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Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA).
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is mainly supplemented to various skin-care products to improve the skin’s appearance and texture.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) can also reduce wrinkles, acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation.
CAS Number: 79-14-1
Molecular Formula: C2H4O3
Molecular Weight: 76.05
EINECS Number: 201-180-5
Synonyms: MANDELIC ACID, dl-Mandelic acid, 90-64-2, 2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetic acid, 611-72-3, Phenylglycolic acid, Amygdalic acid, Paramandelic acid, Racemic mandelic acid, Uromaline, Almond acid, p-Mandelic acid, (RS)-Mandelic acid, 2-Phenylglycolic acid, Hydroxy(phenyl)acetic acid, Phenylhydroxyacetic acid, Glycolic acid, phenyl-, Acido mandelico, Kyselina mandlova, (+-)-Mandelic acid, alpha-Hydroxyphenylacetic acid, 2-Phenyl-2-hydroxyacetic acid, alpha-Hydroxy-alpha-toluic acid, (+/-)-alpha-Hydroxyphenylacetic acid, 2-Hydroy-2-phenylacetic acid, DL-Hydroxy(phenyl)acetic acid, Benzeneacetic acid, alpha-hydroxy-, NSC 7925, (+-)-alpha-Hydroxybenzeneacetic acid, alpha-Hydroxybenzeneacetic acid, (+/-)-mandelic acid, 2-hydroxy-2-phenyl-acetic acid, (+-)-2-Hydroxy-2-phenylethanoic acid, alpha-Toluic acid, alpha-hydroxy-, DL-2-Hydroxy-2-phenylacetic acid, Kyselina 2-fenyl-2-hydroxyethanova, UNII-NH496X0UJX, NSC-7925, (+-)-alpha-Hydroxyphenylacetic acid, EINECS 202-007-6, EINECS 210-277-1, NH496X0UJX, Benzeneacetic acid, .alpha.-hydroxy-, alpha-Hydroxybenzeneacetic acid, (+-)-, .alpha.-Hydroxyphenylacetic acid, CHEBI:35825, AI3-06293, (+/-)-alpha-Hydroxybenzeneacetic acid, DTXSID6023234, 2-Hydroxy-2-phenylethanoic acid, .alpha.-Hydroxy-.alpha.-toluic acid, .alpha.-Toluic acid, .alpha.-hydroxy-, (+)-Mandelate, XXI, Benzeneacetic acid, .alpha.-hydroxy-, (.+/-.)-, mandelic-acid, MANDELIC ACID (MART.), MANDELIC ACID [MART.], MANDELIC ACID (USP-RS), MANDELIC ACID [USP-RS], Mandelic acid [USP], DL-Amygdalic Acid, DL-Mandelicacid, Acido mandelico [Italian], Kyselina mandlova [Czech], GLYCOPYRRONIUM BROMIDE IMPURITY C (EP IMPURITY), GLYCOPYRRONIUM BROMIDE IMPURITY C [EP IMPURITY], HOMATROPINE HYDROBROMIDE IMPURITY C (EP IMPURITY), HOMATROPINE HYDROBROMIDE IMPURITY C [EP IMPURITY], HOMATROPINE METHYLBROMIDE IMPURITY C (EP IMPURITY), HOMATROPINE METHYLBROMIDE IMPURITY C [EP IMPURITY], Mandelsaeure, Kyselina 2-fenyl-2-hydroxyethanova [Czech], Benzoglycolic acid, Phenylacetic acid, alpha-hydroxy-, NCGC00166022-01, l(+)mandelic acid, (+) mandelic acid, (+)-mandelic acid, SAMMA, hyroxyphenylacetic acid, Mandelic acid, 99%, (-)-Mandelate, XX, hydroxyphenyl acetic acid, 81432-25-9, Benzeneacetic acid, .alpha.-hydroxy-, (.alpha.R)-, Pregabalin EP Impurity C, WLN: QYR&VQ, hydroxy-phenyl-acetic acid, Mandelic acid, >=99%, DL-Mandelic acid, 99%, MANDELIC ACID [MI], SCHEMBL1050, (.+/-.)-Mandelic acid, CHEMBL1609, 2-Hydroxy-2-phenylaceticacid, MLS001074208, DTXCID203234, MANDELIC ACID [WHO-DD], .alpha.-Phenylhydroxyacetic acid, BDBM92715, NSC7925, 2-oxidanyl-2-phenyl-ethanoic acid, HMS2230F19, HMS3371M20, HMS3373A03, acetic acid, 2-hydroxy-2-phenyl-, (2rs)-hydroxy(phenyl)ethanoic acid, BBL028097, MFCD00064250, s3363, STL283951, AKOS000118795, AKOS016050628, CS-W016307, DB13218, HY-W015591, KS-1423, NCGC00166023-01, NCGC00166269-01, PHENYLACETIC ACID, alpha--HYDROXY-, (. + / -.)