glycolic acid

or glycollic acid

noun

1. a colorless, crystalline, water-soluble powder, C 2 H 4 O 3 , that is a major substrate for photorespiration in plants: used chiefly for textile printing and dyeing and in pesticides.

glycolic acid

noun

1. a colourless crystalline soluble hygroscopic compound found in sugar cane and sugar beet: used in tanning and in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, adhesives, and plasticizers; hydroxyacetic acid. Formula: CH 2 (OH)COOH

glycolic acid

/ glī-kŏl′ĭk /

1. A colorless crystalline compound that occurs naturally in sugar beets and sugarcane. It is used in leather dyeing and tanning, and in making pharmaceuticals, pesticides, adhesives, and plasticizers. Chemical formula: C 2 H 4 O 3 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of glycolic acid¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

If so, he recommended using products with glycolic acid, a gentle chemical exfoliant, to boost skin-cell turnover without drying out your skin.

From Seattle Times

It also produces glycolic acid, which is widely used in the cosmetics industry.

From BBC

For this reason, Dr. Ciraldo recommends removing barrier-degrading ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and retinol from your stress skin routine.

From New York Times

“You can try a spot treatment with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or glycolic acid,” says Jaber, who also said a hydrocortisone cream could help reduce inflammation on irritated areas.

From Fox News

It is so named because glycolic acid is one of a group of alpha hydroxy acids.

From BBC