7 best glycolic acid serums for texture and dark spots

Ria Bhatia
Jan 21, 2026, 07:23 AM

The benefits of using a glycolic acid serum

Glycolic acid gently removes dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, revealing smoother, brighter, fresher-looking skin.

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

The milky serum-like peel promises to show results overnight; it exfoliates, refines, and resurfaces your skin seamlessly while you’re asleep.

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

This ultra-potent concoction of naturally-derived AHAs and BHAs smooths and evens out the skin from the deepest layers of epidermis.

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

This formula combines glycolic acid with soothing ingredients like white peony extract and grape water to brighten and hydrate the skin.

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.

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

It contains Melasyl, a patented brightening ingredient along with niacinamide, glycerin, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid.

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.

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

Suitable for all skin types, this gel-textured serum targets dark spots and unevenness by refining and resurfacing the skin.