glycolic acid

noun

gly·​col·​ic acid (ˌ)glī-ˈkä-lik- 

variants or glycollic acid

: an alpha hydroxy acid C₂H₄O₃ found especially in unripe grapes and sugar beets and used especially in textile and leather processing and in skin-care treatments especially as an exfoliant

Examples of glycolic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While the pads are infused with glycolic acid and PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) for a chemical exfoliation, the gel utilizes pineapple and papaya enzymes for enzymatic and physical exfoliation. —Jackie Fields, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025

Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum With Retinol and AHAs $30 Sephora Though packed with powerful exfoliators—glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid—to smooth and even skin tone, this body lotion is gentle enough for sensitive skin. —Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 31 Mar. 2025

It: La Roche-Posay Glycolic B5 pairs the brightening power of kojic acid with exfoliating glycolic acid to target dark spots and smooth rough patches. —Deanna Pai, Allure, 12 Mar. 2025

Key Ingredients: Retinol, glycolic acid, squalane, shea butter Best For: Deep wrinkles, dry skin, combination skin, dull skin Size: 1.0 fl. oz. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary glycol + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for glycolic acid

• antacid
• placid

Medical Definition

glycolic acid

noun

variants also glycollic acid

: an alpha hydroxy acid C₂H₄O₃ that is oxidized to glyoxylic acid in photosynthesis, is used as an agent to produce chemical peels in cutaneous rejuvenation treatments, and is the major toxic metabolite in ethylene glycol poisoning

called also hydroxyacetic acid