What ingredient is commonly used in chemical peels for its exfoliating properties?

Glycolic acid is often the chosen ingredient in chemical peels due to its effective exfoliating properties. As an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), glycolic acid penetrates the skin easily, facilitating the removal of dead skin cells from the surface. This action promotes cellular turnover, thereby improving the texture and tone of the skin. Glycolic acid is particularly favored in esthetics because it can enhance the overall appearance of the skin and help address issues such as fine lines, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation.

While lactic acid, salicylic acid, and citric acid also have exfoliating abilities and are used in various treatments, glycolic acid is renowned for its potency and ability to penetrate the skin more deeply than other acids in the same category, making it a popular choice specifically for chemical peels aimed at achieving noticeable results.