glycolic acid
Meaning of glycolic acid: Glycolic acid is a small alpha hydroxy acid derived from plant sugars that exfoliates skin in cosmetic and dermatologic products.
Definition of glycolic acid
Glycolic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in sugarcane and certain other plants, and it belongs to a group of compounds called alpha hydroxy acids. Its small molecular size allows it to penetrate the outer layer of skin more readily than many other acids used in skin care.
Glycolic acid works by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells on the outer layer of skin, encouraging them to shed and reveal smoother skin underneath. This exfoliating effect has made it a common ingredient in cosmetic products marketed to soften skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines, and it is also used at higher concentrations in professional chemical peels performed under medical or cosmetic supervision.
Because glycolic acid increases the rate of surface skin cell turnover, products containing it can also increase skin sensitivity to sunlight, an effect generally considered alongside its use in a broader skin care routine.
Used in a sentence
A glycolic acid peel was performed to address the patient's uneven skin texture.
Good to know
Products containing glycolic acid can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight, an effect distinct from the exfoliation it is primarily used for.
Word origin
Where “glycolic acid” comes from
Formed from Greek glykys, meaning sweet, reflecting its derivation from plant sugars.