Glycolic acid is a gentle yet highly effective resurfacing ingredient that helps refine the skin’s texture and support natural renewal. It works by loosening the bonds that hold dead skin cells to the surface, allowing them to be removed more easily. This helps reveal skin that feels smoother, softer, and more even over time.
In Soft Touch, glycolic acid is used as part of a pre-shower exfoliating treatment — designed to prepare the skin for cleansing and hydration. By clearing away built-up surface cells before you step into the shower, it helps improve the skin’s ability to absorb moisture and maintain a supple, balanced feel.
Unlike physical scrubs that rely on friction, glycolic acid works through a chemical exfoliation process. This allows for a more uniform and gentle renewal that’s ideal for skin prone to dryness, uneven texture, or rough patches.
How Glycolic Acid Works
Derived from sugar cane, glycolic acid belongs to a group of ingredients known as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Its small molecular size allows it to penetrate efficiently into the upper layers of the skin, where it works to dissolve the bonds between dull, dead cells.
Once those bonds are loosened, the surface layer can be lifted away more easily — helping to smooth roughness, refine uneven texture, and support a softer, more consistent skin feel. Over time, this process encourages regular cell turnover, which can lead to stronger, more resilient skin.
Because Soft Touch is applied before showering, the exfoliation process is followed by gentle rinsing — helping to sweep away loosened surface cells and leaving the skin clean, refreshed, and ready to absorb hydration more effectively.
The Benefits:
✨ Smoother Texture
Glycolic acid helps lift away rough, uneven surface cells, leaving the skin feeling noticeably softer and more refined.
✨ Improved Absorption
By clearing away surface buildup, it prepares the skin to better receive moisturisers and treatments that follow.
✨ Support for Skin Renewal
Encourages natural cell turnover, helping maintain healthy, balanced skin over time.
✨ Even, Consistent Feel
Regular use can promote a more uniform surface, reducing the appearance of dryness or patchiness.
✨ Pre-Shower Preparation
Designed to be used before cleansing, it primes the skin for a more effective shower routine — leaving it refreshed, not stripped.
The Science Behind Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid’s effectiveness comes down to its size and structure. As the smallest of the alpha hydroxy acids, it can reach the outer layers of the skin quickly and work efficiently at low concentrations.
Once it reaches the epidermis, it acts on the proteins that hold dead cells together, encouraging a controlled exfoliation process. This promotes a more consistent renewal cycle and helps maintain a healthy skin barrier capable of holding onto moisture more effectively.
Clinical studies support glycolic acid’s ability to smooth texture, enhance softness, and support barrier function when used appropriately. When integrated into a balanced formula like Soft Touch, it provides gentle yet visible refinement without the need for harsh scrubbing or prolonged contact.
The Nerdy Stuff – Clinical Studies of Glycolic Acid
Smith, W. (2010). Effects of Glycolic Acid on Epidermal Renewal and Barrier Function. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 9(2), 120–128.
This study demonstrated that glycolic acid enhances epidermal turnover and supports barrier recovery, resulting in smoother, more hydrated skin over time.
Brown, C., et al. (2014). The Role of Glycolic Acid in Refining Skin Texture. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 36(5), 410–417.
Participants using glycolic acid formulations over eight weeks showed significant improvements in skin texture and softness, with minimal irritation when properly formulated.
The Verdict: Gentle Refinement That Works
Glycolic acid is a trusted ingredient for achieving smoother, more refined skin. In Soft Touch, it’s used in a pre-shower format that gently loosens and lifts away surface buildup, helping the skin feel clean, soft, and balanced — never tight or stripped.
She’s your quiet overachiever: working before your shower to refresh the skin’s surface, support renewal, and prepare it to soak up hydration.
