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

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

This hydroquinone-free formula handles melasma, post-acne marks, and sun spots with a team of resorcinol, tranexamic acid, and glycolic acid. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 15 Apr. 2025

Steer clear of physical exfoliants or scrubs, chemical exfoliants (salicylic or glycolic acids, for example), acne fighters like sulfur or benzoyl peroxide, botanicals such as essential oils, and other active ingredients that might stress out sensitive skin. —Alisa Hrustic, SELF, 9 Apr. 2025

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

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