Glycolic Acid

The most common synthesize glycolic acid(AHA) methods, use a catalyzed reaction of formaldehyde with a hydrogen and carbon monoxide mixture (carbonylation of formaldehyde). It can also be made by mixing sodium hydroxide and chloroacetic acid, then re-acidifying the result. Natural sources of glycolic acid include sugarcane, sugar beets, pineapple, cantaloupe, and unripe grapes. It is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which has two components that are only one carbon apart: a carboxylic acid part (HO =0) and a hydroxy group (-OH).

Numerous skin-care products contain it due to its exfoliating properties. Of all the AHAs, glycolic acid has the smallest molecules. This makes it possible for glycolic acid to penetrate the skin and exfoliate it more effectively than with other AHAs. Additionally, glycolic acid encourages the skin to produce more collagen, which helps your skin to be firm and elastic. It also lightens the dark spots brought on by sun damage.