-alpha-Hydroxybenzeneacetic acid, AC-12228, SMR000653543, SY001645, SY001670, DB-016128, DB-016158, DS-000887, M0038, NS00001311, Benzeneacetic acid, .alpha.-hydroxy-, ( )-, Benzeneacetic acid, .alpha.-hydroxy-, (S)-, EN300-19482, PHENYLACETIC ACID, .ALPHA.--HYDROXY-, DL-Mandelic acid, analytical reference material, MLS-0090887.0001, A833072, AE-562/40233036, Q412293, (2RS)-2-Hydroxy-2-phenylacetic Acid (Mandelic Acid), BRD-A91448670-001-06-4, Mandelic Acid ((2RS)-2-Hydroxy-2-phenylacetic Acid), 14A53E4A-8315-42A7-9D60-DE06CCBB1AF9, F2191-0202, Z104473974, Mandelic acid, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard, D-2-Hydroxy-2-phenylacetic acid; (S)-(+)-alpha-Hydroxyphenylacetic acid, 32518-00-6, a-Hydroxy-benzeneacetic acid; Hydroxy(phenyl)acetic acid; 2-Phenylglycolic acid; 2-Hydroxy-2-phenylacetic acid; alpha-Hydroxyphenylacetic acid; R(-)-Mandelic acid, Acetic acid, 2-hydroxy-;AKOS BBS-00004277;2-HYDROXYACETIC ACID;GLYCOLIC ACID, HIGH PURITY, 70 WT.% SOLU TION IN WATER;GLYCOLIC ACID REAGENTPLUS(TM) 99%;GLYCOLIC ACID SOLUTION, ~55% IN WATER;GLYCOLIC ACID, TECH., 70 WT. % SOLUTION IN WATER;GLYCOLIC ACID SIGMAULTRA
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) can be used as a dyeing and tanning agent.
It can also be used as a flavoring agent in food processing, and as a skin care agent in the pharmaceutical industry.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) can also be added into emulsion polymers, solvents and ink additives to improve flow properties and impart gloss.
Moreover, Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is a useful intermediate for organic synthesis including oxidative-reduction, esterification and long chain polymerization.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid), CH20HCOOH, also known as hydroxyacetic acid, is composed of colorless deliquescent leaflets that decompose at approximately 78° C (172 OF).
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is soluble in water,alcohol,and ether.Glycolic acid is used in dyeing, tanning, electropolishing,and in foodstuffs.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is produced by oxidizing glycol with dilute nitric acid.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is a colorless, odorless and hygroscopic crystalline solid, highly soluble in water.
It is used in various skin-care products. Glycolic acid is widespread in nature.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) a glycolate (sometimes spelled "glycollate") is a salt or ester of glycolic acid.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₂H₄O₃.
It is the simplest alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), a group of acids that have a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the carbon adjacent to the carboxyl group (-COOH).
The structure of glycolic acid consists of a two-carbon chain with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the first carbon and a carboxyl group (-COOH) on the second carbon.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is a colorless, odorless, water-soluble liquid.
