Glycolic Acid Specifications

Glycolic Acid Description

Glycolic acid, a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), is derived from sugar cane. It's renowned for its small molecular size, which allows it to penetrate the skin deeply. It joins other acids, such as lactic acid (derived from sour milk), tartaric acid (from grapes), and citric acid. Glycolic acid is an exfoliant that helps shed dead skin cells and reveal the newer, brighter layers underneath by acting on the stratum corneum.

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that comes from sugar cane. As it absorbs into the skin, it promotes cell turnover.

Benefits of Glycolic Acid for Skin

1. Exfoliation: Glycolic acid helps to remove dead skin cells on the surface, revealing fresher, brighter skin beneath. This process can improve skin texture and tone.
2. Anti-Aging: By promoting cell turnover, glycolic acid can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving the skin a more youthful look.
3. Acne Treatment: Its exfoliating properties help unclog pores, preventing and reducing acne breakouts.
4. Hyperpigmentation: Glycolic acid can fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation by accelerating the shedding of pigmented skin cells and promoting the growth of new, evenly pigmented cells.

Benefits of Glycolic Acid for Scalp

Similar to its effects on the skin, glycolic acid can exfoliate the scalp, remove dead skin cells, and promote a healthier scalp environment. By removing excess buildup and flakes, glycolic acid can help reduce dandruff and prevent its recurrence. Glycolic acid is believed to promote hair growth. Because glycolic acid can help maintain a balanced scalp environment, which can support healthier hair growth.

Glycolic Acid with Niacinamide

Glycolic Acid with Niacinamide can achieve a skin-balancing effect. Glycolic acid exfoliates and increases cell turnover, while niacinamide helps to soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and improve the skin barrier function.
Both ingredients can improve skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation. Glycolic acid removes dead skin cells, and niacinamide prevents the transfer of pigment within the skin, leading to a brighter complexion.
In addition, niacinamide enhances skin hydration, which can counterbalance the potential drying effects of glycolic acid.

Glycolic Acid Applications

Due to its strong penetration into the skin, glycolic acid is also used in cosmetics such as skin whitening care products and as a medicament for removing dead skin and hair.

Reference:

1. Prehled Prumyslove Toxikologie; Organicke Latky. Marhold, J., Prague, Czechoslovakia, Avicenum, 1986, Pg. 656, 1986.