HYDROXYACETIC ACID

Hydroxyacetic Acid is the simplest alpha-hydroxy acid and is commonly known as Glycolic Acid, and Hydroxyacetic Acid is widely used for pH adjustment, descaling, and surface cleaning in industrial applications and for exfoliation in cosmetic formulations.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is valued for strong acidity, effective chelation of mineral deposits, and high performance at relatively low concentrations, and Hydroxyacetic Acid also supports smooth-skin and brightening concepts in personal care when properly formulated.
Hydroxyacetic Acid must be handled with appropriate precautions because concentrated Hydroxyacetic Acid can be corrosive and can cause burns, and Hydroxyacetic Acid use in cosmetics requires careful pH control, concentration limits, and consumer instructions.

CAS Number: 79-14-1
EC Number: 201-180-5
Molecular Formula: C2H4O3
Molecular Weight: 76.05 g/mol

Synonyms: Hydroxyacetic Acid, Glycolic Acid, 2-Hydroxyacetic Acid, Hydroxyethanoic Acid, Glycollic Acid (variant spelling), AHA Glycolic Acid, Fruit Acid Glycolic, Glycolic Acid Solution, Glycolic Acid Anhydrous, Hydroxyacetic Acid Cosmetic Acid, Hydroxyacetic Acid Descaler, Glycolic Acid pH Adjuster, Hydroxyacetic acid, Hydroxyacetic Acid, HYDROXYACETIC ACID, Glycolic Acid, Glycolic acid, GLYCOLIC ACID, 2-Hydroxyacetic Acid, 2-hydroxyacetic acid, Hydroxyethanoic Acid, Hydroxyethanoic acid, 2-Hydroxyethanoic Acid, 2-hydroxyethanoic acid, α-Hydroxyacetic Acid, Alpha-Hydroxyacetic Acid, AHA (Glycolic Acid) (use context), Glycolate Acid (common variant), Glycollic Acid (spelling variant), Glycolic Acid (AHA), Alpha Hydroxy Acid (Glycolic) (use context), Fruit Acid (Glycolic) (marketing), Sugarcane Acid (Glycolic) (marketing), Glycolic Acid Peel Grade, Glycolic Acid Cosmetic Grade, Glycolic Acid Pharmaceutical Grade, Glycolic Acid Industrial Grade, Glycolic Acid Technical Grade, Glycolic Acid Reagent, Glycolic Acid Analytical Grade, Glycolic Acid Laboratory Grade, Glycolic Acid High Purity, Glycolic Acid 70%, Glycolic Acid 50%, Glycolic Acid 30%, Glycolic Acid 99%, Glycolic Acid 98%, Glycolic Acid Solution, Glycolic Acid Aqueous Solution, Glycolic Acid Concentrate, Glycolic Acid Crystals, Glycolic Acid Powder, Glycolic Acid Flakes, Hydroxyacetic Acid Solution, Hydroxyacetic Acid Aqueous Solution, Hydroxyacetic Acid Concentrate, Hydroxyacetic Acid Crystals, Hydroxyacetic Acid Powder, Glycolic Acid (CAS 79-14-1), CAS 79-14-1, Hydroxyacetic Acid (CAS 79-14-1), Glycolic Acid (C2H4O3), C2H4O3, Hydroxyacetic Acid (C2H4O3), Glycolic Acid (EC 201-180-5) (common listing), EC 201-180-5, Glycolic Acid (EINECS 201-180-5), Acidum Glycolicum, Acide Glycolique, Ácido Glicólico, Acido Glicolico, Glycolsäure, Glycolsaeure (variant), Kwas glikolowy, Glycolic Acid (hydroxyethanoic acid), 2-Hydroxyethanoic Acid (glycolic acid), Hydroxyacetic Acid (glycolic acid), Glycolic Acid (skin exfoliant) (use context)

APPLICATIONS

Hydroxyacetic Acid is used in facial exfoliating toners to promote smoother skin appearance by encouraging gentle desquamation.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is incorporated into leave-on serums to support brightening and texture improvement in cosmetic routines.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is used in chemical peel products where controlled pH and concentration provide targeted exfoliation performance.

Hydroxyacetic Acid is used in rinse-off cleansers to provide mild exfoliation and improve skin feel.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is incorporated into exfoliating masks to improve radiance and reduce dullness perception.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is used in body lotions to help smooth rough skin areas such as elbows and knees.

Hydroxyacetic Acid is used in anti-blemish products to support pore-clearing routines when combined with compatible actives.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is incorporated into acne-prone skincare to help improve texture and reduce the look of uneven skin.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is used in scalp exfoliation products to support removal of buildup and improve scalp feel.

Hydroxyacetic Acid is used in deodorant and body odor formulations in some designs to reduce odor by lowering pH.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is incorporated into foot care products to help soften rough skin and support freshness.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is used in callus care treatments to improve smoothing and softening performance.

Hydroxyacetic Acid is used in industrial descaling to remove calcium carbonate and mineral deposits from equipment and surfaces.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is incorporated into boiler and heat exchanger cleaners to dissolve scale and improve heat transfer efficiency.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is used in CIP cleaning systems to control mineral buildup in process equipment.

