Qualified cosmetic AHA context
FDA identifies glycolic acid as a common cosmetic AHA and explains that exfoliation depends on acid type, concentration, pH and the formulation. [14]
01
THE ESSENTIALS
Glycolic Acid in 30 Seconds
The hydroxyl-bearing carbon is CH₂, so it has no stereocenter. The non-carboxylic OH makes this a hydroxy acid; it does not add a second carboxyl group.
Glycolic acid is the simplest alpha-hydroxy acid. The free acid is an achiral solid, while commercial aqueous solutions require a separately stated concentration and basis. [1] [3]
Safety at a glance — Glycolic acid is corrosive and can cause severe burns and eye damage; the Sigma product also identifies harmful inhalation. Wako’s retrieved Japanese JIS SDS additionally identifies suspected reproductive toxicity and respiratory-system and repeated-exposure liver/thymus hazards. Do not reduce the summary to cosmetic irritation. FDA also reports increased UV sensitivity from formulated AHA use. Obtain the applicable exact-product local SDS. [4] [5] [6] [15] [14]
A condensed structural formula keeps the functional groups visible. [1]
02
GO A LITTLE DEEPER
Understanding Glycolic Acid
THE SIMPLE EXPLANATION
The functional groups
The hydroxyl-bearing carbon is CH₂, so it has no stereocenter. The non-carboxylic OH makes this a hydroxy acid; it does not add a second carboxyl group. [1]
A LITTLE DEEPER
What the structure changes
Its carboxyl group dissociates to glycolate. Ester-forming chemistry can incorporate glycolic-acid residues into oligomers or polymers. A formulated cosmetic effect depends on concentration, final pH and other ingredients rather than the reagent’s assay alone. [1] [12]
Technical detail Identity, dissociation & specification
The neutral formula and molecular connectivity specify the free acid. A salt, ester, polymer, solution or carbonyl-hydration equilibrium requires its own description. Property references retain product, temperature, pressure and unresolved measurement qualifiers. [1] [2] [4] [5] [6]
Acid–base reference values describe equilibria under specified conditions. They are not a substitute for a validated formulation or an assay on the purchased lot.
03
MAKE THE CONNECTION
How Glycolic Acid Compares
Similar names and functional groups do not mean interchangeable chemicals.
SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
Glycolic Acid vs Lactic Acid
Achiral alpha-hydroxy monocarboxylic acid
versusHydroxymonocarboxylic acid
Fixed comparison for this prototype. Acid selectors are disabled; additional comparisons are coming later.
| Property | Glycolic Acid | Lactic Acid |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C₂H₄O₃ [1] | C₃H₆O₃ [7] |
| Molecular weight | 76.05 g/mol [1] | 90.08 g/mol [7] |
| Carbon atoms | 2 [1] | 3 [7] |
| Carboxyl groups | 1 [1] | 1 [7] |
| Structure | HO–CH₂–COOH [1] | CH₃–CH(OH)–COOH [7] |
| Chemical family | Achiral alpha-hydroxy monocarboxylic acid [1] | Hydroxymonocarboxylic acid [7] |
| Identity focus | Free acid [1] | Commercial liquids / aqueous solutions [7] |
Chemical identities are compared here; supplier grades, concentrations, and stereochemical specifications are separate purchasing attributes. pKa values retain their stated conditions; no quantitative solubility ranking is implied.
When Might You Choose One Instead of the Other?
Choose glycolic acid when the target requires its two-carbon hydroxy-acid residue; choose the specified lactic-acid stereoisomer for its different three-carbon residue. For formulation sourcing, resolve grade, solution basis and final-product qualification rather than recommending raw acid from an assay headline. [1] [3] [7]
Specified starting material
Glycolic Acid
Match HO–CH₂–COOH and the method’s required chemical form.
Lactic Acid
Match CH₃–CH(OH)–COOH; verify the identity before substituting a related acid.
Before choosing: match the reaction or formulation, then verify the exact form, grade, assay basis, and impurities. These contexts do not establish suitability for an industrial or regulated application.
04
FROM STRUCTURE TO APPLICATION
What Is Glycolic Acid Used For?
