HYDROXYACETIC ACID 

CAS Number: 79-14-1 (pure glycolic acid)
 Synonyms: Glycolic acid, 2-Hydroxyacetic acid, Hydroxyethanoic acid
Hydroxyacetic acid, most commonly known as glycolic acid, is the simplest member of the alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) family. It is an organic compound with the formula C₂H₄O₃. In its pure form, it appears as a colorless, odorless, and hygroscopic (water-absorbing) crystalline solid, though it is frequently handled and sold as a concentrated solution in water .
Glycolic acid is derived from natural sources such as sugar cane, but it is also produced synthetically for commercial use. Its small molecular size allows it to penetrate the skin easily, which is the basis for its widespread use in both industrial applications and dermatology. In a biomedical context, it is recognized as an inhibitor of the enzyme tyrosinase. By inhibiting this enzyme, glycolic acid can suppress the formation of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color, which can lead to a lightening effect on the skin. This property is why it is a common ingredient in skincare products aimed at treating hyperpigmentation, acne, and signs of aging .
Industrially, glycolic acid has a broad range of uses due to its properties as a cheap and effective organic acid. It is used in textile processing for dyeing and printing, in metal cleaning and electroplating, and in the leather industry for deliming hides. It is also found in adhesives, oil well acidification, and as a component in biodegradable polymers . However, due to its acidic nature, it is also a corrosive substance. It is a known skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant. Concentrated solutions can cause severe chemical burns, and exposure to its vapors can irritate the lungs. It has been identified as a potential nephrotoxin, meaning it may have adverse effects on the kidneys
Specific Applications and Benefits:
Cosmetic and Dermatological Skincare:
Chemical Peels: Used in high concentrations (20%-70%) by professionals to treat deep wrinkles, acne scars, and severe sun damage. It causes a controlled shedding of the skin layers.
At-Home Exfoliants: Found in lower concentrations (5%-15%) in toners, serums, and creams for daily or weekly use to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and fade hyperpigmentation (melasma, age spots).
Acne Treatment: By unclogging pores (comedolytic action), it helps to prevent and treat both non-inflammatory (blackheads/whiteheads) and inflammatory acne.
Industrial Applications:
Textile and Leather: Used as a dyeing assistant and for pH control.
Metal Cleaning: An effective agent for removing rust and scale from metal surfaces before plating or coating.
Oil and Gas: Used in oil well acidizing to clean out rock pores and increase the flow of oil or gas.
Biodegradable Polymers: Used as a monomer in the production of polyglycolic acid (PGA), a biodegradable plastic used in medical sutures and packaging.
 
Chemical Identity
Hydroxyacetic acid, most commonly known as glycolic acid, is the smallest member of the alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) family. Its molecular formula is C₂H₄O₃ (HOCH₂COOH) . It is a colorless, crystalline solid that is highly soluble in wate
 
Natural Occurrence and Production
Glycolic acid occurs naturally in various sources including sugar cane, sugar beets, pineapple, cantaloupe, and unripe grapes. It can be produced through:
Chemical Synthesis: Reaction of formaldehyde with carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst, or industrially by reacting chloroacetic acid with sodium hydroxide followed by acidification 
Biological Production: Fermentation of sugars using specific bacterial strains 
Mechanism of Action
Glycolic acid exerts its biological effects through several mechanisms:
Exfoliation: Due to its small molecular size (smallest of all AHAs), glycolic acid penetrates the skin deeply and breaks down the bonds (desmosomes) between dead skin cells, promoting exfoliation and revealing fresher skin underneath .
Metabolic Pathways: It is involved in the glycolate pathway where it is oxidized to glyoxylate and further metabolized .
Biological Activities
Antimicrobial Properties: Glycolic acid exhibits notable antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, including:
Propionibacterium acnes (associated with acne)
Staphylococcus aureus
Escherichia coli
The antimicrobial effect is pH-dependent and increases with lower pH values 

SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT HYDROXYACETIC ACID

First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician. 
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
 
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air. 
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately. 
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
 
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
 
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting. 
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. 
Rinse mouth with water. 
Consult a physician.
 
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
 
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment. 
 
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas. 
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
 
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
 
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste. 
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
 
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
 
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. 
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
 
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
 
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles. 
Faceshield (8-inch minimum). 
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
 
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves. 
Gloves must be inspected prior to use. 
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. 
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. 
Wash and dry hands.
 
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
 
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls. 
 
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator. 
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. 
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
 
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions. 
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
 
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. 
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product