It is highly soluble in water and polar solvents.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) has a pH value that makes it mildly acidic.
The name "glycolic acid" was coined in 1848 by French chemist Auguste Laurent.
He proposed that the Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid)—which was then called glycocolle—might be the amine of a hypothetical acid, which he called "glycolic acid" (acide glycolique).
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) was first prepared in 1851 by German chemist Adolph Strecker and Russian chemist Nikolai Nikolaevich Sokolov.
They produced it by treating hippuric acid with nitric acid and nitrogen dioxide to form an ester of benzoic acid and glycolic acid (C6H5C(=O)OCH2COOH), which they called "benzoglycolic acid" (Benzoglykolsäure; also benzoyl glycolic acid).
They boiled the ester for days with dilute sulfuric acid, thereby obtaining benzoic acid and Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid).
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) can be synthesized in various ways.
The predominant approaches use a catalyzed reaction of formaldehyde with synthesis gas (carbonylation of formaldehyde), for its low cost.
It is also prepared by the reaction of chloroacetic acid with sodium hydroxide followed by re-acidification.
Other methods, not noticeably in use, include hydrogenation of oxalic acid, and hydrolysis of the cyanohydrin derived from formaldehyde.
Some of today's glycolic acids are formic acid-free.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) can be isolated from natural sources, such as sugarcane, sugar beets, pineapple, cantaloupe and unripe grapes.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) can also be prepared using an enzymatic biochemical process that may require less energy.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is slightly stronger than acetic acid due to the electron-withdrawing power of the terminal hydroxyl group.
The carboxylate group can coordinate to metal ions, forming coordination complexes.
Of particular note are the complexes with Pb2+ and Cu2+ which are significantly stronger than complexes with other carboxylic acids.
This indicates that the hydroxyl group is involved in complex formation, possibly with the loss of its proton.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) has a low molecular weight that provides excellent penetration when used in cleaning formulations and personal care products.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) also stimulates your skin to create more collagen.
Collagen is the protein that gives skin its rmness, plumpness, and elasticity.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid)'s also destroyed by excessive sun exposure.
Using Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) regularly can help prevent this breakdown of collagen
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is an incredibly popular treatment because of the many benets it has for the skin.
It has eective skin-renewing properties, so it is often used in anti-aging products.
It can help smooth ne wrinkles and improve the skin's tone and texture.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) plumps the skin and helps boost hydration levels.
It's not just an anti-aging treatment, though.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) can also help ght sun damage.
It's often used to fade minor fade hyperpigmentation.
Because it's an eective exfoliator, using glycolic acid regularly can help brighten the complexion.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid)'s this exfoliating property that also makes it an eective preventative against ingrown hairs.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) can help make those appear smaller as well.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is the smallest α-hydroxy acid (AHA).
This colorless, odorless, and hygroscopic crystalline solid is highly soluble in water.
It is found in some sugar-crops.
It is one of the most well-known and widely used alpha-hydroxy acids in the skincare industry.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is slightly stronger than acetic acid due to the electron-withdrawing power of the terminal hydroxyl group.
The carboxylate group can coordinate to metal ions forming coordination complexes.
Of particular note are the complexes with Pb2+ and Cu2+ which are signicantly stronger than complexes with other carboxylic acids.
This indicates that the hydroxyl group is involved in complex formation, possibly with the loss of its proton.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) enhances cleaning and descaling processes in oil eld and petroleum rening applications.
This acid also provides metal complexing in a biodegradable form without adding undesirable biological or chemical oxygen demand to formulated products.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid)'s slower reactivity compared to mineral acids helps with acid nishing during well completion.
Desalting crude oil, well acidizing, and synthetic drilling mud also rely on glycolic acid.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) can be used with hydrochloric or sulfamic acids to prevent iron precipitation in cleaning operations or water ooding.
It also eectively eliminates harmful deposits while minimizing corrosion damage to steel or copper systems.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) reacts more slowly and thus penetrates more deeply into formations before fully reacting.
