# Glycolic acid and betaine

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-betaine

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Italy.

Work well together

Apply [glycolic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid) first and [betaine](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/betaine) right after to keep skin calm and hydrated. Glycolic acid can dry out the skin, while betaine adds back essential moisture. If skin feels sensitive, use a gentler acid or wait a few minutes between steps.

[Effects of water activity and low molecular weight humectants on skin permeability and hydration dynamics - a double-blind, randomized and controlled study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24786192/) [The efficiency of humectants as skin moisturizers in the presence of oil](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11301638/)

- [All about glycolic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid)
- [All about betaine](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/betaine)

### [Glycolic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid) products

- [The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-ordinary/glycolic-acid-7-toning-solution/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — [€13.30 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.it/dp/B071914GGL?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/roc/retinol-correxion-deep-wrinkle-night-cream/for/dark-spots) — High fit — [€32.89 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0FMK54Q87?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/first-aid-beauty/kp-bump-eraser-body-scrub/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [€29.60 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.it/dp/B08GNS58PQ?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/first-aid-beauty/facial-radiance-pads/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — [€17.25 at Lookfantastic](https://www.lookfantastic.it/p/first-aid-beauty-brighten-glow-pads-28-ct./17716506/)
- [Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/murad/rapid-dark-spot-correcting-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [St. Ives Apricot Scrub](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/st-ives/apricot-scrub/for/dry-skin) — Average fit
- [COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cosrx/aha-bha-clarifying-treatment-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [€13.89 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.it/dp/B00OZ63ODA?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/dr-dennis-gross/alpha-beta-universal-daily-peel/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [€122.45 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.it/dp/B009QZ595Q?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Pixi Glow Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/pixi/glow-tonic/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [€19.50 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.it/dp/B09SN5B88W?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/good-molecules/overnight-exfoliating-treatment/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [€22.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.it/dp/B08TMDRF1L?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [CeraVe Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cerave/skin-renewing-nightly-exfoliating-treatment/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit

### [Betaine](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/betaine) products

- [COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-96-mucin-power-essence/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — [€12.09 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.it/dp/B00PBX3L7K?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [COSRX The Hyaluronic Acid 3 Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cosrx/the-hyaluronic-acid-3-serum/for/combination-skin) — High fit — [€24.50 at Notino](https://www.notino.it/cosrx/hyaluronic-acid-3-siero-idratante-intenso/p-16172039/)
- [Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/good-molecules/niacinamide-serum/for/oily-skin) — Average fit — [€18.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.it/dp/B08R994Q1L?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All in One Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-92-all-in-one-cream/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — [€16.22 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.it/dp/B01LEJ5MSK?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [MEDIHEAL Collagen Ampoule Pad](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/mediheal/collagen-ampoule-pad/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [€33.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.it/dp/B0CBTRKLNZ?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [PanOxyl Clarifying Exfoliant](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/panoxyl/clarifying-exfoliant/for/combination-skin) — High fit
- [Anua Heartleaf 77% Clear Pad](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/anua/heartleaf-77-clear-pad/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — [€23.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.it/dp/B08JLMRTZS?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [innisfree Cherry Blossom Glow Jelly Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/innisfree/cherry-blossom-glow-jelly-cream/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [€28.75 at Lookfantastic](https://www.lookfantastic.it/p/innisfree-cherry-blossom-glow-jelly-cream-50ml/15228003/)
- [The INKEY List Omega Water Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/the-inkey-list/omega-water-cream/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [€11.89 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.it/dp/B09XY514HX?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Soothing Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/illiyoon/ceramide-ato-soothing-gel/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [COSRX Advanced Snail Mucin Power Sheet Mask](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cosrx/advanced-snail-mucin-power-sheet-mask/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — [€3.95 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.it/dp/B096XVVWG7?tag=lovi-care-web-product09-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [AMOREPACIFIC Treatment Enzyme Peel](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/amorepacific/treatment-enzyme-peel/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit

## Questions and answers

### Can you use glycolic acid and betaine together?

[Glycolic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid) and [betaine](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/betaine) work well together because betaine acts as a humectant that helps replenish skin moisture and maintain hydration after exfoliation. Lovi gives this combination a Superior fit for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin.

