Active Compound

Glycolic Acid (1

Glycolic Acid (1 is an exfoliating agent that helps remove dead skin cells, promoting smoother and more radiant skin.
Generally Safe
This ingredient has a good safety profile based on available data.
Purpose

Function

Smallest AHA (MW 76 Da) enabling the deepest epidermal penetration of the AHA class. At <25% produces superficial exfoliation; 25–50% causes keratinocyte discontinuity; 50–75% causes epidermolysis. Disrupts desmosomal cohesion via calcium ion chelation, thinning the stratum corneum and promoting cell turnover. Efficacy governed by free (undissociated) acid concentration per Henderson-Hasselbalch: at pH 3.5 (~68% free acid) vs pH 4.5 (~18% free acid). Also used as pH adjuster.
Profile

Properties

Silicone
Silicone free
Malassezia
Safe
Fungal Acne
Safe
Details

Description

Glycolic Acid (1 is an exfoliating agent that helps remove dead skin cells, promoting smoother and more radiant skin.

Reference

Identifiers

Category
Active Compound
Updated
Apr 2, 2026

No registry identifiers available for this ingredient.