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

Lactic and glycolic acids work to slough away dead cells on the skin’s surface, while azelaic and tranexamic acids inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 29 June 2025

The patented formula taps glycolic acid and probiotics to keep skin pH balanced while brightening and polishing. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes.com, 29 June 2025

It's packed with skin-loving ingredients like glycolic acid to gently exfoliate, willow bark extract to keep pores clear, and green tea seed oil to nourish and soothe. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 Jan. 2025

It’s formulated with all the essentials: GABA, an active neuropeptide that supports healing and repair; moisturizing hyaluronic acid; niacinamide to reduce inflammation; and glycolic acid to improve texture. —Iman Balagam, Vogue, 30 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