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Glycolic acid

Commonly known as: Glycolic Acid, Hydroxyethanoic Acid, Hydroxyacetic Acid.
I.N.C.I. list name: Glycolic Acid.
Extraction process: Synthesis by catalytic reaction of formaldehyde on synthesis gas (CO + H₂) (carbonylation reaction).
Source: Synthetic.
Botanical name: /
Family: /
Part of the plant extracted: /
Provenance, origin: France.
Chemical characteristics: Family of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA); soluble in water; insoluble in oil; recommended pH between 3 and 4; molecular mass: 76.05 g/mol; Density: 1.26 g/cm³.
Characteristics: Emulsion, colloidal solution, true aqueous solution.
Dosage required in cosmetic products: < 5% = Moisturizing effect; > 8% = Keratolytic effect (Cosmetic Regulations do not indicate a maximum use threshold).
Function: PH regulator.
Properties: Keratolytic, astringent, lightening, anti-wrinkle, anti-spot, sebum regulator, anti-imperfections, anti-dandruff.
Benefits: Oily skin, skin with imperfections, skin with an acneic tendency, skin with tendency to hyperpigmentation, dull skin or skin with an irregular complexion, mature skin, hair with dandruff, hair with an oily tendency, dull hair.

Details

Use

  • Facial care (exfoliating products, peelings, purifying creams and lotions, cleansing gels, radiance masks, eye contour creams, anti-imperfections care, beard creams, unifying care);

  • Body care (body milks, shower gels);

  • Hair care (anti-dandruff shampoos, purifying hair masks).

Preservation

Store at room temperature away from light, moisture and heat.

Contra-Indications and Precautions

Not recommended for sensitive and atopic skin as it may cause allergic reactions or irritation. Avoid contact with eyes, in case of contact rinse thoroughly with water.

Glycolic acid is photosensitizing. Use broad spectrum sunscreen, wear sun protective clothing and limit sun exposure when using this product and for one week afterwards. Apply glycolic acid preferably in the evening before bedtime.

Do not combine glycolic acid with a product containing AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) such as lactic acid, mandelic acid, etc. or BHA (beta hydroxy acids) such as salicylic acid, etc.

Find out more

Glycolic acid was first synthesized by Nicolas SOKOLOFF and Adolph STRECKER in 1851. It is the smallest AHA used in cosmetics, which allows it to penetrate deep into the layers of the epidermis, as well as the hair fibers. Because of its exfoliating activity, it acts by accelerating cell renewal and destroying the lipidic bonds that hold the dead cells of the horny layer together. Glycolic acid then improves the texture and appearance of the skin by reducing the appearance of wrinkles, imperfections (pimples, blackheads, etc...) or brown spots.