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 (AHA) functioning as a potent exfoliant in personal care formulations and a descaling agent in industrial cleaning. Chemically identified as Hydroxyacetic acid or 2-Hydroxyethanoic acid, this colorless crystalline solid or solution acts to weaken cell adhesion in the epidermis and dissolve mineral deposits in processing equipment. As a highly soluble Hydroxyethanoic acid derivative, it is extensively utilized in chemical peels, dyeing auxiliaries, and leather tanning processes. We ensure bulk supply capabilities for this material, providing access to competitive factory pricing and customized specifications to meet specific concentration requirements (e.g., 70% solution or 99% powder). Full technical documentation, including MSDS, TDS, COA, is available to support compliance and safety protocols.

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

Request a quote

Share:

Product Description

Glycolic Acid is produced through the carbonylation of formaldehyde or hydrolysis of chloroacetic acid.

For Cosmetics: Its small molecular size allows it to penetrate the epidermis efficiently, weakening the binding properties of the lipids that hold dead skin cells together. This makes it an ideal exfoliant and anti-aging agent.
For Industry: It effectively complexes with metal ions (Calcium, Magnesium) and is used to remove scale and rust. It is far less corrosive to metals than mineral acids like hydrochloric acid and is environmentally friendly (readily biodegradable).

1 Physicochemical Properties

2 Applications

3 Storage Conditions

4 Safety Precautions

Physicochemical Properties

We supply both 70% Aqueous Solution and 99% High Purity Crystal.

Test Item	Specification (70% Liquid)	Specification (99% Crystal)
Appearance	Clear, colorless to light yellow liquid	White crystalline powder
Assay (Total Acid)	≥ 70.0%	≥ 99.0%
Color (Hazen/APHA)	≤ 20	≤ 10 (Solution)
Chloride (Cl-)	≤ 20 ppm	≤ 10 ppm
Sulfate (SO4 2-)	≤ 50 ppm	≤ 50 ppm
Iron (Fe)	≤ 10 ppm	≤ 5 ppm
Heavy Metals (Pb)	≤ 10 ppm	≤ 10 ppm
Turbidity	≤ 10 NTU	Clear in solution
Solubility	Miscible with water in all proportions	Soluble in water and alcohol

Applications

Personal Care & Cosmetics:
- Exfoliants: Chemical peels and face masks.
- Skin Care: Anti-aging creams, lotions, and acne treatments (promotes skin cell turnover).
- Hair Care: Conditioners and moisturizing treatments.
Industrial Cleaning:
- Household Cleaners: Bathroom and tile cleaners (removes soap scum and hard water scale).
- Industrial Descaling: Boiler cleaning and pipeline maintenance.
- Dairy & Food: Cleaning in Place (CIP) systems to remove milk stone (calcium deposits).
Textile & Leather:
- Dyeing Auxiliary: Adjusts pH and acts as a complexing agent.
- Tanning: Used in the deliming and pickling process of leather.

For another alpha-hydroxy acid raw material used in formulation work, see Mandelic Acid.

Storage Conditions

Temperature:
- 70% Solution: Store above 10°C to prevent crystallization (the solution may precipitate crystals at low temperatures; gentle warming restores it).
- 99% Crystal: Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C.
Environment: Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Material Compatibility: Store in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or stainless steel containers. Avoid carbon steel.
Shelf Life: 12-24 months depending on grade and storage.

Safety Precautions

Corrosivity: Danger! Glycolic Acid is corrosive to the skin and eyes. It can cause severe burns and eye damage.
PPE: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (butyl rubber/neoprene), safety goggles, and protective face shield when handling concentrates.
Skin Contact: Immediately remove contaminated clothing and wash skin with plenty of soap and water.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention.
Inhalation: Avoid breathing mist or dust. Use with adequate ventilation.

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.

Ordering & Documentation

Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.

Documents

COA, TDS, SDS/MSDS and packing details are available on request.

Quotation

Send the CAS number, grade, quantity, packing preference and destination.

Sample & Supply

Support is available for samples, trial orders, bulk and repeat supply.

Storage & Shipping

Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.

Current Language

Change Language