Glycolic acid

CAS: 79-14-1

Overview

Glycolic acid (CAS 79-14-1 ) is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid, giving it exceptional skin penetration relative to other AHA compounds used in cosmetic formulations. Industrially, it functions as a pH regulator, chelating agent, and descaling chemistry across a broad range of manufacturing processes.

In personal care, it is the active ingredient in chemical exfoliant products — peels, serums, and anti-aging creams — where concentration and grade determine regulatory classification. Textile and leather processors use it for pH control during dyeing and tanning operations.

Consistent acidity directly affects color uptake and hide quality in these industrial settings. Water treatment applications rely on its chelating action to sequester metal ions and inhibit scale formation in boiler and cooling systems.

In food-contact and industrial cleaning formulations, it serves as a descaling and surface-conditioning acid where low residue and biodegradability are procurement advantages. Glycolic acid is supplied as an aqueous solution, most commonly at 70% concentration.

Lower concentrations are available for specific end-use requirements. Technical and industrial grades cover the cleaning and process chemistry markets, while cosmetic-grade material meets purity standards required by personal care manufacturers.

Food-grade specifications are also available for applications requiring compliance with food-contact or FCC standards. This ensures the material meets the rigorous safety and quality benchmarks necessary for sensitive industrial applications.

Physical Properties

Melting Point	80 °C
Boiling Point	157 °C @ Press: 18 Torr
Density	1.49 g/cm³ @ Temp: 25 °C
Flash Point	112°C
Appearance	colourless crystalline solid
Color	White to off-white
Odor	at 100.00 %. odorless very mild buttery
Form	Solution
Water Solubility	SOLUBLE
Vapor Pressure	10.8 hPa (80 °C)
Refractive Index	n 20/D 1.424
pH	2 (50g/l, H2O, 20℃)
Log P	-1.07 at 20℃

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS05 GHS07 GHS08 Hazard Statements H302 Harmful if swallowed H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage H318 Causes serious eye damage H332 Harmful if inhaled H333 May be harmful if inhaled H361 Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child H370 Causes damage to organs H373 May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure H402 Harmful to aquatic life Precautionary Statements P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use. P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P317 Get emergency medical help. P318 IF exposed or concerned, get medical advice. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P363 Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. P304+P317 Get emergency medical help. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P308+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P301+P330+P331 Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P302+P361+P354 IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. 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 Code	29181990
UN Number	3265
ADR Class	8
Packing Group	III
Storage Class	8A - Combustible corrosive hazardous materials
WGK (Germany)	1

Other Names

Industries

Food & Nutrition Textile, Leather & Paper Water Treatment Personal Care & Cosmetics