That characteristic leads to enhanced worm holing, because Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid)d dissolves the equivalent amount of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) as hydrochloric acid without the resulting corrosion.
Gypsum, or calcium sulfate (CaSo₄) scale, is a hard deposit that blocks pipes and is dicult to remove.
In a case study that used adescaling solution of ammonium glycolate, ammonium malate, and water, the descaling solution was injected into a pipe and left to set for 22 hours.
This one-step procedure resulted in 85 to 100% removal of the CaSo₄ scale, with a lower process downtime (24 hours rather than the usual 48 to 72 hours descaling often takes)
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is a corrosive, hygroscopic, water-soluble compound and the smallest alpha hydroxy acid.
Available in various quantities, it is used as a dyeing and tanning agent, a flavoring agent and preservative, an intermediate for organic synthesis, etc.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is an α-hydroxy acid. Glycolic acid solutions having concentration of 70% and pH range of 0.08 to 2.75 are widely employed as superficial chemical peeling agents.
Various oligomers or polymers of lactic and/or glycolic acid (low molecular weight) have been prepared.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) can be determined via plant tissue coupled flow injection chemiluminescence biosensors, which can be used both as a plant-tissue based biosensor and chemiluminescence flow sensor.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) and Lactic Acid are naturally occuring organic acids also known as Alpha Hydroxy Acids or AHAs.
The salts of Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid), the salts of Lactic Acid (Ammonium Lactate, Calcium Lactate, Potassiu Lactate, Sodium Lactate, TEA-Lactate) and the esters of Lactic Acid (Methyl Lactate, Ethyl Lactate, Butyl Lactate, Lauryl Lactate, Myristyl Lactate, Cetyl Lactate) may also be used in cosmetics and personal care products.
In cosmetics and personal care products, these ingredients are used in the formulation of moisturizers, cleansing products, and other skin care products, as well as in makeup, shampoos, hair dyes and colors and other hair care products.
Melting point: 75-80 °C (lit.)
Boiling point: 112 °C
Density: 1.25 g/mL at 25 °C
vapor pressure: 10.8 hPa (80 °C)
refractive index: n20/D 1.424
Flash point: 112°C
storage temp.: Store below +30°C.
solubility: H2O: 0.1 g/mL, clear
pka: 3.83(at 25℃)
form: Solution
color: White to off-white
PH: 2 (50g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Odor: at 100.00 %. odorless very mild buttery
Odor Type: buttery
Viscosity: 6.149mm2/s
Water Solubility: SOLUBLE
Sensitive: Hygroscopic
Merck: 14,4498
BRN: 1209322
Stability: Stable. Incompatible with bases, oxidizing agents and reducing agents.
InChIKe: AEMRFAOFKBGASW-UHFFFAOYSA-N
LogP: -1.07 at 20℃
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) addresses skin issues by exfoliating dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface of the epidermis and contribute to dull, discolored, and uneven looking skin.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is a crystalline solid that is colorless, odorless, and highly hygroscopic.
Numerous skin-care products contain it due to its exfoliating properties.
In nature, Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) occurs frequently.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which has two components that are only one carbon apart: a carboxylic acid part (HO =0) and a hydroxy group (-OH).
A 2-hydroxy monocarboxylic acid that is acetic acid where the methyl group has been hydroxylated.
There are different preparation methods to synthesize Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid).
However, the most common method is the catalyzed reaction of formaldehyde with synthesis gas, which costs less.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) can be prepared when chloroacetic acid reacts with sodium hydroxide and undergoes re-acidification.
Electrolytic reduction of oxalic acid also could synthesize this compound.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) can be separated from natural sources like sugarcane, sugar beets, pineapple, cantaloupe, and unripe grapes.
It can be prepared by hydrolyzing the cyanohydrin that is derived from formaldehyde.
Common side effects of Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) include dry skin, erythema (skin redness), burning sensation, itching, skin irritation, and skin rash.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) can make the skin more sensitive in the sunlight, hence always use sunscreen and protective clothing before you step outdoors.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is widespread in nature and can be separated from natural sources like sugarcane, sugar beets, pineapple, cantaloupe, and unripe grapes.
