Glycolic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) widely used in professional skincare and cosmetic formulations. It is valued for its exfoliating properties and ability to help improve the appearance of dull-looking skin, uneven texture and roughness.
Due to its relatively small molecular size, Glycolic Acid is commonly used in formulations designed for controlled surface exfoliation and skin-renewal concepts.
It is suitable for a wide range of cosmetic applications, including facial serums, exfoliating toners, creams, masks, cleansers, body-care products and professional skincare formulations.
For cosmetic formulation, the final concentration, pH and application method should be carefully selected according to the raw-material grade, finished-product category and applicable cosmetic regulations.
INCI Name
Glycolic Acid
Common Names
- Glycolic Acid
- Hydroxyacetic Acid
- Hydroxyethanoic Acid
- AHA
- Alpha Hydroxy Acid
- Glycolic AHA
- Glycolic Acid AHA
Chemical Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Glycolic Acid |
| INCI Name | Glycolic Acid |
| Chemical Name | Hydroxyacetic Acid |
| CAS Number | 79-14-1 |
| EC Number | 201-180-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C₂H₄O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 76.05 g/mol |
| Ingredient Type | Cosmetic Active |
| Functional Class | Alpha Hydroxy Acid / Exfoliant |
| Physical Form | Grade and concentration dependent |
| Water Solubility | Highly soluble in water |
| Main Applications | Skin Care & Body Care |
What is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic Acid is the simplest Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and is widely incorporated into exfoliating cosmetic formulations.
In skincare products, it is primarily used to support surface exfoliation and skin-renewal concepts, helping formulations target the appearance of rough, uneven and dull-looking skin.
The performance of Glycolic Acid depends significantly on the concentration, final formulation pH, buffering system, application time and finished-product design.
Key Benefits & Functions
1. AHA Exfoliation
Glycolic Acid helps provide controlled exfoliating action, making it suitable for cosmetic products designed to remove accumulated surface cells.
2. Smoother-Looking Skin
It can be used in formulations intended to improve the appearance of rough or uneven skin texture.
3. Radiance-Focused Skincare
Glycolic Acid is commonly used in products targeting dull-looking skin and a more refreshed, radiant appearance.
4. Skin Renewal Support
Its exfoliating functionality makes it suitable for cosmetic formulations designed around skin-renewal and resurfacing concepts.
5. Uneven-Looking Skin Tone
It can be incorporated into formulations designed to improve the appearance of uneven-looking complexion and discoloration.
6. Helps Improve Skin Texture
Regular use of appropriately formulated AHA products can help create a smoother-looking skin surface.
7. Professional Skincare Ingredient
Glycolic Acid is widely used in advanced cosmetic and professional skincare formulations where controlled exfoliation is desired.
Cosmetic Applications
Face Care
- AHA Face Serums
- Exfoliating Serums
- Glycolic Acid Serums
- Exfoliating Toners
- Face Creams
- Night Creams
- Facial Masks
- Resurfacing Cosmetic Products
- Brightening-Focused Skincare
- Skin-Texture Care Products
Body Care
- Body Lotions
- Body Creams
- Body Serums
- Exfoliating Body Products
- Foot Care Products
- Hand Care Products
- Rough-Skin Care Formulations
Cleansing
- Facial Cleansers
- Exfoliating Face Wash
- Body Wash
- AHA Cleansers
Professional Cosmetic Formulations
- AHA Treatment Products
- Exfoliating Masks
- Professional Facial Formulations
- Cosmetic Peels
- Resurfacing Products
Suitable Product Types
- Glycolic Acid Serum
- AHA Serum
- Exfoliating Serum
- Glycolic Acid Toner
- AHA Toner
- Exfoliating Cream
- Night Cream
- Facial Mask
- Exfoliating Face Wash
- Body Lotion
- Body Serum
- Foot Care Products
- Hand Care Products
- Professional Skincare Formulations
Recommended Usage
The appropriate usage level of Glycolic Acid depends heavily on:
- Raw-material concentration
- Finished-product pH
- Product type
- Application area
- Contact time
- Intended consumer use
- Applicable cosmetic regulations
For formulation development, do not treat one universal percentage as suitable for every product.
