By Amanda Elias  ·  Bravura London Blog  ·  August 2026  ·  8 min read

Glycolic Acid vs Salicylic Acid: Which Is Right for Your Skin?

If you have ever looked at a skincare shelf and wondered what the difference is between glycolic acid and salicylic acid, you are not alone. They are two of the most widely used ingredients in at-home chemical peels but they work quite differently, and understanding that difference can help you choose the one that suits your skin best.

At Bravura London, we have been making at-home acid peels for over 15 years. The question we hear most often from customers is: which one should I be using? This guide walks you through both, in plain language.

What is glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that naturally occurs in sugar cane. Of all the AHAs, it has the smallest molecule which means it can get to work on the skin relatively quickly.

It works at the surface of the skin, helping to loosen the bonds between old, dull skin cells so they can shed away more easily. With regular use, many people find their skin looks brighter, feels smoother, and appears more even in tone.

Glycolic acid is often a good choice for skin that looks:

• Dull or lacklustre
• Uneven in tone or texture
• Dry or rough to the touch
• Showing the early appearance of fine lines
• Affected by the look of sun-related discolouration

What is salicylic acid?

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA). The key difference from glycolic acid is that salicylic acid is oil-soluble rather than water-soluble and that changes where it can work on the skin.

Because it can pass through the oily environment inside a pore, salicylic acid is able to work inside the pore itself, not just on the skin's surface. This makes it particularly well-suited to skin that tends to be prone to congestion, blackheads, and blemishes.

Salicylic acid also has naturally soothing properties, which many people with reactive or blemish-prone skin find helpful.

Salicylic acid may be a good choice for skin that tends to be:

• Oily or prone to shine
• Congested or prone to blackheads
• Prone to blemishes or spots
• Combination, especially across the T-zone
• Affected by enlarged-looking pores

How do they compare?

Here is a side-by-side overview of both acids to help you decide which may suit your skin:

Which may suit your skin type?

The most straightforward way to decide is to think about your main skin concern right now.

Oily or blemish-prone skin

Salicylic acid is generally the more suitable choice. Its ability to work inside the pore makes it well-suited to skin that tends to congest easily.

Dry or more mature skin

Glycolic acid tends to be the better fit. Many people with dry or more mature skin find regular use leaves their complexion looking brighter and feeling smoother.

Combination skin

Either acid can work well depending on your main concern. Some people use salicylic acid on their T-zone and glycolic acid on drier areas of the face, or alternate between the two week by week.

Sensitive skin

If you are new to acids or have sensitive skin, lactic acid is generally considered the gentlest starting point. It is an AHA like glycolic acid but with a larger molecule size, which means it works more slowly and is often better tolerated.

Blackhead-prone skin

Salicylic acid is generally considered the more appropriate choice here. Because it works inside the pore, it can help address the congestion that leads to blackheads forming, something surface-level acids cannot do in the same way.

Dull or uneven-looking skin

Glycolic acid tends to suit this concern well. Regular use may support a more even, brighter-looking complexion over time.

Can you use both?

Yes, many people use both acids as part of their routine. The key is not to use them at the same time or in the same session. Using two acids together increases the risk of irritation and is not necessary to see results.

There are a couple of approaches that tend to work well:

Alternating week by week

Use one acid one week and the other the following week or alternating between the two every other evening. Always leave at least a day inbetween your chemical peels.

Using different formats

Some customers use a salicylic acid peel weekly for deeper pore work, while using a glycolic acid toner on alternate days for general surface maintenance. If you do this, keep the peel and toner in separate sessions, not the same evening.

How to use an acid peel at home

Both acids are suitable for home use. A few simple steps help you get the most from your peel and keep your skin comfortable.

Before your first use

• Do a patch test on a small area of skin, inside the wrist or behind the ear and wait 24 hours before applying to your face
• Start with once a week and see how your skin responds before increasing frequency
• Do not use on broken, sunburned, or irritated skin
• Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF the following morning, acids can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight

Applying a glycolic acid peel

1. Cleanse your skin and pat dry
2. Apply the peel evenly, avoiding the eye area
3. Leave on for the recommended time, start shorter and build up gradually
4. Rinse thoroughly with cool water
5. Follow with a gentle, hydrating moisturiser, like our Botanical Collagen and Peptide Moisturiser.

Applying a salicylic acid peel

1. Cleanse skin thoroughly and pat dry, make sure no other products are on the skin
2. Apply evenly all over or on each individual spot
3. A mild tingling sensation is normal, if you experience burning or significant discomfort, rinse immediately with cool water
4. Leave on for the recommended time, then rinse with cool water
5. Apply a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturiser to finish, our Azulene Moisturiser is a popular choice.

Common questions

Is glycolic acid stronger than salicylic acid?

They work differently rather than one being stronger than the other. A 10% glycolic acid peel works at the skin's surface. A 2% salicylic acid peel works inside the pore. The most appropriate choice depends on your skin concern, not the percentage figure alone.

Can acids cause temporary changes to my skin?

When you begin using an exfoliating acid, you may notice some temporary changes to your skin, including the appearance of blemishes. This is sometimes called a purging response, it tends to settle within a few weeks as your skin adjusts. If you experience significant or prolonged irritation, stop use and speak to a skincare professional or pop us an email.

How often should I use a chemical peel?

Most people start with once or twice a week. Using a peel more frequently than recommended is not necessary and may cause irritation. If you are new to acids, starting with once every two days is a sensible approach while your skin adjusts.

Are these peels suitable for sensitive skin?

If you have sensitive skin, lactic acid is generally considered the most gentle starting point. Always patch test any new product before applying to your face, and if in doubt, speak to a skincare professional or email Amanda.

Do I need to use SPF after a peel?

Yes. Both glycolic and salicylic acid can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight. A broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30, but ideally higher the morning after using a peel is an important part of the routine.

What is the difference between AHA and BHA?

AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) are water-soluble and work on the skin's surface, glycolic and lactic acid are both AHAs. BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) are oil-soluble and can work inside the pore, salicylic acid is the BHA most commonly used in skincare. The practical difference: AHAs tend to suit surface concerns, BHAs tend to suit pore-related concerns.

Can I use both acids if I have combination skin?

Yes, many people with combination skin find alternating between the two works well. Use salicylic acid when congestion or blemishes are the priority, and glycolic acid when brightness or texture is the focus. Just keep the two in separate sessions.

Explore our at-home peels

Bravura London has been making at-home chemical peels for over 20 years, used by customers across the UK and internationally. All our peels are vegan-friendly and not tested on animals. Free UK shipping on orders over £30.

Related reading:   Is my skin purging or breaking out?  ·  Why beginners should start with lactic acid  ·  How does salicylic acid work?