Hydroxyacetic Acid is used in household and institutional cleaners as an acid descaler for bathrooms and kitchens.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is incorporated into toilet bowl cleaners to remove limescale and soap scum in compatible systems.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is used in tile and grout cleaners to help remove mineral deposits and restore appearance.

Hydroxyacetic Acid is used in metal cleaning and passivation steps where controlled acidity removes oxides and residues.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is incorporated into rust removal and surface preparation cleaners for compatible metals.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is used in formulations where chelation helps keep dissolved minerals in solution and improves cleaning efficiency.

Hydroxyacetic Acid is used in textiles and leather processing to adjust pH and remove mineral residues from fibers.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is incorporated into dyeing and finishing steps to control acidity and improve process consistency.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is used in paper and pulp processes to control scale and manage deposits in compatible systems.

Hydroxyacetic Acid is used in agriculture and fertilizer formulations in some cases to adjust pH and chelate micronutrients in compatible blends.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is incorporated into specialty nutrient solutions to improve stability of metal ions.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is used in water treatment applications to control deposits and assist cleaning operations in compatible processes.

Hydroxyacetic Acid is used in laboratory reagents and analytical chemistry for pH control and as a reference organic acid.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is incorporated into buffer and test solutions where controlled acidity is required.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is valued because Hydroxyacetic Acid provides strong descaling and controlled exfoliation performance with broad utility across industrial and cosmetic applications.

DESCRIPTION

Hydroxyacetic Acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid with a small molecular size, and this contributes to Hydroxyacetic Acid’s ability to interact efficiently with mineral deposits and with skin surface keratin in cosmetic use.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is typically supplied as a clear aqueous solution, commonly around 70% or other concentrations depending on grade and application.
Hydroxyacetic Acid is fully miscible with water and has strong acidity, so Hydroxyacetic Acid should be added with controlled mixing to avoid localized high acidity and irritation risk.

Hydroxyacetic Acid dissolves calcium carbonate and other alkaline scale by acid reaction, and Hydroxyacetic Acid can also chelate certain metal ions to support cleaning and deposit control.
Hydroxyacetic Acid cosmetic performance depends strongly on pH, because lower pH increases free acid availability and exfoliation intensity.
Hydroxyacetic Acid can cause skin irritation, especially at higher concentrations, so consumer products typically use controlled levels and include soothing agents and clear directions.

Hydroxyacetic Acid should be stored in corrosion-resistant containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from incompatible chemicals.
Hydroxyacetic Acid should be kept away from bases and oxidizers, and Hydroxyacetic Acid should not be mixed with bleach or hypochlorite products.
Hydroxyacetic Acid should be handled with appropriate PPE because concentrated solutions can cause burns and severe eye damage.

PROPERTIES

Chemical Formula: C2H4O3
Molecular Weight: 76.05 g/mol
Common Name: Hydroxyacetic Acid (Glycolic Acid)
Chemical Type: Alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA)
Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid (as aqueous solution) or crystals (anhydrous)
Odor: Mild characteristic odor
Solubility: Completely miscible with water
pKa: ~3.8 (typical)
Acidity: Strong organic acid for pH adjustment and descaling
Chelation: Can chelate certain metal ions and improve deposit control (system dependent)
Stability: Stable under recommended storage; avoid strong oxidizers and high heat
Corrosivity: Concentrated solutions can be corrosive to skin and eyes and to some metals
Storage Temperature: 15–25°C, tightly closed, well ventilated
Shelf Life: Typically 24–36 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)

FIRST AID

Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if mists or vapors are inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing aerosols during spraying and mixing operations.

Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing immediately and rinse skin with plenty of water.
Wash with mild soap after thorough rinsing and do not scrub aggressively.
Seek medical attention if irritation, pain, or burns occur.

Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, holding eyelids open.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek immediate medical attention because Hydroxyacetic Acid can cause serious eye injury.

Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water and do not induce vomiting.
Give small amounts of water if the person is conscious and not convulsing.
Seek medical attention promptly.

Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
Consider corrosive injury to mucous membranes if concentrated material was involved.
Provide supportive care and monitor for delayed effects.

HANDLING AND STORAGE

Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including acid-resistant gloves, chemical goggles or face shield, and protective clothing.
Avoid skin and eye contact and avoid breathing mists.
Add Hydroxyacetic Acid to water when diluting, not water to Hydroxyacetic Acid, to reduce splashing risk.

Ventilation:
Use local exhaust ventilation where mists may be generated.
Use closed transfer systems where possible to minimize vapor exposure.
Avoid confined spaces without adequate ventilation.

Storage:
Store in corrosion-resistant, tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place.
Keep away from bases, oxidizers, and hypochlorite bleach products.
Protect from contamination and keep containers properly labeled.

Spill and Leak Procedures:
Contain spill and prevent entry into drains if required by local rules.
Neutralize carefully with suitable neutralizing agent if trained and permitted by site procedures.
Collect residues for disposal according to local regulations and facility rules.

Handling Precautions:
Control concentration and pH carefully in cosmetic formulations and provide clear consumer-use directions to reduce irritation risk.
Verify material compatibility for metals and surfaces before using Hydroxyacetic Acid descalers in sensitive equipment.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent quality and predictable acidity performance.