Description
Glycolic Acid Powder is a high-purity alpha hydroxy acid used in advanced skincare formulations.
Formulators use it in exfoliating toners, serums, creams, masks, and professional cosmetic systems. In addition, it works well in products designed for dull-looking skin, rough texture, uneven tone, and visible signs of aging.
Glycolic Acid has a small molecular size compared with many other AHAs. Therefore, formulators must control concentration, pH, buffering, and skin tolerance carefully.
This raw material is for professional cosmetic formulation use only. Do not apply the raw powder directly to the skin.
Technical Information
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| INCI Name | Glycolic Acid |
| CAS Number | 79-14-1 |
| Chemical Formula | C2H4O3 |
| Ingredient Type | Alpha Hydroxy Acid, AHA |
| Physical Form | White crystalline powder |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water and alcohol |
| Typical Usage Level | Commonly 1–10% in cosmetic leave-on products, depending on regulation and formula design |
| Recommended pH Range | Commonly pH 3.5–4.5 for consumer cosmetic exfoliating products |
| Storage | Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from moisture |
Note: Exact assay, purity, water content, free acid value, particle size, and recommended use level should be confirmed from the supplier COA, TDS, and MSDS.
Key Benefits
Smoother-Looking Skin
Glycolic Acid Powder helps improve the appearance of rough skin texture. As a result, the skin can look smoother and more refined.
Brighter-Looking Complexion
This ingredient supports a brighter and fresher skin appearance. Therefore, it is suitable for radiance-focused skincare products.
Surface Renewal Support
Glycolic Acid helps support visible skin surface renewal. In addition, it can improve the look of dullness and uneven tone.
Fine Line Appearance Support
Formulators use Glycolic Acid in anti-aging skincare products. It helps improve the visible appearance of fine lines and tired-looking skin.
Advanced Exfoliating Positioning
Skincare brands can use this ingredient in exfoliating toners, serums, creams, and professional-use cosmetic systems.
Recommended Applications
Glycolic Acid Powder is suitable for:
- Exfoliating facial toners
- Brightening serums
- AHA creams
- Anti-aging skincare products
- Radiance masks
- Rough-skin formulas
- Professional cosmetic exfoliation systems
- Body smoothing products
How to Use
Dissolve Glycolic Acid Powder in the water phase.
Adjust the final pH carefully.
For consumer cosmetic products, keep the pH and concentration within the permitted local cosmetic limits.
Use buffering and soothing ingredients to improve skin comfort.
Also, avoid combining strong exfoliation claims with medical or therapeutic claims.
Furthermore, test the final formula for pH, free acid value, stability, color, odor, safety, and skin compatibility before launch.
Formulation Tips
Glycolic Acid performance depends strongly on pH and free acid value. Therefore, the percentage alone does not define product strength.
A 10% Glycolic Acid product at a higher pH may feel milder than a lower-level formula at a lower pH. For this reason, formulators should control both concentration and pH during development.
Useful supporting ingredients include glycerin, propanediol, panthenol, allantoin, beta-glucan, hyaluronic acid, sodium PCA, and mild barrier-support ingredients.
Use opaque or compatible packaging. In addition, confirm compatibility with pumps, closures, labels, and inner coatings because acidic systems may stress packaging over time.
Cosmetic Mechanism of Action
Glycolic Acid supports skin exfoliation by loosening the cohesion between surface corneocytes in the stratum corneum.
This helps improve the appearance of skin smoothness, brightness, and texture.
However, brands should present Glycolic Acid as a cosmetic exfoliating ingredient only. It is not a drug, medical peel, acne treatment, melasma treatment, or therapeutic skin-resurfacing product.
Suggested Cosmetic Claims
Suitable claims:
- Supports smoother-looking skin
- Helps improve the appearance of rough texture
- Supports brighter-looking skin
- Helps improve the look of uneven tone
- Promotes a more radiant complexion
- Ideal for AHA exfoliating skincare
- Helps refine skin appearance
- Suitable for exfoliating toners and creams
Avoid these claims unless strongly substantiated and legally reviewed:
- Treats acne
- Treats melasma
- Removes pigmentation
- Medical chemical peel
- Repairs sun damage
- Rebuilds skin
- Removes scars
- Professional resurfacing treatment
- Dermatological therapy
Safety and Labeling Notes
AHA products may increase skin sensitivity to the sun. Therefore, finished products should include suitable directions for use and sun-protection warnings according to the target market.
For U.S.-style labeling, AHA cosmetic products commonly require a Sunburn Alert statement when applicable.
Final product safety depends on concentration, pH, free acid value, exposure time, product type, skin area, and consumer instructions.
Regulatory Notes
Glycolic Acid is a cosmetic ingredient. However, final product compliance depends on the target market, product type, concentration, pH, safety assessment, directions for use, and marketing claims.
Consumer leave-on AHA products often require stricter control than rinse-off products. Professional-use exfoliation systems may have additional restrictions and should not be marketed as ordinary consumer skincare.
This raw material is not for oral, injectable, medical, pharmaceutical, or direct consumer use.
Product Advantages
- Cosmetic-grade Glycolic Acid Powder
- High-purity AHA ingredient
- Water-soluble and easy to incorporate
- Suitable for exfoliating and radiance-focused skincare
- Good choice for toners, serums, creams, masks, and body products
- COA, TDS, and MSDS available upon request
Overall, Glycolic Acid Powder is a strong choice for brands that want cosmetic exfoliating products focused on smoother, brighter, and more refined-looking skin.
Shipping Information
Free worldwide shipping.
Estimated delivery time: 10–15 business days, depending on destination and logistics conditions.
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