glycolic acid
noun
gly·col·ic acid (ˌ)glī-ˈkä-lik- 
variants or glycollic acid
: an alpha hydroxy acid C2H4O3 found especially in unripe grapes and sugar beets and used especially in textile and leather processing and in skin-care treatments especially as an exfoliant
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web This step combines glycolic acid and salicylic acid to exfoliate and help even out the skin tone while treating and helping prevent future breakouts. 
Mariah Morrison, Harper's BAZAAR, 18 Aug. 2022 Lab tests found the vitamin C and glycolic acid lotion raised skin's hydration 28% and decreased UV spots by 11% in four weeks. Nicole Saporita, Good Housekeeping, 8 Aug. 2022 Try a glycolic acid face wash, like SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser or Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser, or a peel weekly. Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 29 July 2022 The Milk, Sleep, Repeat Cleanser contains glycolic acid, a chemical exfoliant that sloughs away dead skin cells, improves skin texture, and treats dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Sarah Hoffmann, Allure, 24 July 2022 Roll Topicals’s newly-launched hair tonic—a lightweight blend of salicylic acid, zinc PCA, and glycolic acid—onto the face, armpits, and bikini area to prevent ingrown hairs and refine skin texture. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 3 June 2022 The most common types of AHAs are glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid, but there are others including tartaric acid, citric acid, and malic acid. Sarah Madaus, SELF, 18 May 2022 For acne-prone skin: Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid can help minimize breakouts. April Franzino, Good Housekeeping, 13 May 2022 The combo of vitamin C and glycolic acid also helps fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and smooth out your skin's texture. ELLE, 13 July 2022 See More
Mariah Morrison, Harper's BAZAAR, 18 Aug. 2022 Lab tests found the vitamin C and glycolic acid lotion raised skin's hydration 28% and decreased UV spots by 11% in four weeks. Nicole Saporita, Good Housekeeping, 8 Aug. 2022 Try a glycolic acid face wash, like SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser or Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser, or a peel weekly. Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 29 July 2022 The Milk, Sleep, Repeat Cleanser contains glycolic acid, a chemical exfoliant that sloughs away dead skin cells, improves skin texture, and treats dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Sarah Hoffmann, Allure, 24 July 2022 Roll Topicals’s newly-launched hair tonic—a lightweight blend of salicylic acid, zinc PCA, and glycolic acid—onto the face, armpits, and bikini area to prevent ingrown hairs and refine skin texture. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 3 June 2022 The most common types of AHAs are glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid, but there are others including tartaric acid, citric acid, and malic acid. Sarah Madaus, SELF, 18 May 2022 For acne-prone skin: Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid can help minimize breakouts. April Franzino, Good Housekeeping, 13 May 2022 The combo of vitamin C and glycolic acid also helps fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and smooth out your skin's texture. ELLE, 13 July 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary glycol + -ic entry 1
First Known Use
1852, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
glycolic acid
noun
variants also glycollic acid
: an alpha hydroxy acid C2H4O3 that is oxidized to glyoxylic acid in photosynthesis, is used as an agent to produce chemical peels in cutaneous rejuvenation treatments, and is the major toxic metabolite in ethylene glycol poisoning
called also hydroxyacetic acid