glycolic acid

noun

gly·​col·​ic acid (ˌ)glī-ˈkä-lik- How to pronounce glycolic acid (audio)
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

Examples of glycolic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This brightening product also contains vitamin C, retinol, and glycolic acid—all at a drugstore price. Kristine Thomason, Glamour, 13 Jan. 2025 Exfoliate: For oily skin, deep-cleaning exfoliants, such as glycolic acid, remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Mark Gurarie, Health, 1 Jan. 2025 Each SkinMedica Even and Correct Brightening Treatment Pad is drenched in 10% glycolic acid to support skin renewal, witch hazel for a natural, alcohol-free astringent effect, and a 2% LTN complex. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Dec. 2024 The addition of glycolic acid in formula helps achieve a brighter and more even-toned complexion through gentle exfoliation. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for glycolic acid 

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary glycol + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of glycolic acid was in 1852

Dictionary Entries Near glycolic acid

Cite this Entry

“Glycolic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glycolic%20acid. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.

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

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