Glycolic acid body washes are exfoliating cleansers designed to remove dead skin cells, smooth rough patches, and improve skin texture and tone on the body. They often contain glycolic acid alongside other alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to gently resurface the skin while cleansing.
Key Features of Glycolic Acid Body Washes:
- Exfoliation and resurfacing: Glycolic acid helps slough off dead, rough, and uneven skin cells, revealing softer, smoother, and brighter skin.
- Formulations: Typically include a blend of AHAs such as glycolic, lactic, pyruvic, and tartaric acids for enhanced exfoliation effects.
- Additional benefits: Some contain hydrating and soothing ingredients like red algae or aloe to reduce irritation and boost skin moisture.
- Usage: Suitable for daily use on the body and often gentle enough for the face as well.
- Skin types: Formulated for all skin types, including sensitive skin, with fragrance-free and vegan options available.
Popular Products Examples:
- Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash: Contains a blend of AHAs, hydrates with red algae, fragrance-free, vegan, and suitable for daily use to improve rough and bumpy skin texture.
- Kitsch Glycolic Acid Resurfacing Face and Body Wash: Contains 0.7% glycolic acid, aloe for hydration, gentle enough for sensitive skin, and targets bumps, congestion, and uneven skin tone.
- Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash: With 8.8% glycolic acid, deeply exfoliates and resurfaces, good for rough bumps and dry patches.
How to Use:
- Apply to damp skin using hands, washcloth, or loofah.
- Massage gently to create a lather and leave on skin briefly for enhanced exfoliation.
- Rinse thoroughly.
These body washes exfoliate without stripping moisture when used as directed, helping with body acne, hyperpigmentation, dullness, and uneven skin texture.