About Glycolic acid
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane, known for its ability to exfoliate the skin and improve overall texture. It works by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and revealing fresher skin underneath. Its effectiveness is pH dependent, making it a popular choice in various beauty and skincare formulations.
Dietary Supplement Label Database
Ingredient group data in NutriNav is aligned with the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD).
- DSLD group id
- 7385
At a glance
Approval status
cosmetic
Compare All Forms
3 formsCompare supplement forms of Glycolic acid by absorption quality and what your body actually gets from each:
High
Moderate
Low
| Form | Absorption | Steps to absorb | Notes | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Glycolic acid
|
— | — | — | View → |
Glycolic Acid (AHA)
|
— | — | — | View → |
Glycolic Acid 70% Solution
|
— | — | — | View → |
Also appears on labels as
Additional names seen on supplement labels for forms of this ingredient (beyond the main aliases above).
2-Hydroxyacetic Acid
Type: Exfoliants
Category for Exfoliants ingredients
Potential Benefits
Benefits associated with Glycolic acid forms:
Potential Side Effects
Side effects associated with Glycolic acid forms:
What does the research say?
Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of glycolic acid in improving skin texture, reducing fine lines, and treating acne. Research indicates that glycolic acid can enhance the penetration of other active ingredients in skincare formulations.