Glycolic Acid

📋 Quick facts

Description: Glycolic Acid — exfoliant, resurfacing.

All Functions: exfoliant, resurfacing

Quick Facts:

• Category: active
• Also Known As: AHA
• Comedogenic Rating: 0/5

Proven Benefits At A Glance:

• Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid used in cosmetics and skincare products
• It is unlikely to be significantly absorbed through skin or appear in breastmilk, making it considered safe during breastfeeding with precautions
• When used during breastfeeding, avoid applying it to areas where an infant might have direct skin contact or could ingest it by licking

⚗️ Chemical Overview

Glycolic acid is a 2-hydroxy monocarboxylic acid that is acetic acid where the methyl group has been hydroxylated. It has a role as a metabolite and a keratolytic drug. It is a primary alcohol and a 2-hydroxy monocarboxylic acid. It is functionally related to an acetic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a glycolate. Based on the available information included in this report, the CIR Expert Panel concludes that Glycolic and Lactic Acid, their common salts and their simple esters, are safe for use in cosmetic products at concentrations less than or equal to 10%, at final formulation pH greater than or equal to 3.5, when formulated to avoid increasing sun sensitivity or when directions for use include the daily use of sun protection. These ingredients are safe for use in salon products at concentrations less than or equal to 30%, at final formulation pH greater than or equal to 3.0, in products designed for brief, discontinuous use followed by thorough rinsing from the skin, when applied by trained professionals, and when application is accompanied by directions for the daily use of sun protection…Glycolic Acid… Glycolic acid is a metabolite found in or produced by Escherichia coli (strain K12, MG1655).

Source(s): E. coli Metabolome Database (ECMDB), Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), ChEBI, via PubChem

📊 Comedogenicity

0/5

🛡️ Safety rating

Safety tier is a starting heuristic from regulatory status and comedogenic rating, not a dermatological verdict — see our Terms for the full disclaimer. Research confidence reflects how many real cited studies back this ingredient, not the strength of their findings.

🤰 Pregnancy Safety Note

Generally considered safe during pregnancy at cosmetic concentrations. Not systemically absorbed significantly.

🌍 Regulatory Status

💧 Skin Type Compatibility

Derived from this ingredient’s irritancy potential and comedogenicity rating against the needs of each skin type — e.g. oily and acne-prone skin are marked down for pore-clogging ingredients, sensitive skin for irritants. A starting heuristic, not a dermatological verdict.

⚠️ Don’t Combine With

• Salicylic Acid (caution): Layering multiple acids (AHA + BHA) same night can over-exfoliate; start with alternating use.
• Retinol (caution): Combining exfoliating acids with retinoids increases risk of irritation and barrier damage. Alternate nights or patch test.

📚 Research & Evidence

🔬 The Science

Glycolic acid (also called hydroxyacetic acid) is a chemical ingredient that has applications across cosmetics, detergents, textiles, and other industries. From a safety standpoint, research published in a 2006 peer-reviewed journal indicates that #1: glycolic acid is unlikely to be appreciably absorbed through the skin or to appear in breastmilk, which is why it’s considered safe for use during breastfeeding. However, if you are breastfeeding, it’s important to #2: avoid applying glycolic acid products to body areas that might come into direct contact with your infant’s skin or to areas where the baby could ingest the product by licking it.

Beyond this safety consideration, the available research abstracts do not provide information about glycolic acid’s specific skincare benefits, efficacy for particular skin concerns, or how it works on the skin at a cellular level. The sources reviewed focus primarily on safety during breastfeeding and the industrial production of glycolic acid rather than its cosmetic applications or mechanisms of action in skincare.

📄 Related Research

Matched by search — not necessarily verified support for every statement above.

• Unknown authors (2006). Glycolic Acid. a peer-reviewed journal.
• Moy LS et al. (1996). Glycolic acid peels. Dermatol Surg.
• Hanke CW et al. (1995). Tretinoin and glycolic acid treatment regimens. Facial Plast Surg.
• Bao Q et al. (2024). [Screening and fermentation of high-yield glycolic acid strains]. Sheng Wu Gong Cheng Xue Bao.
• Malewicz NM et al. (2022). Topical Capsaicin in Poly(lactic-co-glycolic)acid (PLGA) Nanoparticles Decreases Acute Itch and Heat Pain. Int J Mol Sci.

📰 Recent News

• Synergistic Effects of Intense Pulsed Light and Glycolic Acid on Photoaging and the Involvement of CD26 in Photoprotection (PubMed)

🧴 Products Containing Glycolic Acid

• wella elements shampoo
• pixi Clarity Tonic
• Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser
• ponds dramatic results
• Asepxia Carbon Detox
• Avant Skincare Gentle Rose Beautifying Face Exfoliant
• The Ordinary The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (Solução tonificante de ácido glicólico 7%)
• boscia Cryosea Firming Icy-cold Cleanser
• Formula 10.0.6 Melt Away Vitamin C Triple Action Cleanser
• Kate Somerville Travel Size ExfoliKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash
• True Botanicals facial
• Sephora Beauty insider
• Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
• CORINE DE FARME SOIN YEUX LUMIÈRE
• Diadermine Démaquillant douceur yeux
• Pierre Fabre Kertyol PSO
• Monoprix Crème dépilatoire peaux sensibles beurre de karité
• Clarins Multi-active Jour,50 ML,Peaux Sèches
• L’Oréal, L’Oreal Consumer products, Garnier Rénovateur Anti-Taches Nuit
• CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser
• L’Oreal Paris Elivive Glycolic Gloss Gloss Combing Cream
• Bioderma BIODERMA Sébium active foaming gel 200 ml e 6.7 FL.0Z.
• Deborah Indurente
• L’OREAL NORGE AS L’Oreal Revitalift Laser 7-Day Resurfacing
• L’Oréal, L’Oreal Consumer products, Garnier, Garnier SkinActive Juicy Mask Radiance / Éclat
• Wella, Wella Professionals Elements
• Wishful
• L’angelica Bagnodoccia Frutta Viva
• I am I am Anti-Unreinheiten 24 H Feuchtigkeitscreme
• Eximia Eximia Hyalu volume complex 3D
• Gamma Chemicals Megaduo Gel
• Needs Gel de Limpeza Controle de Oleosidade
• Asepxia gel secativo seca cravos e espinhas
• Mizon Deep cleansing sheet mask
• Atomy Atomy absolute BB no.23 spf 50
• Hanskin Pore Cleansing Balm – AHA
• L’Oréal, L’Oreal Consumer products, Garnier Green Labs Pinea-C Brightening Gel Washable Cleanser
• Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel
• Alba Botanica Very emollient body lotion
• Mario Badescu Travel Size Glycolic Foaming Cleanser