Glycolic acid, also known as hydroxyacetic acid and marketed simply as alpha hydroxy acid or AHA, is a low molecular weight chemical compound belonging to the group knows as alpha hydroxy acids. Glycolic acid is the simplest chemical compound in the group.
With many cosmetic uses, glycolic acid is a relatively gentle exfoliating chemical peel.
If you are currently using glycolic acid, or are considering using it, you may have some questions about it and how it works.
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about glycolic acid.
Is Glycolic Acid Safe During Pregnancy?
When you are pregnant you should not use products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or any retinoids. Glycolic acid, on the other hand, is safe to use during pregnancy.
Is Glycolic Acid Safe While Breastfeeding?
Yes, glycolic acid is safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
Is Glycolic Acid Safe For Sensitive Skin?
People with sensitive skin can use glycolic acid, however they should start with a very small amount and gradually increase it over a period of 1-2 weeks to avoid excessive irritation.
Is Glycolic Acid The Same As Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)?
There actually isn’t a single alpha hydroxy acid, but rather it is a group of acids with similar molecular structures.
Glycolic acid, the simplest of the alpha hydroxy acids, is often marketed and referred to as simple alpha hydroxy acid or AHA.
Is Glycolic Acid The Same As Salicylic Acid?
No, glycolic acid and salicylic acid are not the same thing. While glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, salicylic acid is actually a beta hydroxy acid.
Is Glycolic Acid The Same As Propylene Glycol?
No, glycolic acid is not the same as propylene glycol. While glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid which is used to treat acne, propylene glycol is a solvent which is added to some cosmetics to give them the proper texture and consistency.
Is Glycolic Acid Good For Rosacea?
No, glycolic acid is not a good treatment option for acne rosacea. It is far too irritating to the skin, and is best used to treat acne vulgaris.
Is Glycolic Acid a Moisturizer?
Yes, low concentration (10%) glycolic acid can be used as a moisturizer. While it is not always intended to be used as such, the light exfoliation it provides helps to remove old, dead layers of skin and expose healthier and more moisturized layers.
Is Glycolic Acid a Chemical Peel?
While lower concentrations of 10-20% glycolic acid can be purchased for home use, concentrations of up to 70% are sometimes used by dermatologists as chemical peels.
Is Glycolic Acid an Exfoliant?
Yes, glycolic acid helps treat acne by exfoliating the skin, and preventing old dead skin cells from clogging pores.
Is Glycolic Acid a Retinol?
No, glycolic acid is not a retinoid. While retinoids are a class of chemical compounds that are related to vitamin A, glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid; an entirely different group of chemicals.
Is Glycolic Acid an Organic Acid?
Yes, glycolic acid is a low molecular weight organic acid, and not a mineral acid.
Is Glycolic Acid Bad For Your Skin?
If used at low concentrations, from 10-20%, glycolic acid is perfectly safe for the skin. Higher concentrations of up to 70%, such as those administered by a dermatologist, are also safe, however they may require time to recover before the skin is fully healed.
Is Glycolic Acid Drying To The Skin?
If your skin is not used to it, glycolic acid can be drying and irritating to the skin. This is why it’s best to start with a very small amount, and gradually increase it until you reach the desired amount.
Is Glycolic Acid Available Over-The-Counter?
Yes, low concentrations of 10-20% glycolic acid are available over-the-counter. Higher concentrations of up to 70%, however, are only available to dermatologists.
Is Glycolic Acid Safe For African American (Black) Skin?
Although black skin is generally more sensitive than other skin types, due to the higher melanin content, glycolic is perfectly safe to use as long as you start with a small amount and gradually increase it over time. Also, glycolic acid should not lighten (or darken) the skin in any way.
