Skin
Jan 29, 2022

FYI, the Secret to Baby-Soft Skin Just Might Be This $6 Bodywash

by Katie Berohn

Glycolic acid is an essential skincare ingredient. It’s one of the best things you can do to reveal your most glowing, radiant skin. The powerhouse ingredient works to “gently exfoliate dead skin cells, de-clog pores, and speed up the skin's natural renewal process,” according to Mila Moursi, celebrity aesthetician.

Glycolic acid is a form of alpha hydroxy acid made from sugar cane. Alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs, work to build collagen and shed dead skin cells, unlike their counterpart, BHAs, which go deeper into pores to help decrease oil production. Glycolic acid is the smallest AHA, so it’s well-absorbed by the skin and used most widely in skincare products—in fact, you probably already have a glycolic acid serum to help polish your face.

Here’s the thing: Glycolic acid doesn’t need to be reserved for the skin on your face. In fact, this skincare superstar absolutely needs to find a home in your bodycare routine. By adding glycolic acid, you can have smooth, supple skin all over your body.

One of the easiest ways to start incorporating this exfoliant is through a product you’re already using every day: bodywash. Below, I’ve rounded up the best bodywashes that include glycolic acid so that you can start having touchably soft skin as soon as possible. Bonus: My favorite pick is on sale for $6 at Ulta right now, so you really can’t go wrong by trying it out for yourself.

Mario Badescu A.H.A Botanical Body Soap

A.H.A Botanical Body Soap

This AHA body soap uses grapefruit and glycolic acid to help slough off dead skin cells. It also smells dreamy and can be used to help clear stubborn body acne.

Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash

Exfoliating Body Wash

With 8.8% glycolic acid, this bodywash is a true heavy hitter. Once you scrub yourself with this, you'll feel like you have a brand-new layer of skin.

Pixi by Petra Body Treats Glycolic Body Wash

Body Treats Glycolic Body Wash

This is one of my personal favorite options for glowing skin all over. With 5% glycolic acid, lemon extract, and sugar maple extract, this bodywash really does feel like a body treat.

Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash

Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash

Kosas does it again with this bodywash that smooths, evens skin, clears breakouts, and even calms sensitive skin down thanks to allantoin, a skin-soothing ingredient.

Alpha Skin Care Moisturizing Body Wash

Alpha Skin Care

Moisturizing Body Wash

Not only does this rich-lathering body lotion have glycolic acid, but it's also infused with aloe vera and vitamin E to help soften skin.

Lancer Skincare The Method: Body Cleanse

Lancer Skincare

The Method: Body Cleanse

Glycolic and salicylic acid work together in this bodywash to deliver seriously smooth results. Luckily, thanks to watermelon-seed oil, it's also hydrating, so you won't feel stripped after using it.

Some by Mi 30 Days Miracle Cleansing Bar

30 Days Miracle Cleansing Bar

More of a bar-soap kind of person? Try this cleansing bar to brighten and soften skin. With three types of acid—AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs—this bar soap is a true triple threat.

Typology Paris Anti-Blemish Shower Gel

Anti-Blemish Shower Gel

Clear annoying body acne with this shower gel. Six percent glycolic acid is joined by tea tree oil to help your skin look its absolute best.

Mederma AG Body Cleanser

AG Body Cleanser

This body cleanser is formulated to specifically target dry skin, so it helps with flakiness. Use it in the winter when your skin needs exfoliation and a boost of hydration.

Touch Keratosis Pilaris & Acne Exfoliating Body Wash

Keratosis Pilaris & Acne Exfoliating Body Wash

Anyone who struggles with keratosis pilaris knows how irritating it can be to deal with. With 15% glycolic acid, this is one of the most potent formulas on this list, so it will help dissolve bumps and even texture. It also has salicylic acid, so it banishes oil, too.

First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub

First Aid Beauty

KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub

Great for those arm bumps you can't get rid of.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum

Smooth on this serum before bed once a week and reveal glowing skin.

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion

T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion

If you want a dose of moisture with your glycolic body treatment.

Glossier Solution

People swear by this exfoliating solution for clearing their acne and imparting radiance.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution

Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution

A toner with glycolic acid is nothing short of genius.