Best Glycolic Acid Face Scrubs of 2025

Charlotte Powell Avatar
Charlotte Powell
Last Updated: 29 Jan 2025

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Glycolic acid face scrubs are a popular skincare product that contain alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and are designed to exfoliate and improve the texture of the skin. These scrubs work by removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, revealing brighter, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin. Glycolic acid is also known to stimulate collagen production, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. While glycolic acid face scrubs may not be suitable for everyone, those who are looking to improve their skin's texture and appearance may benefit from adding this product to their skincare routine.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Nip + Fab Glycolic Acid Face Scrub Extreme Cover #TOP 1
Nip + Fab Glycolic Acid Face Scrub Extreme
ftb score rating icon 9.9
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Exfoliator with Salicylic Acid Cover #TOP 2
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Exfoliator with Salicylic Acid
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Skin Glow Exfoliating Face Scrub with Glycolic Acid Cover #TOP 3
Skin Glow Exfoliating Face Scrub with Glycolic Acid
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Glycolic Acid Face Scrubs

#TOP 1

Nip + Fab Glycolic Acid Face Scrub Extreme

SKGLYSCRXT75
no colour
75 ml (Pack of 1)
Nip + Fab Glycolic Acid Face Scrub Extreme Cover
Nip + Fab Glycolic Acid Fix Face Scrub Extreme with Salicylic Acid, Aloe Vera AHA/BHA Exfoliating Facial Cleanser Polish for Refining Pores Skin Brightening, 75 ml

The Nip + Fab Face Scrub is designed to exfoliate and resurface your skin effectively. It combines the power of glycolic acid and salicylic acid to cleanse and polish, helping to remove dirt and dead skin cells. This scrub not only fights blackheads through chemical exfoliation but also unclogs pores, making your skin clearer. With a super-strength formulation featuring 6% glycolic acid, it brightens your complexion and decongests your skin for a fresh, revitalised look.

What We Like
Effective exfoliation and resurfacing
Cleanses and removes dead skin
Unclogs and refines pores
Brightens complexion
#TOP 2

NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Exfoliator with Salicylic Acid

98756-04568-01
White
40 ml (Pack of 1)
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Exfoliator with Salicylic Acid Cover
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Chemical Exfoliator (40ml), Liquid Exfoliator Made with 8% Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and Niacinamide, to Visibly Reduce and Prevent Blemishes

The NIVEA Derma Exfoliator is designed to visibly reduce blemishes and prevent their return, helping you achieve clearer skin within just seven days. This facial exfoliator supports your skin's natural renewal process, encouraging the removal of old skin cells for a fresh appearance. With a concentrated formula featuring 8% Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and Niacinamide, it effectively unclogs pores and improves skin texture. By incorporating this product into your evening routine, you can enjoy smoother, healthier skin overnight.

What We Like
Reduces blemishes quickly
Supports skin renewal
Unclogs pores effectively
Clinically tested for safety
Easy to apply overnight
#TOP 3

Skin Glow Exfoliating Face Scrub with Glycolic Acid

natures clinic
04/05/2024/1
50 g (Pack of 1)
Skin Glow Exfoliating Face Scrub with Glycolic Acid Cover
Skin Glow Don't Hate Exfoliate Face Scrub With Glycolic Acid For Brightening and Exfoliate 200ml

The Skin Glow Face Scrub is enriched with Glycolic Acid, which gently exfoliates your skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and impurities. It also contains Salicylic Acid that works to reveal a radiant glow. By refining your skin texture, this scrub aids in reducing blemishes and promoting a healthy, glowing complexion. With every use, you can unveil a brighter, smoother version of your skin, transforming your daily wash into a revitalising experience.

