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Organic Acids

Sodium glycolate

CAS: 2836-32-0

Overview

Sodium glycolate (CAS 2836-32-0 ), also known as sodium 2-hydroxyacetate, is the sodium salt of glycolic acid used across pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food applications as a buffering agent, chelant, and humectant.

Its ability to regulate pH and bind metal ions makes it a functional ingredient in formulations where stability and moisture retention are critical procurement considerations for industrial manufacturers.

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, sodium glycolate is used as a buffering excipient in topical and injectable formulations, helping maintain pH stability throughout the entirety of the product shelf life.

Cosmetic formulators incorporate it into skin care products, particularly exfoliating serums, moisturizers, and cleansers, where it supports moisture retention and enhances the performance of active ingredients.

In industrial and personal care cleaning formulations, it acts as a chelating agent to sequester calcium and magnesium ions, improving surfactant efficiency in hard water conditions for better results.

Food-grade applications include its use as an acidity regulator in processed food systems requiring precise pH control. It is supplied as a white crystalline powder or as an aqueous solution.

Standard grades include technical, food-grade, and pharmaceutical-grade material, with the latter conforming to USP or Ph. Eur. specifications where required for high-purity compliance.

Packaging is typically available in kilogram quantities for laboratory and formulation use, scaling to bulk supply for industrial buyers seeking consistent quality and reliable chemical distribution.

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Physical Properties

Melting Point151 °C
AppearanceWhite to off-white powder
ColorWhite to off-white
FormPowder
Water SolubilitySoluble
Log P-1.046 (est)

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS05 GHS07 Hazard Statements H315 Causes skin irritation H318 Causes serious eye damage H319 Causes serious eye irritation H335 May cause respiratory irritation Precautionary Statements P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P317 Get emergency medical help. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code29189900
Storage Class11 - Combustible Solids
WGK (Germany)1

Other Names

Sodium lycolate | Sodium 2-hydroxyacetate | Monosodium glycolate | Hydroxyacetic acidmonosodium salt | Glycolic acidsodium salt | Glycolic acidmonosodium salt | Sodium hydroxyacetate | Sodium glycollate

Related Products

Chemical Properties

CAS Number
2836-32-0
EC Number
220-624-9
Mol. Weight
98.03
HS Code
29189900

Industries

Documentation