Plants produce Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) during photorespiration.
It is recycled by conversion to glycine within the peroxisomes and to tartronic acid semialdehyde within the chloroplasts.
Because photorespiration is a wasteful side reaction in regard to photosynthesis, much effort has been devoted to suppressing its formation.
One process converts glycolate into glycerate without using the conventional BASS6 and PLGG1 route; see glycerate pathway.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid); chemical formula C2H4O3 (also written as HOCH2CO2H), is the smallest αhydroxy acid (AHA).
This colorless, odorless, and hygroscopic crystalline solid is highly soluble in water.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is used in various skin-care products.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is found in some sugar-crops.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA).
The word acid might scare, but glycolic acid usually comes in lower concentrations for at-home use.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) works as an exfoliant to turn over dead skin cells and reveal new skin cells.
It’s also one of the smallest AHAs, meaning that it can penetrate deeply to give the best results.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid)’s water-soluble, so can “remove” it by rinsing your face with water.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) should always be applied in the evening, as it makes skin sensitive to sunlight.
Applying it at night gives ample time for it to do its magic without a higher risk or damaging skin in the sun.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) works as an exfoliant and a buffering agent in cosmetics and personal care products.
Of all the AHAs, Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) has the smallest molecules.
This makes it possible for glycolic acid to penetrate the skin and exfoliate it more effectively than with other AHAs.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) works by accelerating cell shedding.
In other words, it breaks the bonds that bind skin cells together.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) has the effect of enabling your skin to exfoliate dead skin cells more quickly than it would naturally.
Additionally, Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) encourages the skin to produce more collagen, which helps skin to be firm and elastic.
It also lightens the dark spots brought on by sun damage.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) creams and glycolic acid toners are common in the market.
There are several ways to synthesize Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid).
Because it is inexpensive, the most common methods use a catalyzed reaction of formaldehyde with a hydrogen and carbon monoxide mixture (carbonylation of formaldehyde).
It can also be made by mixing sodium hydroxide and chloroacetic acid, then re-acidifying the result.
Other techniques, which are hardly ever used today, include formaldehyde-derived cyanohydrin hydrolysis and oxalic acid hydrogenation.
Some of the Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) used today don't contain formic acid.
Natural sources of Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) include sugarcane, sugar beets, pineapple, cantaloupe, and unripe grapes.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA).
This colourless, odourless, and hygroscopic crystalline solid is highly soluble in water.
Due to its excellent capability to penetrate skin, Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is often used in skin care products, most often as a chemical peel.
It may reduce wrinkles, acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation and improve many other skin conditions, including actinic keratosis, hyperkeratosis, and seborrheic keratosis.
Once applied, glycolic acid reacts with the upper layer of the epidermis, weakening the binding properties of the lipids that hold the dead skin cells together.
This allows the outer skin to dissolve, revealing the underlying skin.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is thought that this is due to the reduction of calcium ion concentrations in the epidermis and the removal of calcium ions from cell adhesions, leading to desquamation.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) delivers a formaldehyde free glycolic acid in a 70% solution and 99% crystalline.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is widely used in chemical peels and exfoliating products due to its ability to remove dead skin cells, promoting smoother and clearer skin.
It is used to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and prevent acne.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) can enhance the absorption of other ingredients in skincare products.
It is used to treat fibers, particularly in the processing of textiles.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) can be used as a food additive, especially in food processing and preservation.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is used as an intermediate in the production of other chemicals, including glycolate esters, which are useful as solvents or surfactants.
Used as an excipient in certain drug formulations, as well as in some wound healing applications.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) can cause skin irritation, especially at higher concentrations.
It can cause irritation if it comes into contact with the eyes.
Vapors or mists can be irritating to the respiratory tract.
