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

Sodha suggests soaking 7% glycolic acid on a cotton pad, then applying it to the armpits three or four times per week. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 3 Aug. 2026

At the same time, glycolic acid—an exfoliating ingredient—helps renew skin by sloughing off dead skin cells and improving texture for a silky-smooth finish. — Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 2 Aug. 2026

Made with salicylic and glycolic acids for exfoliation, the product is particularly well-suited for those with oily skin, or anyone looking to target uneven texture. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 29 July 2026

This could be because glycolic acid stimulates collagen production and cell turnover and proliferation (the production of new skin cells). — Laura Dorwart, Health, 22 July 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