Glycolic Acid

The Basics On Glycolic Acid

What is Glycolic Acid?

A type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that, like other ingredients in the category, can act as a water-binding agent and exfoliant.

What are other names for Glycolic Acid?

ACETIC ACID, HYDROXY, ACETIC ACID, HYDROXY-, GLYCOLIC ACID, GLYCOLIC ALPHA-HYDROXY ACID, GLYCOLLIC ACID, HYDROXY- ACETIC ACID, HYDROXYACETIC ACID, and HYDROXYETHANOIC ACID

What is Glycolic Acid used for?

Penetrates the skin easily and helps other products do the same. Typically used for the treatment of skin disorders such as acne, acne scars, melasma, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, photoaging, and seborrhea. It has been reported that removal of superficial layers of the epidermis with glycolic acid peels using glycolic acid concentrations of 30-70% can enhance the penetration of other topical skin lighteners such as hydroquinone.

How Glycolic Acid is classified

Exfoliant

Recommendations for using Glycolic Acid during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Is glycolic acid safe during pregnancy? Use with caution in pregnancy, probably OK for lactation

Glycolic Acid During Pregnancy

What we know about using Glycolic Acid while pregnant or breastfeeding

Can you use glycolic acid while pregnant? The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) approves the use of over-the-counter topical creams containing glycolic acid. It is deemed safe as a minimal amount of glycolic acid is likely to be absorbed into the bloodstream (4). Studies on rats showed some adverse effects on the fetus when exposed to 300-600mg of glycolic acid daily (which is a much higher dosage than used in humans) (5). There are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women to quantify the safety of glycolic acid during pregnancy. Glycolic acid peels are contraindicated during pregnancy. No information is available on the clinical use of glycolic acid (hydroxyacetic acid) on the skin during breastfeeding. Because it is unlikely to be appreciably absorbed or appear in breastmilk, it is considered safe to use during breastfeeding.[1][2] Avoid application to areas of the body that might come in direct contact with the infant’s skin or where the drug might be ingested by the infant via licking.

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid found in many cosmetics used to treat acne. There have been several animal studies demonstrating adverse reproductive effects when glycolic acid was administered in high doses, much larger than those used in topical cosmetic products in humans.27 Studies examining the use of glycolic acid in human pregnancy have not been conducted; however, using topical glycolic acid during pregnancy should not be of concern, as only a minimal amount is expected to be absorbed systemically.28 Numerous studies have been published examining the role of glycolic acid, as a metabolite, in the developmental toxicity caused by ethylene glycol. 8,16-18,21,22,31,36 Glycolic acid is the proximate developmental toxicant for ethylene glycol. Very high doses and dose rates that saturate glycolic acid oxidation are required for developmental effects; in one oral study, the peak maternal blood concentration of glycolic acid associated with the lowest observed effect level (LOEL) for developDistrbuted for comment only — do not cite or quote mental toxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats was 363 ¬µg/g, or 4.8 mM blood. However, the effects are species-specific. High doses of ethylene glycol administered via gavage were not teratogenic in rabbits; it appears that rate of maternal metabolism of ethylene glycol to glycolic acid is slower in rabbits than in rats. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed for use in developmental risk assessments to enable addressing inhalation, oral, dermal, intravenous, and subcutaneous routes of administration. The comparison of internal dose estimates in rats and humans over a broad range of exposures led to the conclusion that occupational and environmental exposures to ethylene glycol by humans are unlikely to yield blood levels of glycolic acid in humans that are associated with developmental toxicity in rats. The National Toxicology Program’s Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction (NTP-CERHR) also found that, as long as ethylene glycol exposure does not result in saturation of enzymes that metabolize glycolic acid, there should be no developmental toxicity; in humans, saturation is estimated to occur at 125 mg/kg bw or greater

General safety info about Glycolic Acid from CIR

No report found.

Use this, not that!

Lactic acid, Maltic acid

Products where you might find Glycolic Acid

Sunday Riley GOOD GENES Glycolic Acid Treatment, SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight, Glo Skin Beauty Glycolic Resurfacing Cream; Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum, Farmacy HONEYMOON GLOW AHA Resurfacing Night Serum with Hydrating Honey + Gentle Flower Acids, The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA