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Glycolic Acid
Glycolic Acid
Key Functions: Acts as a chemical exfoliant and resurfacing agent that removes dead skin, fades pigmentation, and smooths texture.
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Information About Glycolic Acid
✅ Key Features
- Highly effective exfoliating AHA for skin renewal
- Brightens dull skin and reduces fine lines
- Unclogs pores and helps prevent breakouts
- Improves penetration of serums and moisturizers
- Ideal for chemical peels, serums, toners, and masks
🔬 Description
Glycolic Acid – Powerful AHA for Skin Resurfacing & Glow
Glycolic Acid is the smallest and most powerful member of the Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) family. It penetrates the skin rapidly to dissolve dead skin cells, revealing fresher, brighter, and smoother skin underneath. Ideal for acne-prone, pigmented, or aging skin, it also enhances the absorption of other actives. Glycolic Acid is commonly used in peels, glow serums, anti-aging creams, and brightening toners. Careful pH adjustment and neutralization are essential for safe use.
📊 Technical Data
INCI Name: Glycolic Acid
CAS Number: 79-14-1
Solubility: Water-soluble
Add Phase: Water phase; adjust pH below 5.0
pH Stability: Effective at pH 3.0 – 4.0
Processing Temperature: Below 45°C
Appearance: White crystalline powder (or 70% aqueous solution)
Odor: Odorless
Molecular Formula: C₂H₄O₃
Molecular Weight: 76.05 g/mol
Flash Point: > 100°C
Density: ~1.27 g/cm³ (for 70% solution)
Chemical Type: Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
Functional Groups: Carboxylic acid, Hydroxyl
Primary Cosmetic Uses: Exfoliants, peels, toners, glow serums, anti-aging creams
🧪 Recommended Usage
- Usage Rate: 1% – 12% (home use); 20–70% (professional peels)
- Phase: Water phase; adjust pH with NaOH or TEA
- Ideal For: Glow serums, peels, acne treatments, toners
💡 Pro Tip
🌙 Always adjust pH of Glycolic formulations to between 3.5 – 4.5 for maximum safety and performance. Pair with soothing agents like allantoin, aloe, or panthenol to reduce irritation. Avoid using alongside retinol or other exfoliants.
👩🔬 Skin Type Compatibility
✔️ Best for oily, combination, pigmented, and mature skin
❗ Not recommended for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin without buffering
❗ Always wear sunscreen when using glycolic products
🧴 Formulation Ideas
1. Glow Boosting Night Serum
Use 5–7% Glycolic Acid with niacinamide and panthenol for overnight skin renewal.
2. Chemical Peel Gel
Combine 30–50% with aloe vera gel base and neutralizer for professional resurfacing.
3. Brightening Toner
Add 3% in a hydrating toner base with glycerin and witch hazel for daily use.
4. Acne Scar Cream
Include 4–6% in an emulsion with salicylic acid and licorice extract.
5. Foot Peel Mask
Formulate 10–15% in a mask with lactic acid for exfoliating rough heels.
💧 Cosmetic Suitability:
Serums
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Ideal for glow and resurfacing formulas.
Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Great for overnight resurfacing.
Toners
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Common in brightening and exfoliating toners.
Face Masks
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Used in peel-off or wash-off masks.
Cleansers
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Mild cleansing exfoliants.
Hair Masks
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not typically used for hair.
Deodorants
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – For underarm discoloration treatments.
Eye Creams
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Too strong for delicate skin.
Shampoos
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – No relevance in scalp care.
Soaps
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Can add exfoliation to bars.
Conditioners
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not recommended.
Lip Balms
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Irritating to lips.
Body Butters
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – For body resurfacing butters.
Ointments
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Used in spot treatments or heel repair.
❓ FAQs
Q1: What’s the ideal concentration for home use?
A1: Start with 3–5% in toners or serums. 10%+ is best for experienced users or wash-off products.
Q2: Can Glycolic Acid be used during the day?
A2: Yes, but sunscreen is mandatory to prevent increased sensitivity and pigmentation.
Q3: Does Glycolic Acid lighten skin?
A3: It brightens by exfoliation, which helps fade marks and promote glow — not bleaching.
📂 Documentation
Upon request, we will provide.
Where Can You Safely Use Glycolic Acid
Discover how Glycolic Acid performs across different products — rated for safety, stability, and effectiveness.