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

Bestsellers include its Serum Body Washes, 5% AHA Deodorant Serums and Nourishing Body Oil — each formulated with ingredients such as niacinamide, squalane and glycolic acid. — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 26 June 2026

It’s formulated with glycolic acid and fruit enzymes to exfoliate the skin and reveal a smoother, brighter complexion. — People Deals Team, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026

Her pick is First Aid Beauty’s sensitive skin-safe Facial Radiance Pads thanks to the star ingredient, glycolic acid. — Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 24 June 2026

Look for over-the-counter body-care products with salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which will help loosen the hairs. — Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 18 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary glycol + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for glycolic acid

• antacid
• placid

Medical Definition

glycolic acid

noun

variants also glycollic acid

: an alpha hydroxy acid C₂H₄O₃ that is oxidized to glyoxylic acid in photosynthesis, is used as an agent to produce chemical peels in cutaneous rejuvenation treatments, and is the major toxic metabolite in ethylene glycol poisoning

called also hydroxyacetic acid