What We Like
Gently exfoliates and brightens skin
Reduces blemishes effectively
Promotes healthy complexion
Transforms daily cleansing routine
#TOP 4

Nip+Fab Glycolic Acid Daily Cleansing Pads

Nip+Fab Glycolic Acid Daily Cleansing Pads Cover
Nip+Fab Glycolic Acid Fix Daily Cleansing Pads for Face with Hyaluronic Acid | 100 Pads XXL & Glycolic Acid Fix Face Scrub Extreme with Salicylic Acid | 75 ml 2.5 fl oz

The Nip+Fab Cleansing Pads offer a convenient way to enhance your skincare routine. With 2.8% glycolic acid, these pads gently exfoliate and retexture your skin, helping you achieve a brighter and smoother complexion. Infused with witch hazel, they work to even your skin tone, revealing a more radiant appearance. Additionally, the inclusion of hyaluronic acid provides essential hydration, keeping your skin soft and plump. Enjoy the benefits of a revitalised complexion with these effective cleansing pads.

What We Like
Gently exfoliates skin
Brightens complexion
Hydrates and retains moisture
Suitable for all skin types
#TOP 5

Nip+Fab Glycolic Acid Fix Face Scrub and Cleanser

Nip+Fab Glycolic Acid Fix Face Scrub and Cleanser Cover
Nip+Fab Glycolic Acid Fix Face Scrub Extreme with Salicylic Acid | Aloe Vera AHA/BHA Exfoliating Facial Cleanser Polish | 75 ml 2.5 fl oz & Glycolic Acid Fix Foaming Cleanser

The Nip+Fab Glycolic Face Cleanser offers an excellent solution for exfoliating and resurfacing your skin. With a powerful blend of glycolic acid, it effectively removes dirt and grime, leaving your skin feeling refreshed. The inclusion of salicylic acid helps refine pores, making it ideal for keeping them clear and unclogged. Additionally, the scrub's super-strength formula, containing 6% glycolic acid, brightens your complexion while helping to decongest the skin, ensuring a smoother and more radiant appearance.

What We Like
Effective exfoliation and resurfacing
Refines and unclogs pores
Brightens complexion
Hydrating formula
#TOP 6

Minimalist 11% Glycolic & Tranexamic Acid Exfoliator

Minimalist
MNBE
White
60 ml (Pack of 1)
Minimalist 11% Glycolic & Tranexamic Acid Exfoliator Cover
Minimalist 11% Glycolic acid & Tranexamic acid, AHA BHA Body Exfoliator For Men & Women (White)

The Minimalist Exfoliator is designed to enhance your skin's appearance and health. It features Glycolic acid, which effectively removes dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover, giving you a fresher look. The addition of Salicylic acid provides a multi-level exfoliation, helping to clear your pores of excess oil and dirt. Tranexamic acid works to inhibit melanin synthesis, targeting hyperpigmentation and promoting an even skin tone. This powerful combination ensures your skin feels revitalised and well-balanced.

What We Like
Effective dead skin removal
Clears pores and reduces oil
Targets hyperpigmentation
Enhances skin tone
#TOP 7

Nip+Fab Glycolic Acid Face Scrub & Pads

Nip+Fab Glycolic Acid Face Scrub & Pads Cover
Nip+Fab Glycolic Acid Fix Face Scrub with Salicylic Acid | AHA/BHA Exfoliating Facial Cleanser Polish | 75 ml & Glycolic Acid Fix Daily Cleansing Pads| 100 Pads XXL

The Nip+Fab Glycolic Face Set is designed to gently exfoliate and cleanse your skin. The glycolic acid scrub effectively removes dirt without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. It also helps to reduce blemishes, revealing a smoother and brighter complexion. With 3% glycolic acid, it resurfaces your skin, making it suitable for all skin types. Additionally, the face pads contain witch hazel, which evens out your skin tone while hyaluronic acid ensures hydration, keeping your skin plump and soft.