Qualified cosmetic AHA context
FDA identifies glycolic acid as a common cosmetic AHA and explains that exfoliation depends on acid type, concentration, pH and the formulation. This verifies a formulated direct-use context, not suitability of a laboratory solid or concentrated solution for skin application. [14]
Polymer-synthesis intermediate
Sigma 124737 identifies use in preparing a PLGA-PEG-PLGA copolymer. Drug-delivery or absorbable-material performance belongs to the resulting polymer and its validation. [5]
06
SOURCE WITH CONTEXT
Glycolic Acid Suppliers
Compare specific products and package options. Listings are not ranked recommendations.
3 suppliers · 3 products · 10 package listingsLatest supplier check: October 3, 2026
Package sizes stay grouped under the supplier product. Assay methods, product forms, and regional markets remain visible. All three priced entries are solids. Sigma separately lists technical 70 wt.% aqueous glycolic acid; Wako separately lists a 67–73% solution assay without a retrieved explicit mass basis. Neither is treated as 70% chemical purity. A clear-solution test at 50 mg/mL is not saturation solubility.
Scroll horizontally if needed. Supplier and package identity stay visible.
| Supplier | Product / Grade | Purity / Assay | Package Size | Public Price | Normalized Price | Documentation | Last Checked | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCI AmericaGlycolic Acid | Named grade not statedG0196 · 25 gHygroscopic solid; supplier states storage under inert gas. Separate aqueous G0110 is excluded. | GC: minimum 98.0% Neutralization titration: minimum 98.0% | 25 g | $25.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | Document notes: TCI America
| View Product: TCI America, G0196 · 25 g (opens new tab) | |
| Named grade not statedG0196 · 100 gHygroscopic solid; supplier states storage under inert gas. Separate aqueous G0110 is excluded. | GC: minimum 98.0% Neutralization titration: minimum 98.0% | 100 g | $68.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: TCI America, G0196 · 100 g (opens new tab) | |||
| Named grade not statedG0196 · 500 gHygroscopic solid; supplier states storage under inert gas. Separate aqueous G0110 is excluded. | GC: minimum 98.0% Neutralization titration: minimum 98.0% | 500 g | $187.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: TCI America, G0196 · 500 g (opens new tab) | |||
| Sigma-AldrichGlycolic Acid | ReagentPlus124737-25GSolid free acid. The 50 mg/mL clear-solution test is not a saturation-solubility measurement. | 99%; assay method not stated | 25 g | $65.90USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | Document notes: Sigma-Aldrich
| View Product: Sigma-Aldrich, 124737-25G (opens new tab) | |
| ReagentPlus124737-100GSolid free acid. The 50 mg/mL clear-solution test is not a saturation-solubility measurement. | 99%; assay method not stated | 100 g | $116.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: Sigma-Aldrich, 124737-100G (opens new tab) | |||
| ReagentPlus124737-500GSolid free acid. The 50 mg/mL clear-solution test is not a saturation-solubility measurement. | 99%; assay method not stated | 500 g | $262.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: Sigma-Aldrich, 124737-500G (opens new tab) | |||
| ReagentPlus124737-12KGSolid free acid. The 50 mg/mL clear-solution test is not a saturation-solubility measurement. | 99%; assay method not stated | 12 kg | $1,520.00USD · US public price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: Sigma-Aldrich, 124737-12KG (opens new tab) | |||
| FUJIFILM WakoGlycolic Acid | Wako 1st Grade071-01512Research / further manufacturing. Japan stock does not confirm US availability. Separate 67–73% aqueous solution product is excluded; assay and concentration are not interchangeable. | 97.0+% (Titration) | 25 g | $25.00USD · US catalog list price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | Document notes: FUJIFILM Wako
| View Product: FUJIFILM Wako, 071-01512 (opens new tab) | |
| Wako 1st Grade073-01511Research / further manufacturing. Japan stock does not confirm US availability. Separate 67–73% aqueous solution product is excluded; assay and concentration are not interchangeable. | 97.0+% (Titration) | 100 g | $72.00USD · US catalog list price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: FUJIFILM Wako, 073-01511 (opens new tab) | |||
| Wako 1st Grade075-01515Research / further manufacturing. Japan stock does not confirm US availability. Separate 67–73% aqueous solution product is excluded; assay and concentration are not interchangeable. | 97.0+% (Titration) | 500 g | $193.00USD · US catalog list price | Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ | View Product: FUJIFILM Wako, 075-01515 (opens new tab) |
TCI America
Glycolic Acid
Neutralization titration: minimum 98.0%
Named grade not stated
Hygroscopic solid; supplier states storage under inert gas. Separate aqueous G0110 is excluded.
