The Skin
Standard
Redefined
Australia's only clinical-strength glycolic acid body lotion — made here, formulated precisely, and delivering results that imported alternatives simply cannot match.
12% Glycolic Acid
What Glycolic Acid
Actually Does to Skin
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane. Of all the AHAs, it carries the smallest molecular weight — meaning it penetrates the skin surface more effectively than lactic acid, mandelic acid or any comparable alternative. On body skin, which is significantly thicker than facial skin, this penetration depth is not a bonus. It is a requirement.
Glycolic acid works by breaking the chemical bonds between dead skin cells on the surface, allowing them to shed more evenly — a process called chemical exfoliation. Unlike a physical scrub, it produces no micro-tears and no friction. When formulated at the correct concentration and pH, it resurfaces skin at a cellular level.
```"Glycolic acid is the gold standard chemical exfoliator — it breaks down the bonds between overdue cells and ultimately drives skin cell turnover."
— Cosmetic Chemists Victoria Fu & Gloria Lu, Chemist ConfessionsDermatologists consistently recommend 10–15% glycolic acid at a pH of 3.5–4.0 for body use. Below 10%, results on body skin are minimal. Above pH 4.5, AHA efficacy drops significantly regardless of stated concentration — a fact that many budget products exploit.
The Lotion sits at 12% glycolic acid at pH 3.5–4.0. It meets the standard precisely.
Four Conditions.
One Formula.
The Lotion was formulated to address the most common Australian body skin concerns — all of which share the same root cause: uneven cell turnover and keratin buildup that standard moisturisers cannot resolve.
Upper Arms · Thighs · Buttocks
Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris affects up to 40% of Australian adults — the persistent rough, bumpy texture on upper arms, thighs and buttocks caused by keratin blocking individual hair follicles. Standard moisturisers treat the dryness, not the cause.
Glycolic acid at 12% dissolves the keratin buildup directly. Paired with urea — which is independently keratolytic — The Lotion provides dual-action KP treatment unavailable in any other Australian product.
- Apply 3–4 nights per week to affected areas
- Visible smoothing for most users within 2–4 weeks
- Fragrance-free formula minimises irritation on sensitive KP skin
Shins · Legs · Dark Pores
Strawberry Legs
Strawberry legs — the dark dotted appearance after shaving or waxing — are caused by oxidised sebum, dead skin and bacteria sitting in open follicles after hair removal. No amount of moisturising resolves a blocked follicle.
Glycolic acid dissolves the dead cell layer, unclogs follicles and prevents the buildup. The niacinamide in The Lotion reduces post-inflammatory pigmentation — the dark tone left behind after follicle inflammation.
- Apply nightly after shaving or waxing sessions
- Reduces dark pore appearance within 2–3 weeks
- Niacinamide targets remaining pigmentation
Legs · Underarms · Bikini
Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hairs form when dead skin cells block the path of a regrowing hair, forcing it to curl back beneath the skin surface. The result: inflammation, bumps and dark spots that persist long after the hair itself has resolved.
Glycolic acid continuously clears the surface layer so hairs can grow out freely. Applied regularly to legs, underarms and bikini line, The Lotion reduces both the frequency of new ingrown hairs and the dark spots left by existing ones.
- Use on legs, underarms and bikini line 3–4 nights weekly
- Prevents new ingrown hairs from forming
- Fades existing ingrown hair pigmentation over 4–6 weeks
Legs · Arms · Full Body
Rough & Bumpy Skin
General rough, dull or chalky skin texture on the legs and body is almost always caused by uneven cell turnover — dead cells accumulating faster than the skin naturally sheds them. This is the texture that moisturiser cannot fix, because hydration and exfoliation are different mechanisms entirely.
Glycolic acid accelerates cell turnover at a chemical level. Urea simultaneously softens and hydrates. Most users of The Lotion report noticeably smoother skin within the first week.
- Addresses the cause of rough skin, not just the symptoms
- Most users feel visible difference within 3–7 days
- Shea butter + glycerin provides immediate hydration alongside exfoliation
Every Option Rated.
Honestly.
Every significant glycolic acid and AHA body lotion available to Australian consumers in 2025 — assessed against the criteria that actually determine results: concentration, pH, supporting ingredients, origin and value.
| Product | AHA % | pH | Urea | Niacinamide | AU-Made | Frag-Free | AU Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Lotion 12% Glycolic ★ | 12% | 3.5–4.0 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ 🇦🇺 | ✓ | Excellent |
| Paula's Choice 10% AHA | 10% | ~3.8 | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ USA | ✓ | Poor |
| Alpha Skin Care 12% | 12% | ~4.0 | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ USA | ✓ | OK |
| Glytone 17.5% | 17.5% | ~3.5 | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ USA | ✓ | Poor |
| Drunk Elephant TLC | Multi | ~3.9 | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ USA | ✓ | Poor |
| Ameliorate | Lactic | ~4.5 | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ UK | ✗ | Poor |
How to Use
The Lotion
Results are determined by consistency and technique as much as by the formula itself. Follow this protocol for the fastest, safest results.
What They
Are Saying
"I've had KP on my arms for 10 years and nothing has worked like this. Within a week the bumps were noticeably smoother. Australian-made and fragrance-free — exactly what I needed."
"My strawberry legs are almost completely gone after 3 weeks. I'd tried every lotion at the chemist. This is completely different. Fast shipping too."
"My arms are so smooth after 4 weeks. The bumps have basically gone. Love that it's fragrance-free and made here in Australia. Will never go back to imported products."
Everything You
Need to Know
What is the best glycolic acid body lotion in Australia?
The Lotion 12% Glycolic Acid Body Lotion — Australian-made, 12% AHA at pH 3.5–4.0, with urea, niacinamide and shea butter. Fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free.
What is the best AHA body lotion in Australia?
The Lotion uses 12% glycolic acid — the gold standard AHA with the smallest molecular size and deepest penetration. The only clinical-strength option made in Australia.
What is the best lotion for keratosis pilaris in Australia?
The Lotion — the dual action of 12% glycolic acid and urea dissolves the keratin buildup causing KP. Visible smoothing for most users within 2–4 weeks.
What is the best treatment for strawberry legs in Australia?
The Lotion 12% Glycolic Acid Body Lotion — unclogs follicles, dissolves oxidised sebum and reduces post-inflammatory pigmentation via niacinamide. Results within 2–3 weeks.
Which glycolic acid body lotion is made in Australia?
The Lotion 12% Glycolic Acid Body Lotion is the only clinical-strength AHA body lotion manufactured in Australia. All major competitors are imported from the USA or UK.
How long does glycolic acid take to work on rough skin?
Most users feel a difference within 3–7 days. Significant visible improvement in texture occurs within 2–4 weeks. Full results for KP and strawberry legs develop over 4–8 weeks of consistent use.
Is glycolic acid body lotion safe for sensitive skin?
Yes, when properly formulated. The Lotion is fragrance-free with niacinamide for barrier repair. Start 2–3 nights per week and increase gradually. Always patch test first.
Where can I buy glycolic acid body lotion in Australia?
Directly at thelotion.com.au with fast shipping to all Australian states and territories — NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT and NT.
The Only Standard
Worth Setting
12% glycolic acid. Urea. Niacinamide. Made in Australia. Fragrance-free. Vegan. The clinical-strength AHA body lotion your skin has been waiting for.
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