Quick answer: A glycolic body wash is a shower gel with glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the surface of the skin. Lather it on, leave it for a minute, rinse and moisturize. The FDA notes that AHAs increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV light, so use sunscreen while you use it and for a week afterward (FDA).
Table of Contents
How to use a glycolic body wash: 5 steps
- Wet your skin with lukewarm water.
- Lather a small amount in your hands or on a soft cloth.
- Apply to rough areas such as arms, legs, back and elbows. Skip freshly shaved skin.
- Rinse after about a minute or as the label says.
- Moisturize while your skin is still damp, then use sunscreen on exposed areas during the day.
Time: part of your normal shower. How often: start with 2 or 3 times a week.
What glycolic acid does in a body wash
Glycolic acid is one of the alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) the FDA lists in cosmetics. In a glycolic body wash, it loosens dull surface skin so it rinses away, which can leave skin feeling smoother. Because a wash stays on the skin for only a short time, it’s usually milder than a leave-on lotion with the same acid.
The FDA reports that a safety panel considered glycolic acid products safe for consumers at concentrations of 10 percent or less with a pH of 3.5 or greater, when the product also includes sun protection or tells you to use it (FDA).
Why sunscreen matters with a glycolic body wash
The FDA says applying AHAs to the skin increases UV sensitivity. In one study it describes, volunteers who used an AHA for four weeks had about 18 percent more skin reddening from UV light. The FDA’s suggested label warning is to use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing and limit sun exposure while using the product and for a week afterward.
So if you use a glycolic body wash on your arms, legs or back, cover those areas with sunscreen when they’re in the sun. Our guide to sunscreen for fair skin covers how much to apply.
How to choose a glycolic body wash
| Feature | Why it matters | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Glycolic acid listed | The active ingredient | Check the ingredient list, not just the front |
| Directions and warnings | Tells you how long to leave it on | Follow the label |
| Fragrance | Scent is a personal choice | Fragrance-free if you prefer mild |
| Pump bottle | Easy to measure | One or two pumps is enough |
We haven’t lab-tested specific products. This table is about reading the label.
Patch test first. The AAD suggests applying a new product to a quarter-sized spot on the underside of your arm or the bend of your elbow twice a day for 7 to 10 days, and stopping if your skin reacts (AAD).
A weekly glycolic body wash routine
- Week 1: use it twice, on non-consecutive days.
- Week 2: if your skin feels fine, try three times.
- Other days: a gentle, fragrance-free body wash.
- Every day: moisturizer after showering and sunscreen on exposed skin.
- Skip it: on sunburned, cut or freshly shaved skin.
Don’t combine it with a sugar scrub or another exfoliant on the same day. One exfoliating step at a time is easier on your skin.
Common mistakes
- Using it every day right away. Build up slowly.
- Skipping sunscreen. AHAs make skin more sensitive to the sun.
- Using it on your face. Use products made for faces there.
- Scrubbing hard on top. Let the wash do the exfoliating.
Pairing it with the rest of your routine
Keep the rest of your shower simple on the days you use an acid wash. A mild shampoo, a gentle conditioner and a plain moisturizer are all you need. Avoid adding a second exfoliating product, such as a scrub, a rough mitt or an exfoliating scrubber, on the same day.
Many people like to use it in the evening, so the treated skin isn’t in the sun right away. In summer, when your arms and legs are more exposed, you might use it less often and focus on sun protection instead.
Give it a few weeks before deciding whether you like it. Take note of how your skin feels after each shower, and adjust how often you use it based on that rather than on the bottle alone.
For a complete routine from the neck down, see our guide to body care.
FAQ
How often can I use a glycolic body wash?
Start with 2 or 3 times a week and follow the label. Cut back if your skin feels irritated.
Can I use a glycolic body wash on my face?
It’s better to use a product made for the face, which is usually milder.
Do I need sunscreen with a glycolic body wash?
Yes. The FDA says AHAs increase UV sensitivity and suggests sun protection during use and for a week after.
Can I use it with a body scrub?
Not on the same day. Use one exfoliating step at a time.
How long should I leave it on?
About a minute, or whatever the label says, then rinse.
Written by Mahmoud Abdelmaksoud.
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