What is Glycolic Acid CAS 79-14-1?

Glycolic Acid CAS 79-14-1, also called hydroxyacetic acid or 2-hydroxyethanoic acid, is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid. It has the formula C2H4O3 and is supplied as a water-miscible 70% solution or as a 99% crystalline solid.

Why is Glycolic Acid used in cosmetic exfoliation and anti-aging products?

Its small molecular size allows it to penetrate the upper epidermis and weaken the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover. In leave-on cosmetic formulations it is commonly used at about 5-10%, while higher concentrations are reserved for professional chemical peels with pH control and careful application.

How does Glycolic Acid work in industrial cleaning and descaling?

The acid dissolves hard-water scale, rust and mineral deposits and the carboxyl and hydroxyl groups chelate dissolved calcium, iron, magnesium and other metal ions. This helps keep the metal ions in solution for rinsing and makes glycolic acid less aggressive to many metal surfaces than strong mineral acids.

What is the difference between the 70% liquid and 99% crystal forms?

The 70% aqueous solution is a clear liquid intended for liquid cleaning, formulation and descaling work where dilution is convenient. The 99% crystal is a white crystalline powder with higher active content and is preferred for solid formulations, higher-strength blending or applications where less water is acceptable.

How should Glycolic Acid 70% and 99% be stored?

Store the 70% solution above about 10 C to prevent crystallization; if crystals form at low temperature, gentle warming can restore the liquid. Store the 99% crystal in a cool, dry area below about 30 C and keep both forms in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant containers.

Glycolic Acid CAS 79-14-1

Glycolic Acid, CAS 79-14-1, is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid supplied as a 70% aqueous solution or 99% crystal for cosmetic exfoliation, anti-aging skin care and industrial descaling. Confirm the required grade, form and purity, then request a quotation with COA/TDS/SDS for bulk supply.

CAS: 79-14-1
Synonyms: Hydroxyacetic acid, 2-Hydroxyethanoic acid, Hydroxyethanoic acid, Alpha-hydroxyacetic acid
Einecs: 201-180-5
Molecular Formula: C₂H₄O₃
Grade: Cosmetic Grade, Technical Grade, Industrial Grade
Package: 70% Liquid: 250kg Plastic Drum or 1250kg IBC Tank • 99% Powder: 25kg Fiber Drum or Multi-wall Paper Bag with PE liner

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Product Description

Glycolic Acid, CAS 79-14-1, also called hydroxyacetic acid, is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid.

Synonyms: Hydroxyacetic acid; 2-Hydroxyethanoic acid; Hydroxyethanoic acid; Alpha-hydroxyacetic acid.

CAS: 79-14-1.

It is supplied as a clear, colorless to light-yellow 70% aqueous solution or as a white 99% crystalline powder.

The 70% liquid has an assay of not less than 70.0% and an APHA color of not more than 20.

The 99% crystal has an assay of not less than 99.0% and an APHA color of not more than 10 in solution.

Both forms are water-miscible or water-soluble, with the solution miscible in all proportions.

Its small molecular size allows efficient penetration of the upper epidermis and weakens the bonds between dead skin cells.

It is used in chemical peels, face masks, anti-aging creams, lotions, acne treatments and hair conditioners.

It dissolves hard-water scale, rust and mineral deposits and chelates calcium, magnesium, iron and other metal ions.

It is used in household cleaners, boiler descaling, pipeline maintenance and dairy CIP systems to remove milk stone.

It is used in textile dyeing as a pH adjuster and complexing agent, and in leather deliming and pickling.

It is less aggressive to many metal surfaces than strong mineral acids and is readily biodegradable.

Confirm appearance, assay, APHA color, chloride, sulfate, iron, heavy metals, turbidity, solubility, grade and packaging form.

Store the 70% solution above about 10 °C to prevent crystallization; store the 99% crystal below about 30 °C in a cool, dry place.

Keep containers tightly closed in a dry, well-ventilated place, using HDPE or stainless steel; avoid carbon steel.

Confirm packaging with the requested quantity and destination requirements.

The page is an RFQ entry point and does not state stock, price, MOQ or fixed lead time.

For an RFQ, state the intended use, required grade, form, concentration, quantity, packaging, destination and document needs.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
What is Glycolic Acid CAS 79-14-1?

A: Glycolic Acid CAS 79-14-1, also called hydroxyacetic acid or 2-hydroxyethanoic acid, is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid. It has the formula C2H4O3 and is supplied as a water-miscible 70% solution or as a 99% crystalline solid.
Q:
Why is Glycolic Acid used in cosmetic exfoliation and anti-aging products?

A: Its small molecular size allows it to penetrate the upper epidermis and weaken the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover. In leave-on cosmetic formulations it is commonly used at about 5-10%, while higher concentrations are reserved for professional chemical peels with pH control and careful application.
Q:
How does Glycolic Acid work in industrial cleaning and descaling?

A: The acid dissolves hard-water scale, rust and mineral deposits and the carboxyl and hydroxyl groups chelate dissolved calcium, iron, magnesium and other metal ions. This helps keep the metal ions in solution for rinsing and makes glycolic acid less aggressive to many metal surfaces than strong mineral acids.
Q:
What is the difference between the 70% liquid and 99% crystal forms?

A: The 70% aqueous solution is a clear liquid intended for liquid cleaning, formulation and descaling work where dilution is convenient. The 99% crystal is a white crystalline powder with higher active content and is preferred for solid formulations, higher-strength blending or applications where less water is acceptable.
Q:
How should Glycolic Acid 70% and 99% be stored?

A: Store the 70% solution above about 10 C to prevent crystallization; if crystals form at low temperature, gentle warming can restore the liquid. Store the 99% crystal in a cool, dry area below about 30 C and keep both forms in tightly closed, corrosion-resistant containers.

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