Description

Description: Glycolic acid is a naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acids (or AHAs). It is being used to rejuvenate the skin by encouraging the shedding of old surface skin cells. Glycolic acid is the alpha hydroxy acid most frequently used for peel products. Synonym: hydroacetic acid. Clear, slightly yellowish liquid. Characteristic odor. Concentration: 70% (30% water). Grade: CG. pH Value 0.5. Easily soluble in water.
INCI Name: Glycolic acid
Properties: Glycolic acid can reduce the appearance of fine lines, irregular pigmentation, age spots & decreases enlarged pores. It is being used in exfoliating products as alpha-hydroxy acid peel, or in creams & lotions at a lower concentration for a more gentle acid-based peel.
Use: Typical use level is between 1-20%. For making a 10% AHA peel, use about 14.5% of glycolic acid 70, making a 5% AHA peel, use about 7.25%. For home use, it is not recommended to make AHA peels higher than 20% (equals about 28.6% of glycolic acid). Important: Do not use glycolic acid pure and undiluted; the solution is highly acidic and can lead to skin irritation and skin burns. Storage: stable ~1 year, store cool & light protected. External use only. Please note that when using this ingredient regularly in skin care products, the skin will be very sensitive and needs to be protected from the sun, wearing sunscreen or any other protection.
Applications: Peels, creams, lotions, masks, cleansers. Due to its acidity the final product needs to be tested for safe pH. Optimal pH range from 3.5-5.0. Some over the counter products, after adding glycolic acid, will separate as a result of the low pH, and need to be stabilized.