### Which goes first, glycolic acid or betaine?

There is no set rule on which goes first between glycolic acid and betaine, but you can apply betaine as a hydrating [serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/serum) after exfoliation with glycolic acid. This pairing helps maintain hydration and improves your skin's tolerance.

### Are glycolic acid and betaine good for sensitive skin?

Glycolic acid and betaine work well together for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin, because betaine helps replenish moisture and improve tolerance after exfoliation.

## Research on glycolic acid and betaine

- [Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30548170/) Glycolic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30858720/) Glycolic acid · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019
- [Synergetic Effects of Aloe Vera Extract with Trimethylglycine for Targeted Aquaporin 3 Regulation and Long-Term Skin Hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38611819/) Betaine · Molecules, 2024
- [Formulation of Ascorbic Acid and Betaine-based Therapeutic Deep Eutectic System for Enhanced Transdermal Delivery of Ascorbic Acid](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38794349/) Betaine · Pharmaceutics, 2024
- [The use of different concentrations of betaine as a reducing irritation agent in soaps monitored visually and non-invasively](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12535284/) Betaine · Skin Research and Technology, 2003

## Other combinations

- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-benzoyl-peroxide)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinol)
- Depends on the strength: [Glycolic acid and niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-niacinamide)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and sodium lactate](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-sodium-lactate)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and tromethamine](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-tromethamine)
- Work well together: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and betaine](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-betaine)
- Work well together: [Bio-placenta peptides and betaine](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/bio-placenta-peptides-and-betaine)
- Work well together: [Collagen peptide and betaine](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/collagen-peptide-and-betaine)
- Work well together: [Betaine and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/betaine-and-copper-peptide)
- Work well together: [Hexapeptide and betaine](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-betaine)
- Work well together: [Betaine and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/betaine-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Work well together: [Betaine and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/betaine-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Work well together: [Betaine and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/betaine-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Work well together: [Betaine and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/betaine-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Work well together: [Betaine and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/betaine-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Work well together: [AHA blend glycolic and citric acids and betaine](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids-and-betaine)
- Work well together: [Betaine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/betaine-and-citric-acid)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-glycerin)
- Depends on the strength: [Glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-hyaluronic-acid)
- Work well together: [Lactic acid and betaine](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/lactic-acid-and-betaine)
- Work well together: [Mandelic acid and betaine](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/mandelic-acid-and-betaine)
- Work well together: [Betaine and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/betaine-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-bio-placenta-peptides)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and carnosine](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-carnosine)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-collagen-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-copper-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-hexapeptide)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and glycolic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/adapalene-and-glycolic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and granactive retinoid](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-granactive-retinoid)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and pro-retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-pro-retinol)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and retinal](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinal)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and retinoid blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinoid-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-tretinoin)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and gluconolactone](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-gluconolactone)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and lactobionic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-lactobionic-acid)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-cholesterol)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and lauric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-lauric-acid)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and linoleic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-linoleic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and arginine](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-arginine)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and GABA](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-gaba)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and silk amino acids](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-silk-amino-acids)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and taurine](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-taurine)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and theanine](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-theanine)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and ferulic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-ferulic-acid)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and vitamin E](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-vitamin-e)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and azelaic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-azelaic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-salicylic-acid)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and allantoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-allantoin)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and bisabolol](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-bisabolol)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and panthenol](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-panthenol)

## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi checks every pairing with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this pairing advice: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-betaine
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-betaine
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-betaine
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-betaine
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-betaine
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-betaine (this page)
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-betaine
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-betaine
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-betaine
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-betaine
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-betaine
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-betaine
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-betaine