Uses:
In the processing of textiles, leather, and metals; in pH control, and wherever a cheap organic acid is needed, e.g. in the manufacture of adhesives, in copper brightening, decontamination cleaning, dyeing, electroplating, in pickling, cleaning and chemical milling of metals.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) reduces corenocyte cohesion and corneum layer thickening where an excess buildup of dead skin cells can be associated with many common skin problems, such as acne, dry and severely dry skin, and wrinkles.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) acts by dissolving the internal cellular cement responsible for abnormal keratinization, facilitating the sloughing of dead skin cells.
It also improves skin hydration by enhancing moisture uptake as well as increasing the skin’s ability to bind water.
This occurs in the cellular cement through an activation ofGlycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) and the skin’s own hyaluronic acid content.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is known to retain an impressive amount of moisture and this capacity is enhanced by glycolic acid.
As a result, the skin’s own ability to raise its moisture content is increased.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is the simplest alpha hydroxyacid (AHA).
It is also the AHA that scientists and formulators believe has greater penetration potential largely due to its smaller molecular weight.
It is mildly irritating to the skin and mucous membranes if the formulation contains a high glycolic acid concentration and/ or a low pH.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) proves beneficial for acne-prone skin as it helps keep pores clear of excess keratinocytes.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is also used for diminishing the signs of age spots, as well as actinic keratosis.
However, Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is most popularly employed in anti-aging cosmetics because of its hydrating, moisturizing, and skin-normalizing abilities, leading to a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Regardless of the G skin type, glycolic acid use is associated with softer, smoother, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is naturally found in sugarcane but synthetic versions are most often used in cosmetic formulations.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is a useful intermediate for organic synthesis, in a range of reactions including: oxidation-reduction, esterification and long chain polymerization.
It is used as a monomer in the preparation of polyglycolic acid and other biocompatible copolymers (e.g. PLGA).
Commercially, important derivatives include the methyl (CAS# 96-35-5) and ethyl (CAS# 623-50-7) esters which are readily distillable (boiling points 147–149 °C and 158–159 °C, respectively), unlike the parent acid.
The butyl ester (b.p. 178–186 °C) is a component of some varnishes, being desirable because it is nonvolatile and has good dissolving properties.
Used in chemical peels and exfoliating creams, glycolic acid helps to remove dead skin cells, revealing fresher, smoother skin.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots by stimulating collagen production and promoting skin renewal.
It helps to prevent acne by unclogging pores and reducing sebum production.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) helps lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation, improving overall skin tone.
It improves the skin's moisture retention by enhancing the absorption of other hydrating ingredients.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) promotes a smoother skin texture and can be used to treat rough or uneven skin.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is sometimes used in ointments for wound care, helping to promote the healing of skin injuries and burns.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) serves as an excipient or carrier in certain drug formulations.
Used in the textile industry to improve the dyeing process and fabric finishing by increasing the absorbency of textiles.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) can modify the properties of natural fibers, such as cotton and wool, making them more receptive to dyes and other chemicals.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid)is used as an acidulant in food processing, helping to regulate acidity and enhance flavor.
It can act as a preservative by lowering the pH and inhibiting the growth of microbes.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is used to make glycolate esters, which are used as solvents, surfactants, and emulsifiers.
It is used in the production of biodegradable polymers and in various chemical reactions where its reactivity with alcohols and amines is exploited.
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) is used in formulations for household and industrial cleaners due to its ability to break down grease, oils, and mineral deposits.
It is sometimes used in pesticide formulations to improve the penetration of active ingredients.
Safety profile:
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) published their findings on the safety of Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) and recommended that cosmetic products contain no more than 10.0% w/w glycolic acid and its derivatives and that the pH of any product be greater than 3.5.
Furthermore, salon products should contain no more than 30.0% w/w Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) and its derivatives, and the pH of any product should be greater than 3.0.
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) recommended that the labeling of a cosmetic product that contains an AHA as an ingredient and that is topically applied to the skin or mucous membrane, bear a statement that conveys the following information:
Glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that may increase skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn.
Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.