25 g
G0196 · 25 g- Public price
- $25.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
100 g
G0196 · 100 g- Public price
- $68.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
500 g
G0196 · 500 g- Public price
- $187.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
Documentation
Document notes: TCI America
- A product-specific certificate retrieval option was visible; no lot certificate was reviewed. Open the product page and use its certificate section.
- A current regional SDS was not verified in this pass.
- Origin-document availability was not verified. Country of origin is unverified and is not inferred.
Last checked:
Sigma-Aldrich
Glycolic Acid
ReagentPlus
Solid free acid. The 50 mg/mL clear-solution test is not a saturation-solubility measurement.
25 g
124737-25G- Public price
- $65.90USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
100 g
124737-100G- Public price
- $116.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
500 g
124737-500G- Public price
- $262.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
12 kg
124737-12KG- Public price
- $1,520.00USD · US public price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
Documentation
Document notes: Sigma-Aldrich
- A product-specific certificate retrieval option was visible; no lot certificate was reviewed. Open the product page and use its certificate section.
- A current regional SDS was not verified in this pass.
- Origin-document availability was not verified. Country of origin is unverified and is not inferred.
Last checked:
FUJIFILM Wako
Glycolic Acid
Wako 1st Grade
Research / further manufacturing. Japan stock does not confirm US availability. Separate 67–73% aqueous solution product is excluded; assay and concentration are not interchangeable.
25 g
071-01512- Public price
- $25.00USD · US catalog list price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
100 g
073-01511- Public price
- $72.00USD · US catalog list price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
500 g
075-01515- Public price
- $193.00USD · US catalog list price
- Normalized price
- Not comparedGrades, assay bases, or forms differ
Documentation
Document notes: FUJIFILM Wako
- A product-specific certificate retrieval option was visible; no lot certificate was reviewed. Open the product page and use its certificate section.
- The linked SDS was retrieved for this product. Read its stated jurisdiction and obtain the applicable current local version.
- Origin-document availability was not verified. Country of origin is unverified and is not inferred.
Last checked:
Documentation evidence
COA = Certificate of Analysis · SDS = Safety Data Sheet · COO = Certificate of Origin.
Lookup means a retrieval option was visible, not that a lot certificate was reviewed. Check supplier means availability or the applicable document was not verified.
Prices may vary by quantity, account, contract, geography, and availability. These products have different grades, assay bases, or forms; no normalized comparison is shown. Foreign-market prices are reference listings only. No currency conversion, mass-to-volume conversion, or ranking is applied. Confirm equivalent specifications and a current quote before comparison. [4] [5] [6]
Verification limits & placement policy
pKa: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. HSDB attributes 3.83 at 25 °C to an aqueous IUPAC compilation and gives a separate 3.6 without matched conditions. Ionic strength and method were not established in the retrieved entries; numeric comparison omitted. Boiling / decomposition: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. HSDB gives a pressure-free 100 °C entry and a separate decomposes entry; Sigma gives 169 °C at 998 hPa. The discrepancy was not resolved. No ordinary boiling constant promoted. Density: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. Sigma cites 1.26 g/cm³ at 20 °C with OECD 109; HSDB gives relative density 1.49 at 25 °C/4 °C. State, method and material differences were not established; numeric main field omitted. Solution concentration: CONDITION-DEPENDENT. 70 wt.% is explicitly a separate Sigma solution. Wako’s separate 67–73% solution titration lacks a retrieved explicit basis; no w/w inference. Melting / polymorph: CONDITION-DEPENDENT. Attributed Ullmann reference distinguishes alpha material 78–80 °C and a metastable beta form at 63 °C. This does not establish the polymorph of a supplier lot.
Only the displayed identity, specification, packages, public prices and stated documentation evidence were reviewed. Current stock, lead times, shipping eligibility, contract pricing, lot certificates, and regulatory suitability are unverified.
There are no paid placements. Future paid listings will show “Sponsored” in both views; payment will not determine chemistry interpretation or imply a ranking.
07
PLAN A LARGER ORDER
Need Glycolic Acid in Bulk?
Turn your requirements into a clear supplier brief.
Bulk RFQ feature — coming soon. Prototype form: submissions are not currently sent to suppliers. Use sample details to prepare an on-screen brief.
Prepare a bulk request Prototype form
08
A BUYER’S CHECKLIST
Before You Buy Glycolic Acid
Selections remain only while this page is open.