What We Like
Gently exfoliates the skin
Reduces blemishes effectively
Clears and refines pores
Hydrates and brightens complexion
#TOP 8

NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Exfoliator

White
40 ml (Pack of 2)
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Exfoliator Cover
NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Chemical Exfoliator (40ml), Liquid Exfoliator Made with Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and Niacinamide, to Visibly Reduce and Prevent Blemishes, For Blemish-Prone Skin

NIVEA Exfoliator is designed to help you achieve clearer skin by visibly reducing blemishes within just seven days. It supports your skin's natural renewal process, promoting the removal of old skin cells for a fresh complexion. The concentrated formula includes 8 percent Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, and Niacinamide, which work together to deeply cleanse your pores. With clinically tested results, you can enjoy a refined skin texture without the worry of dryness.

What We Like
Reduces blemishes effectively
Supports skin renewal
Deeply cleanses pores
Clinically tested results

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Daily Scrub for Spots

5723002
green
150 ml (Pack of 1)
Neutrogena Visibly Clear Daily Scrub for Spots Cover
Neutrogena Visibly Clear Spot Stress Control Daily Scrub (1x 150ml), Daily Face Scrub for Spot-Prone Skin, Brightening and Smoothing Scrub with Salicylic Acid, Developed with Dermatologists

The Neutrogena Daily Scrub is a powerful exfoliator designed for spot-prone skin. With salicylic acid, it helps to clear spots before they even appear, giving you a proactive approach to skincare. This gentle cleanser penetrates deep into your pores, effectively removing excess oil and dead skin cells, which leaves your complexion looking clearer and healthier. Its unique MicroClear technology ensures a thorough clean, while soothing ingredients like green tea and cucumber extracts provide a refreshing touch to your daily routine.

What We Like
Effectively clears spots
Unclogs pores
Gentle exfoliation
Soothing ingredients
Easy to use
#TOP 10

7Days Skincare Exfoliating Face Peel Pads

Vit C
1 count (Pack of 1)
7Days Skincare Exfoliating Face Peel Pads Cover
7Days Skincare Exfoliating Pads - Face Care Cleanser - Face Peel Pads with Glycolic Acid, AHA and Vitamin C - Pigmentation Treatment Exfoliator

The 7Days Exfoliating Pads offer a convenient solution for achieving smoother, brighter skin. These chemical exfoliating pads help remove dead skin cells, refining your skin texture and tightening pores for a youthful appearance. With Glycolic Acid, they deeply penetrate to combat fine lines and imperfections. The Lactic Acid provides a gentler exfoliation, leaving your skin glowing and moisturised. Ideal for gym or travel, simply rub the textured side on your face, and enjoy the benefits of clearer skin wherever you go.

What We Like
Effective chemical exfoliation
Convenient for travel
Promotes skin healing
Brightens and evens skin tone
Cruelty-free and eco-friendly
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What does glycolic acid do to your face?

When applied to the skin, glycolic acid works to break the bonds between the outer layer of skin cells, including dead skin cells, and the next skin cell layer. This creates a peeling effect that can make the skin appear smoother and more even.

2. Can I use glycolic acid everyday?

Is Glycolic Acid okay for everyday use? Depending on the concentration, yes, you can use Glycolic Acid every day. If you're new to chemical exfoliants, you should work up to using it every day slowly rather than overdoing it at the beginning.

3. What should you not mix with glycolic acid?

But overall, stick to using water-based products and serums together. AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids should never be used with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an acid, too, and is unstable, so the pH balance will be thrown off by layering these ingredients together and might as well be useless.

Editor's Notes

During our glycolic acid face scrub research, we found 48 glycolic acid face scrub products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 42,170 customer reviews through our big data system to write the glycolic acid face scrubs list. We found that most customers choose glycolic acid face scrubs with an average price of £12.13.

The glycolic acid face scrubs are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of glycolic acid face scrubs, including Nip+Fab, NIVEA, natures clinic, Minimalist, Neutrogena.

Written by
Charlotte Powell Avatar

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.