glycolic acid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “glycolic acid” mean?
A colorless, odorless alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane, primarily used in skincare for its exfoliating properties.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A colorless, odorless alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane, primarily used in skincare for its exfoliating properties.
In chemistry, it is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid, a compound also used in industrial cleaning solutions and leather tanning.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Pronunciation differs slightly.
Connotations
Identical; strongly associated with skincare, chemical peels, and industrial chemistry.
Frequency
Equally frequent in relevant technical and commercial contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “glycolic acid” in a Sentence
N (used) in NN (derived) from NN (with) a concentration of NVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “glycolic acid” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The glycolic-acid-based serum is effective.
- It's a powerful glycolic acid treatment.
American English
- This glycolic-acid-infused peel is popular.
- A mild glycolic acid formulation is best for beginners.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common in cosmetic industry marketing and product descriptions.
Academic
Used in chemistry, dermatology, and cosmetic science papers.
Everyday
Used by consumers discussing skincare routines and products.
Technical
Precise term in organic chemistry, dermatological treatments, and cosmetic formulation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “glycolic acid”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “glycolic acid”
- Mispronunciation (e.g., 'glyco-lic'), misspelling (e.g., 'glycotic acid'), confusing it with 'hyaluronic acid'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly derived from sugar cane, but can also be synthesized in a laboratory.
No, it can be irritating, especially for sensitive skin. A patch test and starting with a low concentration is advised.
Glycolic acid is water-soluble (AHA) and works on the skin's surface. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble (BHA) and can penetrate pores.
It depends on the product strength and your skin's tolerance. Daily use of low concentrations is possible, but overuse can cause irritation.
A colorless, odorless alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane, primarily used in skincare for its exfoliating properties.
Glycolic acid is usually technical/scientific in register.
Glycolic acid: in British English it is pronounced /ɡlaɪˌkɒlɪk ˈæsɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡlaɪˌkɑːlɪk ˈæsɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: GLYCerin + COL (as in colony) + IC - It's a 'colony' of molecules derived from sugar (like glycerin) and it's an ACID.
Conceptual Metaphor
A WORKER (cleans, removes dead cells, polishes the surface).
Practice
Quiz
Glycolic acid is primarily classified as what type of chemical compound?