I’m sold out of Acne.org AHA+ (Glycolic Acid – 10%) right now (I’m hoping to have more in stock in a month or so), but you can still successfully perform The Regimen with alternative glycolic acid products.
Also, it’s important to note that since I improved Acne.org Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide – 2.5%) that many people have commented that they no longer need a glycolic-acid-containing product to stay reliably and completely clear at all times. In other words, you simply may not need a glycolic acid product any more with The Regimen as long as you are using Acne.org Treatment (Benzoyl Peroxide – 2.5%).
When Choosing an AHA (10% Glycolic Acid)
Avoid:
- Most oils: While some oils are perfectly safe, like jojoba oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, macadamia nut oil, and mineral oil, many other oils can clog pores.
- Thick and greasy products: Creams that are thick and greasy tend to clog pores. Plus, when a product is thick, it can be harder to apply gently.
- Alcohols: While still not scientifically proven, alcohol is known to dry and strip the skin, so avoid any product that contains Ethyl Alcohol, Denatured Alcohol (Alcohol Denat.), Isopropyl Alcohol, Methyl Alcohol, or Methanol. Some other alcohols are not the same type of chemical and should be okay as long as they are not listed in the first seven (7) ingredients. These include benzyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, and lanolin alcohol.
- Pore-clogging Ingredients: Researchers have tested many ingredients one at a time on either rabbit ears or human skin, and a list of ingredients to avoid has started coming into focus. But to be safe, avoid the biggest offenders. See below for a complete list of ingredients to avoid or to consider avoiding.
- Scents: Some fragrances irritate some people, and some do not. If you are sensitive, try your best to avoid scented products. But this is usually not a huge deal, so no need to overthink it.
Look for:
- A 10% glycolic acid. That’s the legal limit over-the-counter.
- The words “non-comedogenic” or “will not clog pores” on the label.
- A large brand. Glycolic acid must be kept at the proper pH (acidity) to do its job, and some smaller brands don’t take this under consideration enough, which would mean you’re buying a product that isn’t effective. Stick with large brands with experience in the market.
If buying on store shelves:
I used to recommend one product for this, but it’s been discontinued, so I don’t have any in particular to recommend right now. If you find one you love, let me know so I can try it.
You can also take a look at Acne.org user reviews for Acne.org members’ opinions of drugstore products. Keep in mind, however, that not all of the reviews are from people who are using the products while on The Regimen.
