores. Full results including significant improvement in dark spots, fine lines, and overall skin quality typically appear within 2-3 months of regular use.
Apply after cleansing and toning, as step 3 in your routine. Use 1-2 pumps on clean, dry skin before your serums and moisturizer. Can be used morning or night (PM recommended). If using as a mask for sensitive skin, apply, wait 15 minutes, rinse, then continue with the rest of your routine. Always follow with SPF 30+ during the day.
This product has a comedogenic rating of approximately 2/5 (low-moderate). While glycolic acid itself is excellent for unclogging pores, some ingredients like stearic acid, palmitic acid, and cetearyl alcohol can be mildly comedogenic for acne-prone individuals. Most users don't experience breakouts, but if you're highly acne-prone, patch test first. The exfoliating action generally outweighs any potential pore-clogging effects.
The product has a 12-month Period After Opening (PAO). Once opened, use within one year for optimal efficacy and safety. The airless pump packaging helps protect the formula from contamination and oxidation. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If the product changes color, consistency, or develops an unusual smell, discontinue use.
Verdict: Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment is a cult-favorite for good reason. With 7% purified glycolic acid balanced by soothing prickly pear extract, it delivers instant radiance and visible results that justify its premium price point. The clean, formaldehyde-free formula is suitable for most skin types and can be used as a leave-on treatment or rinse-off mask. While the high price, lack of fungal acne safety, and glass packaging are drawbacks, the transformative results on dull, textured, and aging skin make this an excellent investment for those seeking professional-grade exfoliation at home. If budget is a concern, The Ordinary's 7% Glycolic Toning Solution offers similar benefits at a fraction of the cost.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 |
Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Antifoaming Agent, Skin Protecting
|
|
|
| 4 |
Glycolic Acid
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Exfoliant, Exfoliating, Buffering
|
Brightening
Ache-fighting
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Dark Spots
Texture
Pores
|
|
| 0 |
Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
PPG-12
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Squalane
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning, Refatting
|
Hydrating
|