Sensitive skin requires careful consideration because acids can cause burning or irritation even when products meet standard safety criteria.
Sensitive skin is not an automatic yes for exfoliation because an acid can burn or irritate even when a product meets CIR formulation criteria.
A low percentage is not a guarantee of comfort. The finished formula, including pH and other ingredients, also affects how it behaves on your skin.
If your basic routine already stings, you should defer exfoliation to avoid unnecessary irritation.
Glycolic acid is an AHA that promotes shedding of surface skin cells to potentially improve texture.
Exfoliation depends on concentration, pH, vehicle, and the other ingredients rather than percentage alone.
A vehicle-controlled trial supports modest improvement in signs of photodamage with a specific cream studied but not guaranteed wrinkle removal.
FDA has received reports of burning, rash, swelling, and pigment changes with AHA products. These reports describe possible problems, not your personal chance of a reaction.
You must skip exfoliation on broken, sunburned, or actively irritated skin to prevent worsening the condition.
Stop immediately for burning, persistent stinging, swelling, or rash and seek professional advice for a significant reaction.
Choose a finished consumer product and follow its label rather than copying professional peel concentrations.
Try a small area before broader use, introduce only one new product, and stop if irritation persists. A small-area trial cannot rule out every later reaction.
Use sunscreen and protective clothing and limit sun exposure during use and for a week after stopping following FDA AHA guidance.