7 best glycolic acid serums in India that zap away unevenness

Several studies suggest that a whopping 80 per cent of the Indian population is susceptible to concerns around skin pigmentation. Hyperpigmentation, melasma, dark spots, uneven skin tone, bumps, and texture issues are common on Indian skin. Besides cleansing, scrubbing, and using sunscreen regularly, a skincare routine for pigmented, textured skin must include chemical active ingredients that address the skin type’s unique concerns. Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that eliminates texture, pigmentation, bumps, and roughness. A key component of most serums, glycolic acid is reported to positively improve pore size, texture, and dark spots over regular use. 

The benefits of using a glycolic acid serum  

Derived from sugarcane, glycolic acid gently removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, revealing smoother, brighter, fresher-looking skin, says Lucknow-based dermatologist Dr Nidhi Singh Tandon. “It has the smallest molecule among all the other AHAs, which equips it to work more effectively and faster than many other exfoliating acids.”

One can expect a high-quality glycolic acid serum to smoothen rough skin, brighten a dull complexion, fade pigmentation, boost collagen production, and support skin renewal, explains Singh Tandon. What makes glycolic acid versatile is how one can adjust the doses and concentrations based on their concerns. “It can be used in different strengths; low for daily care, higher for weekly or professional use. This makes it suitable for most skin types, when used correctly,” adds the skin expert.

The dos and don’ts of using glycolic acid serum 

Even though you can modify your skincare routine with a glycolic acid serum, doing it correctly is important to avoiding counterproductive reactions. Singh Tandon advises against layering the AHA with potent chemical active ingredients such as retinoids, high power vitamin C, other potent exfoliating acids, and physical scrubs. “Use caution on very sensitive, inflamed, or recently treated skin, and always follow up with a sunscreen if applied during the daytime,” she adds. As a general rule, always apply glycolic acid serum on well-cleansed skin, and follow up with a nourishing moisturiser, irrespective of the time of the day. 

These are the best glycolic acid serums in India to even out the skin:

L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Bright Serum: The best glycolic acid serum for dark spots 

Pumped with Melasyl, a patented brightening ingredient along with niacinamide, glycerin, glycolic acid, sodium hyaluronate, vitamin E, and salicylic acid, this lightweight serum is refining, brightening, and effectively pigmentation-defying. It is ideal for those having dark spots and uneven pigmentation as skin concerns.

Priced at ₹749

Available at Amazon.in

The Ordinary Glycolic Toning Solution: The best glycolic acid serum for open pores

A toner by texture, and serum by performance, this exfoliator is a do-it-all solution for texture, congestion, and flakiness—on the skin as well as the scalp. Infused with 7 per cent glycolic acid, rose water, aloe vera, glutamic acid, glycerin, and ginseng root extract, it’s potent yet gentle, making it suitable for most skin types.

*Do not leave it on the scalp for more than 5-10 minutes unless recommended by a medical professional. 

Priced at ₹900

Available at Nykaa.com

Paula’s Choice Daily Smoothing Treatment 5% AHA: The best glycolic acid serum for even-toned skin 

Glycolic acid headlines the formulation of this creamy, skin-smoothing serum, with peptides, ceramides, and turmeric-derived antioxidants. What makes it the best glycolic acid serum for even-toned skin is its ability to alleviate dullness, texture, fine lines, pigmentation, roughness, and bumps on the skin. 

Priced at ₹3,440

Available at Luxury.tatacliq.com

iS Clinical Active Serum: The best glycolic acid serum for acne 

Trust this ultra-potent concoction of naturally-derived AHAs and BHAs to smooth and even out the skin from the deepest layers of epidermis. Devised to act fast and deliver visible results in a short span of time, this formula leaves you with clearer, healthier skin. It also doubles as one of the best glycolic acid serums for acne since it exfoliates, resurfaces, and decongests, owing to the high doses of both AHAs and BHAs.

Priced at ₹8,959

Available at Clinikally.com

Caudalie Vinoperfect Glycolic Essence: The best glycolic acid serum to brighten the skin

Inspired by Asian skincare trends of juicing up the skin with essences, this formula combines glycolic acid with soothing ingredients like white peony extract and grape water to brighten and hydrate the skin. Its weightless essence promises quick absorption to refine the skin.

Priced at ₹3,250

Available at Sephora.in

Aminu Overnight Peel: The best glycolic acid serum to smooth texture 

It’s a good idea to have something as potent and hard-working as this overnight peel for extreme skin emergencies. The milky serum-like peel promises to show results overnight; it exfoliates, refines, and resurfaces your skin seamlessly while you’re asleep. Lactic acid, peptides, sandalwood water, and seaweed extract balance the potency and ensure you wake up to clearer, supple, and smoother skin.

Priced at ₹2,500

Available at Aminu.life

Murad Vita-C Glycolic Serum: The best vitamin C serum with glycolic acid 

If stubborn pigmentation refuses to disappear, this formula packs the dual-action of vitamin C (brightening) and glycolic (smoothing), making for a promising choice. Suitable for all skin types, this orange-hued gel-textured serum targets dark spots and unevenness by refining and resurfacing the skin simultaneously.

Priced at ₹8,600

Available at Nykaa.com