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

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

As its name suggests, this max-strength treatment contains exfoliating salicylic and glycolic acids paired with the skin-tightening benefits of retinol for a smoother, brighter appearance to your complexion. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 6 Feb. 2025

This lightweight cream contains both glycolic acid and lactic acid to remove dead skin cells while glycerin and kalaya oil neutralize irritation, moisturize, and calm inflammation. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 6 Feb. 2025

In addition to glycolic acid, a chemical exfoliant that removes dead skin cells, the solution is formulated with Tasmanian pepperberry, ginseng, and aloe to gently smooth and brighten your skin in one fell swoop. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 28 Jan. 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