Facial exfoliators come in all shapes, sizes, and formulas. However, over the years, physical exfoliators—like scrubs—have slipped into the background of skin-care conversations (they can be very abrasive) to make way for more potent, effective treatments like chemical exfoliators. High on the list of popular ingredients found in most chemical exfoliants are alpha-hydroxy acids, or AHAs.
“AHAs are naturally occurring, water-soluble acids. Most AHAs come from fruits and dairy—glycolic acid derives from sugar cane, lactic acid from milk, and citric acid from citrus fruits. AHAs have some amazing benefits, but the main function is to gently ‘unglue’ dead skin cells on the surface, helping them shed more effectively. Products with AHAs improve skin texture and brightness, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and promote collagen production over time,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ife Rodney.
Our picks for the best AHA serums of 2024
If your skin has been looking rather dull or you’re noticing rough patches in certain areas, it may be time to incorporate a gentle, AHA-rich serum into your routine. While AHAs can be potent, most serums are chock-full of nourishing, conditioning ingredients that serve as a balm to prevent any further damage or irritation. Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and niacinamide are the good-for-you additives to look for in any AHA serum. However, AHAs don’t play well with all formulas.
“On days you use an AHA, avoid combining it with other potent actives, like retinol or vitamin C, to minimize irritation,” Dr. Rodney adds, as the point of using an AHA serum is to renew and resurface the skin, not damage the barrier. We took note of Dr. Rodney’s suggestions, consulted her on best practices, and scoured top-rated reviews to find the seven best AHA serums to bring you one step closer to the skin of your dreams.
Derm-Favorite
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + Ha 2% 30ml
Pros
Addresses congested pores and uneven skin tone
Cons
- Can be too strong for some
No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you—you can get clearer, smoother skin for the price of your morning latte. This special formula does the guesswork for you by combining resurfacing lactic acid (a high dose of 10 percent, to be exact) and hydrating hyaluronic acid to clear out congested pores and improve the skin’s complexion. The addition of Tasmanian pepperberry helps with inflammation.
Key ingredients: Lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, Tasmanian pepperberry
Size: 1 fl oz
Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars
Our expert says: “This is my favorite AHA serum because the lactic acid targets dull, dry skin by gently turning over the skin cells. It’s especially great for sensitive skin types, as it contains hyaluronic acid and soothing Tasmanian pepperberry extract.”—Dr. Ife Rodney
Best for Mature Skin
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment
Pros
- Softens signs of aging over time
Cons
- Can be too greasy for some
An exfoliating serum as impressive as its name, people will surely marvel at how good your genes are after consistent use. Of course, only you’ll know that your dark spots were faded by lactic acid, and your skin’s radiance received a boost from licorice and lemongrass. Some secrets are too good to keep, and this serum is one of them.
Key ingredients: Lactic acid, lemongrass, licorice
Size: 1.7 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I was pleased as punch to see my 65-year-old complexion glowing after using this product. It feels satiny on my face and absorbs easily! I would recommend.”
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Pros
- Fades dark spots over time
Cons
- Sometimes the spout deposits too much product at once
Troubled with pesky body acne cropping up at the worst possible times? Topicals’ Slather is a worthy addition to your body-care routine. This serum is packed with texture-fighting ingredients like lactic and glycolic acid, as well as retinol, to slough away impurities and even out skin tone.
Key ingredients: Retinol, lactic acid, glycolic acid, urea
Size: 5 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “Summer bodies are made in the winter—and so is summer skin. My secret weapon to warding off body acne and lightening the scars left behind is this handy serum. The lightweight, silky texture feels almost like a thin lotion and absorbs easily into the skin. It only took a few weeks for my bumps to flatten and my scars to fade. I’ll never part from this formula.”—Nerisha Penrose
Pros
- Acid-heavy formula kills breakouts
Cons
- Small portion
Heal your most stubborn blemishes with this acid-rich serum. The formula comprises AHAs (glycolic and citric) and BHAs (salicylic) to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and aging signs.
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, citric acid, salicylic acid, dioic Acid
Size: 1 fl oz
Dermstore rating: 4.69/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I started using this serum after my dermatologist recommended it for my acne-prone skin, and it did not disappoint. This is less serum-like and has a watery texture that seeps into my skin to kill acne-causing bacteria. My skin was noticeably smoother and less rough after using this.”—Nerisha Penrose
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Best Glycolic Acid Serum
Kiehl’s Ultra Pure High-Potency 9.8% Glycolic Acid Serum
Pros
- Clears congested pores
Cons
- Can be too strong for sensitive skin
Sans any frills, this serum offers pure glycolic acid, so you know the powerhouse ingredient is working alone to get rid of any skin woes. With nearly 10 percent glycolic acid, daily use of this serum helps to smooth and even the skin.
