Glycolic acid

Jump to navigation Jump to search

Template:Chembox new

WikiDoc Resources for Glycolic acid

Articles

Most recent articles on Glycolic acid

Most cited articles on Glycolic acid

Review articles on Glycolic acid

Articles on Glycolic acid in N Eng J Med, Lancet, BMJ

Media

Powerpoint slides on Glycolic acid

Images of Glycolic acid

Photos of Glycolic acid

Podcasts & MP3s on Glycolic acid

Videos on Glycolic acid

Evidence Based Medicine

Cochrane Collaboration on Glycolic acid

Bandolier on Glycolic acid

TRIP on Glycolic acid

Clinical Trials

Ongoing Trials on Glycolic acid at Clinical Trials.gov

Trial results on Glycolic acid

Clinical Trials on Glycolic acid at Google

Guidelines / Policies / Govt

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse on Glycolic acid

NICE Guidance on Glycolic acid

NHS PRODIGY Guidance

FDA on Glycolic acid

CDC on Glycolic acid

Books

Books on Glycolic acid

News

Glycolic acid in the news

Be alerted to news on Glycolic acid

News trends on Glycolic acid

Commentary

Blogs on Glycolic acid

Definitions

Definitions of Glycolic acid

Patient Resources / Community

Patient resources on Glycolic acid

Discussion groups on Glycolic acid

Patient Handouts on Glycolic acid

Directions to Hospitals Treating Glycolic acid

Risk calculators and risk factors for Glycolic acid

Healthcare Provider Resources

Symptoms of Glycolic acid

Causes & Risk Factors for Glycolic acid

Diagnostic studies for Glycolic acid

Treatment of Glycolic acid

Continuing Medical Education (CME)

CME Programs on Glycolic acid

International

Glycolic acid en Espanol

Glycolic acid en Francais

Business

Glycolic acid in the Marketplace

Patents on Glycolic acid

Experimental / Informatics

List of terms related to Glycolic acid


Overview

Glycolic acid (or hydroxyacetic acid) is the smallest α-hydroxy acid (AHA). It appears in the form of a colorless, odorless and hydroscopic crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and related solvents. Glycolic acid is associated with sugar-crops and is isolated from sugarcane, sugar beets, pineapple, canteloupe, and unripe grapes.

Uses

Due to its excellent capability to penetrate skin, glycolic acid finds applications in skin care products, most often as a chemical peel performed by a dermatologist in concentrations of 20%-80% or at-home kits in lower concentrations of 10%. It is used to improve the skin's appearance and texture. It may reduce wrinkles, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation and improve many other skin conditions. Once applied, glycolic acid reacts with the upper layer of the epidermis, weakening the binding properties of the lipids that hold the dead skin cells together. This allows the outer skin to "dissolve" revealing the underlying skin.

Glycolic acid is also a useful intermediate for organic synthesis, in a range of reactions including: oxidation-reduction, esterification and long chain polymerization. It is used as a monomer in the preparation of polyglycolic acid and other biocompatible copolymers (e.g. PLGA). Among other uses this compound finds employment in the textile industry as a dyeing and tanning agent, in food processing as a flavoring agent and as a preservative. Glycolic acid is often included into emulsion polymers, solvents and additives for ink and paint in order to improve flow properties and impart gloss.

Preparation

Glycolic acid is isolated from natural sources and is inexpensively available. It can be prepared by the reaction of chloroacetic acid with sodium hydroxide followed by re-acidification.

Safety

Glycolic acid is a mild irritant.[1]


References

  1. "Glycolic Acid MSDS". ICSC:NENG1537 International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO). Retrieved 2006-06-08. Text " CDC/NIOSH " ignored (help)

External links

Template:WH Template:WikiDoc Sources Template:Jb1