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

Lactic Acid While lactic and glycolic acids are both alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), lactic acid is better suited for dry and/or sensitive skin types. —Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026

Topicals’ Slather Exfoliating Body Serum, a two-time Best of Beauty Award winner, tackles both with a potent combination of lactic acid, glycolic acid, urea, and retinol. —Sarah Felbin, Allure, 25 Feb. 2026

The brand’s latest: a milky-toner and serum pumped with lactic and glycolic acid with L-Arginine for brightening and gentle exfoliation. —Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 31 Jan. 2026

That’s thanks to glycolic acid, which smooths the hair cuticle to reduce frizz, plus hydrating hyaluronic acid suspended in a nourishing yet lightweight oil base. —Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 22 Jan. 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