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid
Size: 1 fl oz
Nordstrom rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I know this is formulated for facial use, but my secret is to use this on my feet in between pedicures to keep them as smooth as possible until my next salon visit.”—Nerisha Penrose
Pros
- Brightens dark spots
Cons
- Some users note it can feel sticky
Getting acne under control is one thing, but then comes the battle of smoothing roughness and fading dark spots breakouts left behind. Shani Darden’s cult-favorite serum addresses texture and tone with AHAs (lactic acid) and PHAs (gluconolactone), along with hydrating aloe and hyaluronic acid.
Key ingredients: Lactic acid, gluconolactone, aloe, hyaluronic acid, green tea
Size: 1.01 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Though the product was pricey I decided to give it a go. My skin truly has never looked better in the morning; smoother skin and a glow that lasts and lasts. I have sensitive skin and loved that there was no scent. I highly recommended this product.”
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Best Nighttime Serum
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
Pros
- Brightens complexion
Cons
- Can be too harsh for sensitive skin
Here’s a serum that works overtime to resurface and renew the skin as you sleep. Glycolic and salicylic acid are the stars here and team up to reveal brighter, smoother skin.
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, raspberry extract
Size: 1 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Great product! My skin feels softer and looks smoother after using this product regularly for a month.”
Meet the Expert
Dr. Ife Rodney is an ELLE Beauty Advisory member, a board-certified dermatologist, and the founder of Eternal Dermatology.
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How often should you use an AHA serum?
Like most skin care products, you want to patch-test a formula first before going full-throttle on your face. “For beginners, it’s advisable to start with AHA products once or twice a week,” Dr. Rodney explains. “This allows your skin to get used to the acid without irritation. Gradually increase to three to four times per week as tolerated. People with sensitive skills should speak with a dermatologist for the best options. If you have sensitive skin, limit AHA use to once a week initially.”
What other ingredients pair well with AHA serums?
Because AHAs are pretty strong exfoliants, pairing them with soothing and hydrating ingredients can help cushion the skin to avoid irritation.
“Ingredients like hyaluronic acid help to add hydration while niacinamide helps with redness and inflammation. Other great ingredients include peptides to boost collagen and vitamin E for antioxidant protection, Dr. Rodney continues.
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What skin types benefitfrom AHA serums? Who should stay away from them?
AHA serums can work wonders for all skin types—yes, even sensitive skin, when used cautiously. “If you have fine lines or dull, uneven skin, or dark spots (hyperpigmentation), AHA serums are an excellent addition to your skin-care regimen. If you have highly sensitive skin, you may experience irritation, redness, or stinging from AHAs, so it’s best to avoid or use in moderation,” Dr. Rodney says. However, if you’re prone to acne or have rosacea, AHA serums could be a bit drying. “People with severe active acne or rosacea may find that AHAs exacerbate their condition by drying out the skin and potentially leading to more clogged pores. If you have broken skin, irritated skin, active sunburn, or experiencing a rosacea flare, avoid AHAs. When used effectively and on the right skin types, AHAs are excellent skin-care ingredients,” Dr. Rodney shares.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor Nerisha Penrose consulted a dermatologist to determine the best AHA serums for all skin types.
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Nerisha Penrose
Beauty Commerce Editor
Nerisha Penrose is the Beauty Commerce Editor at ELLE.com. Prior to joining the team, she was an Editorial Fellow at ELLE.com. In her current role, she helps lead coverage on makeup, skin care, hair, and fragrances. With over six years of experience in the world of beauty editorial, Nerisha enjoys delving deep into the complexities of fragrance notes, hunting for the best fixes for acne-prone skin, and advocating for daily sunscreen use. She regularly researches and tests the latest products, consults beauty professionals (including our Beauty Advisory Board) to determine the best expert-approved formulas to recommend, and conducts interviews with luminaries across the industry. Nerisha received her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Temple University before joining the editorial teams at Nylon and Billboard. In 2020, she co-launched our popular franchise The State of Black Beauty, an ongoing exploration of—and destination for—beauty at the intersection of Black culture.
