Evidence supporting the use of: Glycolic acid
For the health condition: Psoriasis

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), is primarily used in dermatology for its exfoliating properties. Its use in psoriasis is based on its ability to soften and remove hyperkeratotic (thickened) scales by promoting desquamation of the stratum corneum. There are a small number of clinical studies and case reports suggesting that topical glycolic acid preparations (usually in concentrations of 5-15%) can help reduce scaling and improve the efficacy of other topical therapies for psoriasis by enhancing skin penetration. However, the evidence base is limited: most studies are small, non-randomized, or lack robust controls. Glycolic acid is not considered a primary or standalone treatment for psoriasis but may be used adjunctively to improve cosmetic appearance and topical drug delivery. Dermatology guidelines mention keratolytic agents (urea, salicylic acid, and sometimes glycolic acid) as options for scale management, but glycolic acid is less frequently referenced compared to salicylic acid. Importantly, glycolic acid can cause irritation or exacerbate sensitive psoriatic plaques in some patients. In summary, glycolic acid’s use in psoriasis is scientifically plausible and modestly supported for scale reduction, but high-quality, large-scale studies are lacking, and it is not a core or first-line therapy for this condition.

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Products containing Glycolic acid

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.