As a general formulation-development reference, Glycolic Acid may be used across a broad range depending on the product format and regulatory requirements. The actual active-acid concentration and final pH must be calculated and validated for the finished formulation.
For commercial production, always follow the supplier’s TDS, COA and applicable regulatory requirements.
How to Use Glycolic Acid
Glycolic Acid should be incorporated carefully into the formulation according to the selected manufacturing process.
General Formulation Approach
- Determine the required active-acid concentration.
- Calculate the required quantity based on the actual raw-material strength.
- Incorporate Glycolic Acid into the appropriate formulation phase.
- Use suitable mixing conditions.
- Adjust and carefully monitor the final pH.
- Verify the final acid concentration.
- Check product appearance and viscosity.
- Conduct stability and compatibility testing.
- Perform appropriate safety and preservative testing before commercialization.
Important
The final pH is a critical formulation parameter when using Glycolic Acid. Increasing the acid concentration does not automatically mean better cosmetic performance; the complete formulation must be designed for appropriate efficacy, tolerability and regulatory compliance.
Formulation Considerations
Glycolic Acid is a functional AHA, so formulators should carefully evaluate:
- Final pH
- Free-acid concentration
- Buffering system
- Raw-material strength
- Product viscosity
- Packaging compatibility
- Preservation system
- Stability
- Consumer use frequency
- Contact time
- Compatibility with other active ingredients
Compatible Cosmetic Ingredients
Depending on the formulation design, Glycolic Acid may be incorporated into systems containing ingredients such as:
- Glycerin
- Propanediol
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Panthenol
- Allantoin
- Niacinamide
- Alpha Arbutin
- Botanical Extracts
- Antioxidants
- Selected AHA/PHA Ingredients
- Skin-Conditioning Agents
- Humectants
Glycolic Acid & Skin Care
Glycolic Acid is particularly popular in cosmetic formulations designed around:
Exfoliation → Smoother Texture → Radiance → Skin Renewal → Refined-Looking Skin
It can be used in carefully formulated facial and body-care products where controlled exfoliation is desired.
Glycolic Acid for Body Care
Glycolic Acid can also be incorporated into body-care formulations designed for areas where skin may appear rough or uneven.
Potential applications include:
- Body lotions
- Body creams
- Foot-care products
- Hand-care products
- Exfoliating body serums
- Rough-skin care products
Product Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Glycolic Acid |
| INCI Name | Glycolic Acid |
| Chemical Name | Hydroxyacetic Acid |
| CAS No. | 79-14-1 |
| Formula | C₂H₄O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 76.05 g/mol |
| Ingredient Category | Cosmetic Active |
| Functional Category | AHA / Exfoliant |
| Main Function | Surface Exfoliation |
| Secondary Function | Skin Texture & Radiance Support |
| Solubility | Highly Water Soluble |
| Main Applications | Skin Care & Body Care |
| Product Format | Grade/Concentration Dependent |
Why Choose Glycolic Acid?
- Premium AHA cosmetic ingredient
- Excellent ingredient for exfoliating formulations
- Suitable for advanced skincare products
- Supports smoother-looking skin
- Ideal for radiance-focused formulations
- Suitable for facial and body-care applications
- Useful for professional cosmetic formulations
- Suitable for serums, toners, creams and masks
- Works well in carefully designed multi-active formulations
- Highly versatile cosmetic exfoliating ingredient
Storage
Store Glycolic Acid according to the specific supplier’s storage recommendations.
Keep the container:
- Tightly closed
- In a cool and suitable environment
- Away from direct sunlight
- Away from incompatible materials
- Protected from contamination
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