glycolic acid
noun
gly·col·ic acid
(ˌ)glī-ˈkä-lik- 
variants
or glycollic acid
: an alpha hydroxy acid C2H4O3 found especially in unripe grapes and sugar beets and used especially in textile and leather processing and in skin-care treatments especially as an exfoliant
Examples of glycolic acid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Cleansers with salicylic or glycolic acid can help manage acne, but strong salicylates might be too harsh.
—
Syeda Khaula Saad, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2024
This foot peel contains higher levels of glycolic acid and citric acid, which Dr. Graf says is strong enough to penetrate and dissolve dead skin buildup.
—Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024
This foot peel is formulated with a blend of lactic acid, glycolic acid, lemon fruit extract, and papaya fruit extract to deliver a revitalizing peel experience while also soothing and nourishing the skin.
—Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024
The brand’s resulting body care products, High Roller and Slather, both work to exfoliate and smooth the skin, targeting ingrown hairs and keratosis pilaris (among other texture issues) respectively with ingredients like glycolic acid, willow bark extract, and retinol.
—Hannah Baxter, Allure, 5 Mar. 2024
Other formulas may contain glycolic acid and vitamin C to brighten the skin’s appearance.
—Alena Hall, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2024
Hyaluronic acid provides hydration, glycolic acid exfoliates the skin, and other valuable ingredients help calm any irritation.
—Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2024
Here are some of the ways glycolic acid can change your skin.
—Mara Santilli, SELF, 25 Jan. 2024
As noted, mandelic acid features a larger molecule size compared to other AHAs (a camp that also includes glycolic acid), meaning that its penetration is both slow and uniform.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 9 Dec. 2023
Syeda Khaula Saad, Verywell Health, 12 Feb. 2024
This foot peel contains higher levels of glycolic acid and citric acid, which Dr. Graf says is strong enough to penetrate and dissolve dead skin buildup.
—Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024
This foot peel is formulated with a blend of lactic acid, glycolic acid, lemon fruit extract, and papaya fruit extract to deliver a revitalizing peel experience while also soothing and nourishing the skin.
—Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024
The brand’s resulting body care products, High Roller and Slather, both work to exfoliate and smooth the skin, targeting ingrown hairs and keratosis pilaris (among other texture issues) respectively with ingredients like glycolic acid, willow bark extract, and retinol.
—Hannah Baxter, Allure, 5 Mar. 2024
Other formulas may contain glycolic acid and vitamin C to brighten the skin’s appearance.
—Alena Hall, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2024
Hyaluronic acid provides hydration, glycolic acid exfoliates the skin, and other valuable ingredients help calm any irritation.
—Alyssa Grabinski, Peoplemag, 10 Feb. 2024
Here are some of the ways glycolic acid can change your skin.
—Mara Santilli, SELF, 25 Jan. 2024
As noted, mandelic acid features a larger molecule size compared to other AHAs (a camp that also includes glycolic acid), meaning that its penetration is both slow and uniform.
—Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 9 Dec. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'glycolic acid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near glycolic acid
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“Glycolic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glycolic%20acid. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
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