Glycolic Acid
- CAS Number: 79-14-1
- Chemical Formula: C2H4O3
- MOQ: 1000KG
- Shelf Life: 2 years
- Synonyms: Hydroxyacetic Acid, 2-Hydroxyethanoic Acid, Glycolic Acid Solution, Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
Product Description
What Is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic Acid is the simplest alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), commonly used in skincare and cosmetics due to its exfoliating and skin-renewing properties. It is an organic acid that is colorless, odorless, and soluble in water. Glycolic acid is naturally found in sugar cane, sugar beets, and unripe grapes, but it is primarily produced synthetically for industrial and cosmetic use.
Preparation Method:
The usual method for creating glycolic acid involves reacting chloroacetic acid with sodium hydroxide, then hydrolyzing the result. The steps include:
- Chlorination of acetic acid: Acetic acid reacts with chlorine gas to form chloroacetic acid.
- Alkaline hydrolysis: After treating chloroacetic acid with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium glycolate is produced.
- Acidification: The sodium glycolate is acidified to produce glycolic acid.
- The final product is purified, neutralized, and dried to obtain pure glycolic acid in crystalline or liquid form.
Related Parameters:
| Items | Standard |
| Assay (w/w) | 50.0% min. |
| Oxalic Acid (w/w) | 2.5% max. |
| Glyoxal (w/w) | 2.0% max. |
| Total Acidity (w/w) | 8.0% max. |
Recommended Dosage of Glycolic Acid:
| Applications | Dosage |
| Skincare Products | 3%-8% |
| Exfoliants (Creams, Lotions) | 4%-7% |
| Facial Peels | 15%-30% |
| Anti-aging Formulations | 3%-5% |
| Hair Care Products | 0.5%-3% |
| Acne Treatments | 5%-8% |
| Body Care Products | 4%-6% |
Glycolic Acid Has Wide Range of Uses:
- Skincare Products: Glycolic acid is used in moisturizers, toners, and serums for exfoliating and improving skin texture. It softens the skin and refines pores.
- Exfoliants: Found in lotions and creams, these ingredients smooth out the skin by removing dead skin cells, opening pores, and promoting the synthesis of collagen.
- Facial Peels: Glycolic acid is used in professional chemical peels for deep skin renewal, helping with acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles.
- Anti-aging: In anti-aging serums and creams, it increase the production of collagen, minimizes fine wrinkles, and firms the skin.
- Hair Maintenance: It balances pH, enhances hair structure, nourishes the scalp and is present in shampoos and conditioners.
- Acne Treatments: Glycolic acid clears pores, reduces breakouts, and prevents acne in spot treatments and cleansers.
User Asked Question:
Q: Can Glycolic Acid be used on dark spots or hyperpigmentation?
A: Yes, by eliminating dead skin cells and encouraging the creation of new ones, glycolic acid can help reduce dark spots and balance overall skin tone.
