Product name : Glycolic Acid

Other name : hydroxyacetic acid

CAS # : 79-14-1

Items                                           Properties 

Molecular formula                    C₂H₄O₃
Molar mass                               76.05 g/mol
Appearance                              white, powdery solid
Density                                       1.27 g/cm3
Melting point                             75 °C
Boiling point                             decomposes
Solubility in water                    70% solution
Solubility in other solvents    alcohols, acetone,
                                                   acetic acid and
                                                   ethyl acetate
Acidity (pKa)                             3.83
Flash point                               129 °C

Characteristics and Application :

Glycolic acid (or hydroxyacetic acid) is the smallest α-hydroxy acid (AHA). This colorless, odorless, and hygroscopic crystalline solid is highly soluble in water. It is used in various skin-care products. Glycolic acid is found in some sugar-crops.

Glycolic acid is a multi-purpose ingredient in skin care products. Glycolic acid can be found in numerous cosmetics products ranging from skin lotions, to acne gels, to facial peels. As such, glycolic acid is an invaluable part of a successful skin care routine. Glycolic acid is effective in treating sun-damaged skin, oily skin, dry skin, acne-prone skin, acne scars, wrinkles, and more.

Benefits :

When used in skin care products, glycolic acid is a natural exfoliant and moisturizer. It is the high acidity of glycolic acid that results in its excellent exfoliant properties. When applied to the skin, glycolic acid penetrates below the superficial layers of skin and breaks up the "glue" that holds these dead skin cells together.

Glycolic acid also draws moisturizers into the skin. Many cosmetics product lines offer a complete skin care system. Skin care systems ensure that the effects of glycolic acid reach their full potential, as well as neutralizing the corrosive potential of glycolic acid on the skin.

Safety :

Glycolic acid is a strong irritant.Like ethylene glycol, it is metabolized to oxalic acid, which makes it dangerous if ingested.

Glycolic acid itself is isolated from sugar cane. Glycolic acid can be corrosive when applied in high enough concentrations. For this reason, any product containing glycolic acid at a concentration higher than 10% is considered to be hazardous. The majority of skin care products do not contain glycolic acid in a concentration higher than 10%. While high concentrations of glycolic acid can be dangerous, concentrations that are too low may be ineffective. Try to find glycolic acid products with a concentration ranging from 8% to 10%. Concentrations for glycolic acid peels will be much higher.

Side Effects & Cautions :

Glycolic acid makes skin more sensitive to sunburn, so application of glycolic acid should always be followed up with sunscreen. If you are concerned about acne, make sure you choose a sunscreen that is "noncomedogenic" and oil-free.

A glycolic acid peel might very well contain glycolic acid in a concentration as high as 50%, and as such, skin immediately following a glycolic acid peel appears as though it is extremely sunburned. This redness will generally last a few days. Make sure to avoid exposure to sunlight while you are recovering from a glycolic acid peel.