What Is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is the smallest alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), derived from sugar cane. It is widely used in skincare for exfoliation and renewal.
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with the smallest molecular weight of any AHA at 76.05 g/mol. This small size lets it penetrate the stratum corneum quickly and dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together.\n\n## Where it comes from\nNaturally occurring in sugar cane, sugar beet, pineapple, and unripe grapes. Cosmetic-grade glycolic acid is typically produced synthetically for purity and consistency.\n\n## How it is used\nIn skincare it appears in cleansers, toners, serums, masks, peels and body lotions at concentrations from 2% (gentle daily exfoliation) up to 70% (in-clinic peels).
Frequently asked
Is glycolic acid safe for daily use?
At low concentrations (2–5%) and an appropriate formulation, many people tolerate daily use. Higher strengths should be used 2–3 times per week.
Does glycolic acid lighten skin?
It can fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation by accelerating cell turnover, but it does not bleach skin.