Glycolic Acid (AHA)

Glycolic acid is the most researched chemical exfoliant in skincare, and the one that does the most for the concerns Pakistani skin deals with year-round dullness, rough texture, and dark spots. Everything here is formulated at a working 7% concentration.

What Is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), derived from sugarcane. It's water-soluble and works on the skin's surface rather than inside pores.

What makes it distinctive is molecular size. It's the smallest AHA used in skincare smaller than lactic or mandelic acid so it penetrates the surface more readily. It works by breaking the bonds between dead skin cells, accelerating the natural shedding process that slows with age, sun damage, heat, and pollution.

The result is smoother texture, brighter tone, and a surface that reflects light more evenly. That's genuine cell turnover, not a cosmetic effect that washes off.

Why 7% Is the Working Concentration

Exfoliating effect depends on both concentration and pH. At 7%, within the active pH range, glycolic acid delivers consistent results without the sensitisation risk of professional-strength peels.

• Below 5% mild to the point of marginal results
• 7% clinically effective, visible change in texture and tone, suitable for regular home use
• Above 10% irritation and barrier disruption risk rises substantially for home use
• Above 20% professional peel strength, clinic only

Why It Suits Pakistani Skin

Intense UV year-round, heat, humidity, dust and pollution accelerate surface damage in specific ways. Glycolic acid addresses several at once.

Sun-damaged texture. Prolonged exposure breaks down the surface and slows renewal. Glycolic acid removes the damaged outer layer chemically, without the physical scrubbing that worsens inflammation.

Dullness from dead cell buildup. Heat and pollution speed up accumulation of dead cells — the main cause of a flat complexion. Clearing that buildup restores the skin's ability to reflect light.

Dark spots. Pigmentation from sun exposure, hormones, or past breakouts looks more prominent because of the layer of pigmented dead cells sitting on top. Removing that layer makes spots appear lighter even before the underlying pigment fades.

Glycolic Acid vs Salicylic Acid

These are different acids that do different jobs. Glycolic acid is an AHA water-soluble, surface-level. Salicylic acid is a BHA oil-soluble, so it gets inside pores.

Dermasation's products in this collection use glycolic acid only if your primary concern is blackheads or active acne, a BHA is the better starting point.

Pairing It With Other Actives

The Rules That Don't Bend

• Maximum 3–4 nights per week, even at full tolerance. It isn't a daily product.
• Evening only it increases photosensitivity for several days after application.
• SPF every morning year-round UV here makes this mandatory, not optional.
• Always follow with a moisturizer barrier repair after exfoliation is what makes long-term use sustainable.
• Never combine with retinol on the same night.
• Patch test if your skin is sensitive start at half frequency and build.

What to Expect, and When

If you stop, surface texture and dullness typically return within three to four weeks. Consistency is what holds the results.

Where to Start

The Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is the core product 250ml for Rs. 2,000. Because SPF is non-negotiable alongside it, most people are better off with the Repair & Protect Bundle, which pairs it with sunscreen for less than buying both separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is glycolic acid used for?
Removing dead skin cells, accelerating cell turnover, fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation, smoothing rough texture, and restoring radiance. It's most useful for dullness and uneven tone.

Can I use glycolic acid every day?
No. Start at two evenings a week and build to a maximum of three or four. Daily use without rest nights causes cumulative irritation rather than faster results.

What are the side effects?
Mild tingling on application is normal. Persistent stinging, redness or flaking means you're using it too often. Reduce frequency, prioritise moisturizer, and avoid broken or irritated skin entirely.

Does it help with hyperpigmentation?
Yes, by removing pigmented cells from the surface. Daily SPF is essential alongside it UV deepens spots faster than any acid can fade them.

Can it cause breakouts?
Some people see a short adjustment period as cell turnover speeds up, usually settling within two to three weeks. Starting slowly makes it much less likely.

Can I use it with niacinamide?
Yes niacinamide in the morning, glycolic acid in the evening. One of the better pairings.

Do I need sunscreen with it?
Yes, without exception. It raises UV sensitivity for days after each use, so daily SPF is what protects the results.

Is it safe during pregnancy?
Glycolic acid is generally considered lower-risk than retinoids, but that's a question for your doctor rather than a product page.