Glycolic Acid Supplier South Africa

What Is Glycolic Acid?

Glycolic acid is the simplest and smallest alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), with a molecular weight of just 76 Da. This small size confers its distinctive property: of all cosmetic AHAs, glycolic acid penetrates the stratum corneum most readily, delivering exfoliating and keratolytic activity more efficiently than lactic, malic, tartaric, or citric acids. It is derived from sugarcane (as a natural source) and is also produced synthetically. In cosmetic formulations, glycolic acid disrupts the ionic bonds holding corneocytes (dead skin cells) to the stratum corneum, accelerating desquamation (skin shedding), smoothing skin texture, reducing the appearance of fine lines, and improving the penetration of subsequent active ingredients.

Skin Benefits and Formulation Use

At concentrations of 5–10% in leave-on products (serums, toners, moisturisers), glycolic acid provides progressive skin exfoliation, texture improvement, and improvement in hyperpigmentation (post-inflammatory and UV-induced dark spots) with regular use. At higher concentrations (20–70%), used in professional peel treatments, it provides more pronounced resurfacing effects under professional supervision. Glycolic acid is frequently combined with hyaluronic acid or niacinamide in serums to balance its exfoliating activity with barrier-supporting hydration. EU cosmetics regulation restricts leave-on glycolic acid to ≤10% at pH ≥3.5, with UV-protection advisory labelling required for leave-on products above 3% AHA.

Industrial Applications

Industrially, glycolic acid is used in textile dyeing and tanning as a mordant, in metal cleaning and pickling, as a descalant in boiler and cooling tower systems, and in household cleaning formulations. Terracore Chemicals supplies glycolic acid in cosmetic and industrial grades.