glycolic acid

noun

gly·​col·​ic acid (ˌ)glī-ˈkä-lik- How to pronounce glycolic acid (audio)
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
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There’s glycolic acid to boost luminosity, hyaluronic acid to add hydration to your skin, red light therapy to boost collagen, and so much more to help create a radiance for your skin. Larry Stansbury, Essence, 12 July 2024 Key Ingredients: The non-comedogenic cream features a blend of retinol, glycolic acid, squalane, and shea butter to be effective, yet hydrating. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2024 Another expert favorite is the La Roche Posay Glycolic B5 Serum, which combines the exfoliating powers of glycolic acid and the barrier-strengthening benefits of vitamin B5 with kojic acid to diminish dark spots and even out skin tone. Devon Abelman, Allure, 3 Oct. 2024 Ingredients in this category include resurfacing glycolic acid, purifying muds, clays, and charcoal, and plant extracts like rosemary and sage. Emily Orofino, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for glycolic acid 

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary glycol + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glycolic acid was in 1852

Dictionary Entries Near glycolic acid

Cite this Entry

“Glycolic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glycolic%20acid. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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

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