Glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) commonly used in dermatology for exfoliation, has some preliminary scientific support for its use in managing dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff is characterized by the excessive shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp, often associated with Malassezia yeast proliferation and disrupted epidermal turnover. Glycolic acid’s keratolytic properties can help remove scales and reduce scalp flakiness by promoting the shedding of the outermost layer of the skin.

A small number of clinical studies and case reports (e.g., Sisti et al., 2018, J Clin Aesthet Dermatol) have indicated that topical glycolic acid treatments, often in the form of shampoos or lotions with concentrations ranging from 5% to 10%, can reduce scaling and improve the appearance of the scalp in patients with seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. These studies suggest that glycolic acid may be effective as an adjunctive therapy, especially when traditional antifungal or anti-inflammatory treatments are insufficient. However, the current body of evidence is limited by small sample sizes and a lack of large, randomized controlled trials.

In summary, there is early scientific validation for glycolic acid’s use in supporting dandruff treatment due to its exfoliating effects, but the evidence is limited and does not yet support its use as a first-line therapy. More robust clinical trials are needed to establish efficacy and safety.