PSA: We’ve Found the 5 Best Glycolic Acid Cleansers to Try in NZ in 2026
I’m the go-to guide gal and routine queen here at Adore Beauty. I have a background in media and communications, and over 3 years experience in the beauty industry.
When I’m not answering all of your burning questions, you can find me spruiking underrated products to my co-workers and trying to figure out what our best bloody mascara is.
There is really nothing like the glowy, radiant results of a Glycolic acid cleanser.
As a potent exfoliating ingredient, Glycolic acid is an AHA that works excellently when used in a wash off treatment like a cleanser to resurface the outer layers of the skin.
At Adore Beauty, we feature both potent Glycolic cleansers, which are perfect for occasional use, and milder Gylcolic acid cleansers for daily use, which won’t over-exfoliate or strip the skin.
Explore our selection of top rated Glycolic cleansers to find an option that suits your skincare routine, purifies your pores, and boosts your skin’s bounce.
*Those with sensitivity may want to try Glycolic acid cleansers with milder formulations or opt for a Lactic acid cleanser, which is an AHA that moisturises while it gently exfoliates.
All The Things We Love About Cleansers with Glycolic Acid
For those of you who haven’t experienced the results, here’s the low-down on this resurfacing dreamboat of an ingredient we simply love to cleanse our faces with…
- Glycolic acid is a powerful, radiance-boosting chemical exfoliant and a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA).
- Glycolic acid scours the surface of the skin, ridding it of excess oil, impurities, and dead skin cells.
- Glycolic acid is an amazing anti-ageing ingredient that stimulates the skin’s healing process, promoting collagen and elastin production.
- Glycolic acid targets sun damage, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and dullness.
- Glycolic acid is also perfect if you’re trying to rebalance the moisture levels in your skin and boost it’s natural glow.
Now Here Are a Few of Our Favourite AHA Cleansers
Ideal for oily or combination skin that experiences congestion, the SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel exfoliates on multiple levels to deeply clarify your skin and rid your pores of excess build-up. Beyond banishing blemishes, this cleanser can create a smooth base, which will have you buying back-ups. This cleanser uses a blend of Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, and LHA to revive your complexion. Our favourite thing about this cleanser is the cooling, tingling sensation it creates, which leaves your skin feeling thoroughly refreshed.
Suitable for all skin types, the asap daily facial cleanser rids the skin of bacteria and impurities without excessively irritating the skin. Not only is this cleanser great at clearing makeup and excess oil; it also contains antioxidant protection, which shields the skin from environmental aggressors. This light cleanser contains a careful combination of Glycolic Acid, which gently resurfaces, and White Tea, which soothes the skin. The lightweight, milky texture of this formula will leave your skin feeling hydrated and fresh. Easily the best Glycolic cleanser for oily, problematic skin.
The Skinstitut Glycolic Cleanser 12% transforms the complexion and increases luminosity in dull and dehydrated skin. The high concentration of Glycolic Acid in this gel formula works to promote healthy cell turnover, further reducing breakouts and smoothing out the skin’s surface. By scouring away dead skin cells, this face wash with Glycolic acid radically reduces the appearance of sun damage, fine lines, and dullness. The addition of Tea Tree Oil soothes breakouts and inflammation, making this one of the best Glycolic Cleansesrs for acne-prone skin types.
Clear and Enhance Your Complexion
The Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser 200ml uses a blend of chemical and physical exfoliants to clear the skin on multiple levels. Salicylic Acid, a powerful BHA, delves deeply within the pores to dissolve debris. At the same time, a pair of AHAs—Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid—polishes the skin’s surface. This powerful triple-actiong glycolic acid cleanser leaves your skin soft and refreshed: the inclusion of Jojoba Oil serves to hydrate and replenish the skin. This cleanser with Glycolic acid can also be used effectively on the body to exfoliate the skin, tackle bumps and blemishes, and even diminish Keratosis Pilaris.
A Nourishing Cream Cleanser
The Alpha-H Liquid Gold Resurfacing Cleansing Cream promotes soft and smooth skin by utilising a combination of AHAs in this gentle cream formula. Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Citric Acid improve texture and the appearance of pores, while Coconut Oil and Shea Butter boost moisture and replenish the skin. Although you may experience a tingling sensation during use, this glycolic acid cleanser exfoliates gently and is great for a range of skin types. The creamy texture of this glycolic cleanser also easily melts away makeup for a radiant and perfected base. Leave your skin healthy, smooth, and radiant with the best Glycolic cleanser for boosting brightness.
If you're unsure of what type of cleanser is right for you your skin type, Jo explains how to choose the right cleanser in the YouTube video below...
Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.
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