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

The serum contains azelaic and glycolic acid, both chemical exfoliants. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2025

Its ingredients may include benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or tea tree oil.7 Wet your face with lukewarm water and gently apply the face wash in a circular motion using your fingertips. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 9 June 2025

Alpha hydroxy acids, including glycolic acid, lactic acid, sodium pyrrolidine, and carboxylic acid: These acids are organic and can break down dead skin cells. —Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025

Made with exfoliating glycolic acid, soothing chamomile, and moisturizing shea butter, the formula can also even out excess pigmentation and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 2 June 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