Skin Generics Glycolic Acid 55% Active Complex
Works for
1 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Exfoliation3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Features A natural exfoliator and deep cleanser at 4.”
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: capryloyl salicylic acid, glycolic acid.
Anti-blemish3 ingredients credited for this claimLimited support
“5% of anti-blemish properties with optimal results after using 2 or 3 times a week.”
This product contains ingredients (capryloyl salicylic acid, glycolic acid) that could help reduce blemishes and clogged pores in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · 3 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: glycolic acid
The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: capryloyl salicylic acid.
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · 1 ingredient credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains glycolic acid.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy2 strong irritants: Alcohol denat., AlcoholMedium risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~40–60%
Alcohol denat.~8.8–13.1%
- Irritation risk
- High
Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products
More about Alcohol denat.Alcohol~4–6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
More about AlcoholGlycolic acid~2.5–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- High
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
More about Glycolic acidSodium hydroxide~1.2–1.7%
Salicylic acid~0.4–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)
More about Salicylic acidCapryloyl salicylic acid~0.3–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Ingredient list view
Water, Alcohol denat., Alcohol, Glycolic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Salicylic acid, Capryloyl salicylic acid
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
.png)
Affiliate links · prices updated regularly
Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| Skin GenericsGlycolic Acid 55% Active ComplexYOUR PRODUCT | Peter Thomas RothPRO Strength Exfoliating Super Peel | The OrdinaryAHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution | CeraVeBlemish Control Gel Moisturiser with 2% Salicylic Acid & Niacinamide for Blemish-Prone Skin | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 85% | 85% | 85% |
| Price | $18.44 | $88.00+$69.56 | $6.30−$12.14 | $14.54−$3.90 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 3 |
| Key difference | — | Sodium Pca | Lactic Acid | Niacinamide |
| Irritancy | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Drying alcohol | Contains drying alcohol | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 7 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3
- 4Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive reviewncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 5Beta Hydroxy Acidsfda.gov
- 6A review of toxicity from topical salicylic acid preparationssciencedirect.com
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.