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

On the other hand, brightening alternatives like chemical exfoliants (think salicylic acid, glycolic acid) are great at sloughing off the top layer of your skin to reveal a fresh layer underneath. —Jenna Ryu, SELF, 4 Mar. 2025

There’s also super lotus as well as succinic and glycolic acids to minimize dark spots and pores. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025

That glycolic acid can also help keep skin clear of breakouts, making this helpful for active blemishes and acne scars alike. —Deanna Pai, Vogue, 24 Feb. 2025

Its trio of retinol, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid manages to clarify pores and limit sebum production sans irritation. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 21 Feb. 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