Ask a doctor

I Know Glycolic Acid is Derived from Sugar Cane, is It Safe for Someone Who Has Diabetes to Use?

Doctor Answers 2

Glycolic acid is safe in diabetics

August 9th, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Glycolic acid is safe to use in diabetics because it works in the superficial layer of the skin, where there is no lymphatics or blood supply. Therefore, unless it is added to a deeper peel, it won't ever come in contact with the blood stream. Even if it is added to a medium to deep peel, where is would come into contact with the blood stream, the limited area and low concentration would not be expected to affect blood sugar. This is why glycolic acid peels are considered safe in pregnancy by most as well. 

Ramona Behshad, MD


Saint Louis Dermatologic Surgeon
5.0 out of 5 stars 6 reviews

August 9th, 2012

Glycolic acid is safe in diabetics

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Glycolic acid is safe to use in diabetics because it works in the superficial layer of the skin, where there is no lymphatics or blood supply. Therefore, unless it is added to a deeper peel, it won't ever come in contact with the blood stream. Even if it is added to a medium to deep peel, where is would come into contact with the blood stream, the limited area and low concentration would not be expected to affect blood sugar. This is why glycolic acid peels are considered safe in pregnancy by most as well. 


Saint Louis Dermatologic Surgeon

Glycolic Acid and Diabetes

August 2nd, 2012
{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Yes, it's safe to use a glycolic acid peel if you're diabetic. It's applied topically and isn't systemic, therefore, will have no affect on blood sugars.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD
August 2nd, 2012

Glycolic Acid and Diabetes

{{ voteCount >= 0 ? '+' + (voteCount + 1) : (voteCount + 1) }}

Yes, it's safe to use a glycolic acid peel if you're diabetic. It's applied topically and isn't systemic, therefore, will have no affect on blood sugars.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD
*Treatment results may vary

Related content

View all Glycolic Peel reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.