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Ingredient

Glycolic Acid

An alpha hydroxy acid that loosens the bonds between surface skin cells. The effect depends heavily on concentration and pH, neither of which is usually stated on a label.

What it does

  • Exfoliant

    Loosens or dissolves the bonds between surface skin cells.

What we tell people

  • Contains exfoliating acids

    This product contains an exfoliating acid. These work by loosening the bonds between surface skin cells, and are usually introduced gradually.

    Why: Concentration and pH change the effect substantially, and neither is usually disclosed, so an absolute statement would be misleading.

Regulatory position

Tied to a named instrument rather than summarised. Presence in an ingredient glossary is not evidence that a substance is permitted at any concentration or for any purpose.

  • EU · restricted

    Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III

    Concentration and pH conditions apply, and differ between consumer and professional use.

Reference

CAS number
79-14-1
In our catalogue
1 product

Ingredient reference data © European Union, 1995–2026, reused under CC-BY 4.0. Plain explanations are BeautySignal's own. This is information, not medical advice. How we source this.

Glycolic Acid · BeautySignal