The Best Glycolic Acid Products Under $50 That Actually Work

Glowing, blemish-free skin shouldn’t require draining your bank account. While glycolic acid has earned cult status for transforming dull, congested complexions into radiant ones, you don’t need to shell out big bucks to experience its benefits. This powerhouse AHA effectively dissolves dead skin cells, unclogs pores and evens out skin tone at any price point.

From daily toners to overnight treatments, these affordable finds under $50 harness glycolic acid’s exfoliating and pore-clearing powers alongside ingredients like niacinamide, peptides and more. Whether you’re targeting texture, discoloration or just want that coveted glow, these budget-friendly picks deliver serious results without the luxury markup.

1 / 10

Topicals Clearly Clarifying & Calming Mist For Acne-Prone Skin ($26)

Your trusty hypochlorous acid spray just got a major upgrade. Along with the bacteria-busting ingredient, this soothing spray includes brightening glycolic and clarifying salicylic acid for a comprehensive solution to finicky skin.

• BUY NOW – $26

2 / 10

ZitSticka Fizz Fountain ($25)

Packed with glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids to polish plus niacinamide to soothe any irritation, rough and bumpy skin below the neck is no match for this retexturizing, blemish-zapping body wash.

• BUY NOW – $25

3 / 10

Versed Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution ($18)

Four brightening acids power this sinks-right-in toner that’s gentle enough to use daily. Use it wherever you’d like to fade hyperpigmentation—face, neck, underarms, bikini line—and watch the brightening magic.

• BUY ON VERSED – $18
• BUY ON AMAZON – $18

4 / 10

PROVENCE Beauty Sugar Plum Exfoliating Facial Toner ($19)

Witch hazel, AHA, BHA, malachite and glycolic acid combine in this oil-zapping, blemish-healing mist. Keep it on hand—use it post-cleanse or whenever you want a refresh—to help brighten dullness and fight breakouts.

• BUY NOW – $19

5 / 10

Naturium Glycolic Acid Resurfacing Gel 10% ($23)

Meant to be used a few times a week, glycolic and natural fruit acids work to iron out fine lines, decongest pores and reverse dull, lackluster skin in one lightweight step.

• BUY ON AMAZON – $23
• BUY ON ULTA – $23

6 / 10

Kinship Self Smooth 10% Glycolic Resurfacing Serum ($30)

Refined pores, smoother skin and a brighter look are just some of the benefits you can expect shortly after using this overnight glycolic– and vitamin C–packed serum. (One look at the before-and-after images will make you a believer!)

• BUY ON CREDO BEAUTY – $30
• BUY ON ULTA – $30

7 / 10

iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Pore Refine Pore Shrinking & Texture Smoothing Serum ($38)

Pore size got you down? This fragrance-free, sensitive-skin safe serum is proven to shrink the look of pores and smooth uneven texture right away and with continued use thanks to a blend of AHA, BHA and plumping peptides.

• BUY ON INNBEAUTY – $38
• BUY ON SEPHORA – $38

8 / 10

Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment ($6)

This blend of 10 percent AHA and BHA resurfaces and refreshes skin overnight by removing dead skin cells and clearing pores to reveal glowing, younger-looking skin.

• BUY NOW – $6

9 / 10

Bubble Deep Dive Exfoliating Mask ($18)

10-15 minutes is all you need for this mask to get to work on dull, lackluster skin and clogged pores. Thanks to fruit enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids, clearer, brighter skin is on the horizon.

• BUY ON ULTA – $18
• BUY ON AMAZON – $19

10 / 10

Prequel Multi-Acid Milk Exfoliating AHA Peel ($23)

In this milky treatment, a potent blend of glycolic, phytic, malic, mandelic and lactic acids works alongside enzymes to usher in brighter, smoother, skin, plus squalane for added bounce.

• BUY NOW – $23