Let our gift finder guide you
Complimentary gift with every purchase over £75
Get your personalized diagnosis in under 4 minutes
Library
All Topics
White wavy lines texture on a surfaceGlycolic Acid

Glycolic Acid

Commonly known as: Glycolic Acid, Hydroxyethanoic Acid, Hydroxyacetic Acid.
I.N.C.I. list name: Glycolic Acid.
Extraction process: Synthesis of formaldehyde through catalytic reaction 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 (A.H.A.); Water-soluble; Oil-insoluble; 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% = Moisturising effect; > 8% = Keratolytic effect (The Cosmetic Regulation does not indicate a maximum usage threshold).
Function: pH Regulator.
Properties: Keratolytic, astringent, brightening, anti-wrinkle, anti-spot, sebum-regulating, anti-blemish, anti-dandruff.
Benefits: Oily skin, blemished skin, acne-prone skin, skin susceptible to hyperpigmentation, dull skin or skin with an uneven complexion, mature skin, hair with dandruff, oily hair, dull hair.

Details

Usage

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

  • Body Care (body lotions, shower gels);

  • Hair Care (Anti-dandruff shampoos, purifying hair masks).

Means of Preservation

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

Contraindications, Usage Precautions

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

Glycolic acid is photosensitising. Use a broad-spectrum sun protection, wear sun-protective clothing and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards. Apply the glycolic acid treatment preferably in the evening before bedtime.

Do not combine glycolic acid with a treatment containing AHA (lactic acid, mandelic acid, etc...) or BHA (salicylic acid, etc...).

Find out more

Glycolic acid was first synthesised by Nicolas Sokoloff and Adolph Strecker in 1851. It is the smallest AHA used in cosmetics, which allows it to penetrate deeply into the layers of the epidermis, as well as into the hair fibre. Thanks to its exfoliating activity, it works by accelerating cell renewal and breaking down the lipid bonds that hold dead cells in the stratum corneum. Glycolic acid then improves the texture and appearance of the skin by reducing the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes (spots, blackheads, etc.) or brown spots.