01
Glycolic acid lotion combined with betamethasone showed efficacy for scalp psoriasis in a double-blind clinical study of 20 patients.
view on pubmed ↗← BACK TO VEDA
HAIRCARE
• MIXED
Glycolic Acid for Dandruff
RESEARCH
- Glycolic acid shows exfoliating potential for scalp conditions, but safety concerns from systemic absorption limit topical use.
COMMUNITY
- Users report real results but emphasize careful use—overuse risks damage, and combining with other actives requires caution.
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SAFETYSystemic absorption of glycolic acid products has caused severe kidney injury; use cautiously and consult a doctor if experiencing flank pain or reduced urination.
WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS
ALL 13 ON PUBMED ↗02
Shikimic acid at 5% concentration demonstrated exfoliative effects comparable to 50% glycolic acid with anti-dandruff activity.
view on pubmed ↗03
Hair-straightening products containing glycolic acid derivatives caused severe acute kidney injury in 26 Israeli patients between 2019–2022.
view on pubmed ↗WHAT PEOPLE SAY
READ THREADS ON REDDIT ↗COMMUNITY SENTIMENT
60% positive
“I love this product, been using it for years. I use it on my face, armpits, to lighten newer scars, and after shaving my lady bits to prevent ingrown hairs. The important thing to remember that it is chemical exfoliation and will make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Wear sunscreen!”
U/ITCHY-CAN-9880 ↗“I had pretty bad underarm darkness, I started using the minimalist glycolic acid as a spray, I was so happy with the results (in about 2.5 weeks) I started overusing it without being careful and it literally caused a dark patch on my underarm much thicker and darker than it original were 😭 im using fusidic acid in the morning and desonide in the evening trying to undo the mess as suggested by my dermatologist. Be careful yall, make sure u stop when it starts getting better.”
U/REASONABLE_GOLF2963 ↗“glycolic is legit but dial it back on the face if youre already on 05 tret, your barrier will stage a revolt and then youll be posting about why your skin turned angry lol”
U/CRAFTYDEVOLUTION ↗COMMENTS
Add context that might help others — skin type, conditions like PCOS, what you'd tried before. The more specific, the more useful.
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