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 uses a high concentration of glycolic acid to not only even out texture but brighten dark spots and smooth wrinkles. —Ariel Wodarcyk, Glamour, 15 May 2025

Each pad is infused with 10% glycolic acid for gentle exfoliation, tranexamic acid to target dark spots, and niacinamide to smooth and even tone. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Apr. 2025

Exfoliating acids like AHAs (think glycolic acid) are great for brightening the complexion but aren’t always well-tolerated. —Victoria Jowett, Refinery29, 1 Apr. 2025

These include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, phytic acid, and lactic acid.6 In some research, salicylic acid peels lightened dark spots by about 32%.6 Glycolic acid peels reduced dark spots by about 50% after about five months. —Susan Bard, Health, 3 May 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