Glycolic Acid
What is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is the smallest α-hydroxy acid (AHA), composed of hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. It is commonly used by dermatologists for chemical peeling. It removes the top layer of dead skin cells and is used to treat acne, sun damage, dark patches, and acne scars.Â
It can be isolated from natural sources like grapes, pineapple, cantaloupe, sugarcane and sugarbeets.
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CAS No.: 79-14-1
Synonyms: 2-Hydroxyacetic acid, hydroxyacetic acid, Glycollic acid, Hydroxyethanoic acid, glycolate, Kyselina glykolova, alpha-Hydroxyacetic acid, Kyselina hydroxyoctova
Properties of Glycolic Acid Â
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C2H4O3 |
| IUPAC name | 2-hydroxyacetic acid |
| Molecular weight | 76.05 g/mol |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether, water |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Flash point | 49°C [120°F] |
| Density | 1.49 at 25 °C |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | Colorless |
| State | crystalline solid |
| Boiling point | 79.5 °C°C |
| Melting point | 100°C |
| LogP | -1.11 |
| Vapour Pressure | 0.02 [mmHg] |
| pH | 2.5 |
Uses of Glycolic Acid
- Used as a chemical exfoliant, which dissolves the outermost dead skin cells and oil.
- Certain concentrations of glycolic acid possess the potential for antibacterial properties.
- Its anti-ageing property can help in smoothing the fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and cell turnover.
- Glycolic acid can help in maintaining and retaining the moisture of the skin.
- It improves overall skin texture.
- Glycolic acid helps in preventing ingrown hair growth.
Side Effects of Glycolic Acid
- Skin peeling
- Skin rash
- Chemical burns
- Itching
- Blisters
- Skin swelling
- Burning
| Pictograms : |
|
| Hazard Statements : | H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage H332 Harmful if inhaled |
| Precautionary statements : | P260 Do not breathe gas/mist/vapours/spray P280 Wear protective gloves/eye protection Precautionary statements – response P303+P361+P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water [or shower] P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing |
What is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is the smallest α-hydroxy acid (AHA), composed of hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. It is commonly used by dermatologists for chemical peeling. It removes the top layer of dead skin cells and is used to treat acne, sun damage, dark patches, and acne scars.Â
It can be isolated from natural sources like grapes, pineapple, cantaloupe, sugarcane and sugarbeets.
Â
CAS No.: 79-14-1
Synonyms: 2-Hydroxyacetic acid, hydroxyacetic acid, Glycollic acid, Hydroxyethanoic acid, glycolate, Kyselina glykolova, alpha-Hydroxyacetic acid, Kyselina hydroxyoctova
Properties of Glycolic Acid Â
| Physical Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C2H4O3 |
| IUPAC name | 2-hydroxyacetic acid |
| Molecular weight | 76.05 g/mol |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether, water |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Flash point | 49°C [120°F] |
| Density | 1.49 at 25 °C |
| Chemical Properties | |
| Color | Colorless |
| State | crystalline solid |
| Boiling point | 79.5 °C°C |
| Melting point | 100°C |
| LogP | -1.11 |
| Vapour Pressure | 0.02 [mmHg] |
| pH | 2.5 |
Uses of Glycolic Acid
- Used as a chemical exfoliant, which dissolves the outermost dead skin cells and oil.
- Certain concentrations of glycolic acid possess the potential for antibacterial properties.
- Its anti-ageing property can help in smoothing the fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and cell turnover.
- Glycolic acid can help in maintaining and retaining the moisture of the skin.
- It improves overall skin texture.
- Glycolic acid helps in preventing ingrown hair growth.
Side Effects of Glycolic Acid
- Skin peeling
- Skin rash
- Chemical burns
- Itching
- Blisters
- Skin swelling
- Burning
| Pictograms : |
|
| Hazard Statements : | H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage H332 Harmful if inhaled |
| Precautionary statements : | P260 Do not breathe gas/mist/vapours/spray P280 Wear protective gloves/eye protection Precautionary statements – response P303+P361+P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water [or shower] P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing |
FAQ's
It helps in exfoliating the skin, fades hyperpigmentation, acne marks, improves skin texture and helps in retaining the moisture.
Yes, glycolic acid helps in treating the acne scars.
Hydroquinone can be absorbed into the bloodstream after topical application. Due to its absorption into the bloodstream, it can potentially cause systemic effects.
Hydroquinone is not a steroid; it is an aromatic phenol compound that works by reducing melanin production. Sometimes combined with steroids in prescription creams for enhanced effects.
