Can you use glycolic acid with shaving?

Yes, with care

Glycolic Acid and shaving: Yes, you can use glycolic acid if you shave, with care: never put it on freshly shaved skin, so shave first and apply glycolic acid at night or several hours later, and skip it on any nicked or stinging area.1 2 3 4

Evidence strength: Moderate

How we grade evidence

The chemistry

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that loosens dead surface cells (Kornhauser 2010). For people who get razor bumps, that can help. In two placebo-controlled studies in 35 men with pseudofolliculitis barbae, the ingrown-hair inflammation caused by shaving, a glycolic acid lotion cut lesions by over 60% on the treated side and let the men shave daily with little irritation (Perricone 1993). The American Academy of Dermatology's shaving tips include wetting skin first, shaving in the direction of hair growth, rinsing after each swipe and changing blades after 5 to 7 shaves (AAD shaving). Shaving also scrapes off surface cells, so an acid straight afterwards stings and irritates more.

Chemistry

Not a chemical question: shaving is a physical exfoliation.

Irritation

High if applied right after shaving.

Order and wait

Shave, then wait several hours, ideally until night, before glycolic acid.

Common mistakes

The most common mistake is swiping an acid toner straight after shaving, which burns. Another is shaving against the grain to get closer, which the AAD links to razor bumps (AAD shaving). A third is skipping sunscreen on shaved, acid-treated skin; glycolic acid increases UV damage (Kaidbey 2003).

Your routine

Morning

Wet skin, shave with the grain
Rinse, plain moisturizer
Sunscreen SPF 30+

Evening

Gentle cleanser
Glycolic acid lotion or toner on shaved areas
Moisturizer

Go slower if

Skip glycolic acid on cuts, rashes or sunburn. If razor bumps keep coming back or scar, see a dermatologist.

Evidence strength

Moderate. Two small placebo-controlled studies found glycolic acid reduced razor bumps in men who shave (Perricone 1993). No study has measured the best gap after shaving.

What we recommend

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

A 7% glycolic acid toner for the evening, hours after you shave, never on freshly shaved or nicked skin.

Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

FAQ

Do I use glycolic acid before or after shaving?

After, but not right after. Shave first, and apply glycolic acid that night or several hours later. No study has compared timings.

How long should I wait after shaving to use glycolic acid?

At least a few hours; many people simply use it at night after a morning shave. No interval has been tested.

Does glycolic acid help razor bumps?

In two small placebo-controlled studies it cut lesions by over 60% (Perricone 1993).

Can I use glycolic acid on shaved legs or underarms?

Yes, with the same wait, and skip it on any area that stings or is nicked.

Your skin