Glycolic Acid Uncovered: What Science Says About It

Glycolic Acid Uncovered: What Science Says About It

Glycolic Acid - Skincare’s Star or Overhyped?

When you think of glowing, smooth, and youthful-looking skin, glycolic acid often comes to mind. It’s one of the most trusted ingredients in skincare, famous for gently exfoliating away dead skin cells, revealing a fresher layer underneath, and boosting collagen production to help skin look more youthful. In fact, glycolic acid—celebrated for its exfoliating and skin-renewing properties—is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after actives in skin care. According to Euromonitor International's Ingredients 2023 Report, hydroxy acids, including glycolic acid, saw a remarkable 65.30% volume growth between 2019 and 2023, making it the most in-demand skincare ingredient during this period. Furthermore, the glycolic acid market is expected to keep growing, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% from 2025 to 2030, according to Grand View Research.

Glycolic Acid Market & Volume Growth

But here’s something most people don’t know: while glycolic acid is often marketed as a “fruit acid,” the versions used in most skincare products aren’t actually natural at all. Conventional glycolic acids made from petrochemical sources often contain formaldehyde or monochloroacetic acid in the final ingredient. These compounds are known skin irritants, which can make glycolic exfoliators difficult to use for people with sensitive skin or allergies.

That’s where Purolic™, a next-generation form of glycolic acid, comes in. And it’s the reason why LASPA’s Glycolic Peel products are different.

What Makes Purolic™ Special?

Unlike traditional glycolic acid, Purolic™ is 100% bio-based. Instead of being made from petroleum and harsh chemicals, it’s produced through a process similar to brewing beer—using microbial fermentation. This makes it cleaner, safer, and better for the environment, without sacrificing any of the results we expect from glycolic acid.

Purolic VS. Traditional Glycolic Acids

But the benefits go beyond sustainability:

  • Gentle from the start
    Studies show that in the first 15 minutes of contact with skin, Purolic™ causes less irritation than petrochemical glycolic acids or fruit-derived blends. This means fewer chances of redness, stinging, or discomfort right after applying a peel which makes it highly suitable for people with sensitive skin. Balancing effectiveness with comfort, Purolic™ is an ideal choice for leave-on treatments, overnight masks, and products made for delicate or sensitive skin.

    Purolic Mildness Indicators - IL-1α ELISA
  • Equally effective over time
    Despite being gentler, Purolic™ matches the exfoliation power of traditional glycolic acid. It is chemically identical to other glycolic acids on the market and, in lab tests, showed equal performance with significantly less skin irritation.


The Science in Simple Terms

Labs studies tested Purolic™ and here’s what they found:

  • After 15 minutes, skin exposed to Purolic™ released lower levels of irritation markers compared to fruit and petrochemical based acids. Translation: less redness and stinging.
  • In terms of exfoliation (removing dead cells), Purolic™ matches the exfoliation of glycolic acid, with added benefits of being bio-based, sustainable, and free from toxic impurities.

So, with Purolic™, you don’t have to choose between results and comfort—you get both.

Why LASPA Chose Purolic™

At LASPA, we believe clean beauty should mean more than just skipping harmful ingredients. It’s about creating products that are safe, sustainable, and effective—all at once.

That’s why our Intensive Glycolic Peel 10% Overnight Kit, 10% Glycolic Peel Dropper Format, and 30% Professional Peel are all powered by Purolic™.

But we didn’t stop there. Our formulations also include:

  • Hyaluronic Acid – to deeply hydrate and lock in moisture, balancing the exfoliation with lasting comfort.
  • Other Certified Organic Ingredients – added to enhance the results i.e. Resveratrol - a natural antioxidant that helps protect skin cells against damage from stressors like UV rays, Propranediol for moisturizing, White Willow Bark Extract for toning and brightening the skin.
  • Dermatologist-Tested Skincare – designed for real results without unnecessary skin irritation and inflammation.

LASPA Glycolic Peels Ingredient List, their classification and functions.

* Only included in the professional formula

This combination means you’re getting next-level glycolic power, but in a formula which includes high quality premium ingredients that are gentle, hydrating, and protecting the skin's natural barrier.

The Bigger Picture: Why Sustainability Matters in Skincare

Most conventional glycolic acid is made from petrochemicals—essentially fossil fuels. That means every bottle of peel or exfoliator made this way carries a hidden environmental cost in carbon emissions, energy use, and resource depletion.

Purolic™, on the other hand, is made through fermentation. Think of it like swapping out a gas car for an electric one: both still give you the destination, but one is far kinder to the environment. In fact, a recent study in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering compared a fermentation-based glycolic production route to a more traditional petrochemical route and found that the bio-based method can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water usage during production.

By choosing Purolic™, LASPA reduces reliance on fossil fuels and lowers the carbon footprint of its formulations. For consumers who care about both their skin and the planet, that choice makes a tangible difference.

Who Should Use LASPA Glycolic Peel?  

LASPA Glycolic Peels (Skin Exfoliators) deliver multiple benefits by including skincare’s most versatile actives. It can help with:

  • Dullness – by removing the dead top layer of skin.
  • Uneven texture – smoothing out rough patches.
  • Fine lines and early aging signs – encouraging faster cell turnover and plumping the skin by infusing hyaluronic acid and boosting collagen production.
  • Congested pores – preventing buildup that can lead to breakouts and recurring acne.

But here’s the challenge: sensitive skin users often avoid glycolic acid because of stinging or redness. That’s why Purolic™ is such a breakthrough—it opens the door for more people to enjoy glycolic’s benefits, without the discomfort.  

How to Use LASPA Glycolic Peels Safely

Because LASPA offers different strengths of glycolic peels, you can choose the right one for your skin goals:

  • 10% Take-home LASPA Glycolic Peel – perfect for at-home mini facials or spot treatments. LASPA offers two 10% strength formats: (1) a kit designed for two times one week treatment for the face and neck, or (2) in a dropper bottle for targeted spot treatments, which can be used as a refill for the kit, or as needed on any part of the body.

 

  • 30% LASPA Glycolic Professional Peel – designed for professionals such as aestheticians or dermatologists to be used in professional settings only.

Usage tips of (10%) Take-home Glycolic Peel

  • Wash your skin with clean, naturally derived facial cleanser, i.e. LASPA Gentle Foaming Facial Cleanser.
  • Apply Glycolic Peel evenly on clean, dry skin.
  • Avoid combining with other strong actives (like other AHAs, retinol or other peel products).
  • Don’t skip sunscreen in the morning — your freshly renewed skin is more sensitive to UV. Always use a clean, naturally derived SPF of 30 or higher. Always choose a mineral-based, broad-spectrum sunscreen, and at LASPA, we have a range of naturally derived mineral sunscreen.
  • For first time users, LASPA Glycolic Peel Treatment Kit is recommended for 5-7 consecutive overnight treatments.
  • For experienced users, 30ml dropper format will be used as a refill or for spot treatments or larger skin surface areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will my skin peel or flake?
Ans: No! LASPA’s peels are designed to exfoliate gently, so you only notice smoother skin without dramatic peeling.

Q: Is it safe for sensitive skin?
Ans: Thanks to Purolic™, LASPA’s peels are gentler from the first minutes of application. If you're highly sensitive or concerned, do a spot test first.

Q: Can I combine a glycolic peel with other exfoliators like other AHAs or retinol?
Ans: No! Any exfoliators should be avoided at least 24 - 48 hours (depending on the length and type of treatment) before and after using LASPA Glycolic Peel. Each acid may come from a different family — for example, glycolic acid is an AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid). Mixing or using different exfoliating acids, whether AHA, BHA or PHA simultaneously is not recommended.

Q: How soon will I see results?
Ans: Many users notice a smoother texture after just one or two uses, with brighter, more even skin over a few weeks.

 

Final Thoughts

For years, glycolic acid has been a hero ingredient in skincare. But like all heroes, it needed an upgrade. With Purolic™, glycolic acid has been reinvented—just as powerful, but gentler, cleaner, and more sustainable.

And with LASPA’s Glycolic Peel collection, you can now experience this innovation firsthand: exfoliation that works, comfort you can feel, and clean beauty you can trust.

Discover LASPA Glycolic Peels (Skin Exfoliators), powered by Purolic™. Gentle. Effective. Sustainable.