09
FOR YOUR REFERENCE
Glycolic Acid Technical Reference
Identity, product reference properties, and handling context.
Identification Names, formula & identifiers
- Principal CAS
- 79-14-1
- Identity focus
- Free acid
- Formula
- C₂H₄O₃
- Molecular weight
- 76.05 g/mol
- IUPAC name
- 2-hydroxyacetic acid
- Connectivity SMILES
- C(C(=O)O)O
- Identity SMILES
- C(C(=O)O)O
- InChI
- InChI=1S/C2H4O3/c3-1-2(4)5/h3H,1H2,(H,4,5)
- PubChem CID
- 757
Connectivity SMILES describes connectivity; it is not an independent stereochemical assignment. CAS and product-form distinctions are supported by the supplier listings. [1] [4] [5] [6]
Physical Properties Product references & conditions
Solid at 20 °C and hygroscopic in the TCI listing. Neat-solid properties must not be replaced with those of a 70% aqueous product. [13] [4] [5]
- Melting specification
- TCI G0196: 75–80 °C; Wako solid reference 75–81 °C [4]
- Water-solubility context
- Wako SDS: very soluble. Sigma’s 50 mg/mL clear-solution test is not a saturation limit. [6]
Hydrate, concentration, stereoisomer, and temperature can change the relevant specification. Product reference data are not a reviewed lot certificate.
Acid/Base Properties Verified values & missing data
A numeric pKa was not verified for the selected identity in this review; no value is inferred. [2]
pKa: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. HSDB attributes 3.83 at 25 °C to an aqueous IUPAC compilation and gives a separate 3.6 without matched conditions. Ionic strength and method were not established in the retrieved entries; numeric comparison omitted. Boiling / decomposition: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. HSDB gives a pressure-free 100 °C entry and a separate decomposes entry; Sigma gives 169 °C at 998 hPa. The discrepancy was not resolved. No ordinary boiling constant promoted. Density: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. Sigma cites 1.26 g/cm³ at 20 °C with OECD 109; HSDB gives relative density 1.49 at 25 °C/4 °C. State, method and material differences were not established; numeric main field omitted. Solution concentration: CONDITION-DEPENDENT. 70 wt.% is explicitly a separate Sigma solution. Wako’s separate 67–73% solution titration lacks a retrieved explicit basis; no w/w inference. Melting / polymorph: CONDITION-DEPENDENT. Attributed Ullmann reference distinguishes alpha material 78–80 °C and a metastable beta form at 63 °C. This does not establish the polymorph of a supplier lot.
Temperature, ionic strength, and the use of activities versus concentrations matter in quantitative work. These reference values are not buffer recipes.
Safety at a Glance Product-specific hazards
Glycolic acid is corrosive and can cause severe burns and eye damage; the Sigma product also identifies harmful inhalation. Wako’s retrieved Japanese JIS SDS additionally identifies suspected reproductive toxicity and respiratory-system and repeated-exposure liver/thymus hazards. Do not reduce the summary to cosmetic irritation. FDA also reports increased UV sensitivity from formulated AHA use. Obtain the applicable exact-product local SDS. [4] [5] [6] [15] [14]
Hazard classifications can vary by concentration, product, supplier and jurisdiction. Review the SDS for the exact product before handling. This summary does not replace the SDS.
Supplier safety information and SDS retrieval (opens new tab) · FUJIFILM Wako SDS PDF · exact product (opens new tab)
A product-page safety classification is not verification of every regional SDS. Confirm product code, chemical form and current local document.
Review supplier documentation10
COMMON QUESTIONS
Glycolic Acid FAQ
What distinguishes Glycolic Acid?
The hydroxyl-bearing carbon is CH₂, so it has no stereocenter. The non-carboxylic OH makes this a hydroxy acid; it does not add a second carboxyl group. [1]
How does it differ from Lactic Acid?
Lactic acid adds a methyl group at the hydroxyl-bearing carbon and introduces a stereocenter. Glycolic acid is achiral. Their commercial solution concentrations and their chemical assays must be compared as separate quantities. [7]
What must a buyer specify?
All three priced entries are solids. Sigma separately lists technical 70 wt.% aqueous glycolic acid; Wako separately lists a 67–73% solution assay without a retrieved explicit mass basis. Neither is treated as 70% chemical purity. A clear-solution test at 50 mg/mL is not saturation solubility. [4]
Are the listed products directly price-comparable?
