Glycolic Acid is a concentrated aqueous solution of glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) widely used to improve the look of rough texture, dullness, and uneven tone by supporting surface-level exfoliation.
Because glycolic acid is a small-molecule AHA, it is highly effective at promoting a smoother-looking finish, but it is also more likely to sting if the final formula is too acidic or used at an aggressive level.
This 80% liquid grade is typically used as a manufacturing concentrate. It allows precise dosing into water-based systems, followed by controlled pH adjustment and stability checks to meet the desired performance and skin feel.
FEATURES
- High active strength – 80% concentrate for flexible dosing across many product types.
- Effective exfoliation – supports smoother-looking texture and brighter appearance when pH is properly set.
- Water-based processing – easy to incorporate into toners, gels, emulsions, and cleansers.
- Formulation control – performance can be tuned by use level and final pH.
BEST FOR
- Exfoliating toners
- Texture-refining serums
- Exfoliating gels
- Body lotions for rough texture
- Rinse-off cleansers (AHA wash)
- Professional peel style formulas (formulator-controlled)
FORMULATION GUIDELINES
| INCI | Glycolic Acid (and) Water |
|---|---|
| Type | Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) exfoliant concentrate |
| Solubility | Water soluble |
| Active Content | 80% Glycolic Acid (as supplied) |
| Use Rate | Depends on target “free acid” level and final pH. Common finished-product levels: 2–10% (leave-on) and 3–15% (rinse-off), subject to your formulation goals and compliance requirements. |
| Best Phase | Water phase (add with mixing, then pH adjust) |
| pH Compatibility | Works only in acidic systems. Typical finished-product pH is often set around 3.5–4.5 depending on target performance and skin feel. |
| Temperature Tolerance | Stable during processing. We recommend adding below 40–50°C when possible to reduce unnecessary stress on the system, especially if you have other sensitive actives. |
| Pro Tip | pH control is the whole game with glycolic acid. Adjust pH slowly using your chosen neutralizer and re-check pH after 24 hours (and again after 1 week) because some systems drift. If your formula hazes or thins, review polymer compatibility and electrolyte tolerance, and consider buffering if appropriate for your design. Always label and handle as a strong acid concentrate during batching, using suitable PPE and corrosion-resistant tools. |
| Appearance | Clear to slightly yellow liquid (grade-dependent) |
| Stability Notes | Can destabilize some polymers and emulsions if added too fast or if pH is not controlled. Validate viscosity, clarity, and pH drift over time. |
| Storage | Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place, away from heat. Keep container materials compatible with strong acids. |
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