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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

This cream nourishes your skin using a mix of retinol, glycolic acid, and hydrating shea butter while giving long-lasting anti-aging benefits. —elle.com, 18 Apr. 2023

Megababe’s biodegradable wipes, infused with glycolic acid, botanical extracts, cucumber, and mint, are individually wrapped and effectively refresh the skin, while Kosas’ beloved natural deodorant works to combat body odor while soothing and brightening. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 31 May 2022

What skin type is best suited for glycolic acid? —Roxanne Adamiyatt, Town & Country, 15 Apr. 2021

This sunscreen lotion contains SPF 30 to stop new dark spots from forming and a combination of glycolic acid, vitamin C, and retinol to treat any existing discoloration and brighten your complexion, Dr. Zeichner says. —Neha Tandon, Women's Health, 20 Mar. 2023

There is data suggesting that chemical exfoliators like glycolic acid also help stimulate collagen production. —Jasmine Washington, Seventeen, 17 Mar. 2023

This intensive serum harnesses the power of tranexamic acid, which is a great ingredient for inhibiting pigment, in tandem with glycolic acid to clear dull/dead skin cells. —Sarah Han, Allure, 11 Oct. 2022

It's made with a high concentration of glycolic acid yet was least likely to sting skin in Lab testing. —Catharine Malzahn, Good Housekeeping, 26 July 2022

It’s got a mega-dose of skin-smoothing glycolic acid, to the tune of 34 percent. —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2022

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Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary glycol + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

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