No. The table retains differing grades, assay bases, forms, and markets. No normalized ranking or currency conversion is applied. [5]
What reference data still need checking?
pKa: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. HSDB attributes 3.83 at 25 °C to an aqueous IUPAC compilation and gives a separate 3.6 without matched conditions. Ionic strength and method were not established in the retrieved entries; numeric comparison omitted. Boiling / decomposition: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. HSDB gives a pressure-free 100 °C entry and a separate decomposes entry; Sigma gives 169 °C at 998 hPa. The discrepancy was not resolved. No ordinary boiling constant promoted. Density: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. Sigma cites 1.26 g/cm³ at 20 °C with OECD 109; HSDB gives relative density 1.49 at 25 °C/4 °C. State, method and material differences were not established; numeric main field omitted. Solution concentration: CONDITION-DEPENDENT. 70 wt.% is explicitly a separate Sigma solution. Wako’s separate 67–73% solution titration lacks a retrieved explicit basis; no w/w inference. Melting / polymorph: CONDITION-DEPENDENT. Attributed Ullmann reference distinguishes alpha material 78–80 °C and a metastable beta form at 63 °C. This does not establish the polymorph of a supplier lot.
Can I request a bulk quote here?
The RFQ is a prototype that prepares an on-screen brief. Nothing is sent to suppliers. Confirm actual bulk terms directly with the supplier.
11
TRACE THE INFORMATION
Sources & Editorial Notes
Identity and compiled reference values are separated from supplier-specific specifications. Structural comparisons and buyer guidance are editorial interpretation. Sources were checked October 3, 2026; supplier information can change.
- PubChem · chemical identity (opens new tab)
Neutral molecular identity verified independently through PUG REST; CAS also checked on all selected supplier products.
- PubChem / HSDB · dissociation references (opens new tab)
No numeric field promoted: insufficient conditions or unresolved conflicting records.
- PubChem / HSDB · application references (opens new tab)
Attributed application records reviewed claim by claim. Free acid, intermediate, derivative and biological context are distinguished.
- TCI America · commercial product (opens new tab)
Direct product checked October 3, 2026. Identity, listed assay methods, packages, market, prices and documentation interfaces inspected. Lot certificates and stock are not verified.
- Sigma-Aldrich · commercial product (opens new tab)
Direct product checked October 3, 2026. Identity, listed assay methods, packages, market, prices and documentation interfaces inspected. Lot certificates and stock are not verified.
- FUJIFILM Wako · commercial product (opens new tab)
Direct product checked October 3, 2026. Identity, listed assay methods, packages, market, prices and documentation interfaces inspected. Lot certificates and stock are not verified.
- Lactic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Primary structural comparison. Practical interpretation does not establish suitability.
- Acetic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Related identity and structural relationship.
- Pyruvic Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Related identity and structural relationship.
- Citric Acid · identity (opens new tab)
Related identity and structural relationship.
- Lactic Acid · dissociation references (opens new tab)
Only independently reviewed values are promoted into the comparison; no condition-free acidity ranking.
- OpenStax · Carboxylic-acid structure and properties (opens new tab)
General carboxylate resonance, acidity and structural interpretation; not authority for this acid’s quantitative constants.
- PubChem / HSDB · attributed physical references (opens new tab)
Only supported attributed references retained; source or method gaps and unresolved conflicts are stated.
- FDA · alpha hydroxy acids (opens new tab)
Formulation-dependent cosmetic context and UV sensitivity verified. CIR conditions reported by FDA are not described as FDA approval.
- Wako · glycolic-acid Japanese JIS SDS (opens new tab)
September 2024 revision, matching displayed solid product codes; jurisdiction-specific hazards reviewed.
- Sigma · separate 70 wt.% solution (opens new tab)
Separate technical solution identity, explicitly distinguished in the retrieved solid-product comparison table. Not a priced supplier row here.
Review limits
pKa: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. HSDB attributes 3.83 at 25 °C to an aqueous IUPAC compilation and gives a separate 3.6 without matched conditions. Ionic strength and method were not established in the retrieved entries; numeric comparison omitted. Boiling / decomposition: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. HSDB gives a pressure-free 100 °C entry and a separate decomposes entry; Sigma gives 169 °C at 998 hPa. The discrepancy was not resolved. No ordinary boiling constant promoted. Density: CONFLICT UNRESOLVED. Sigma cites 1.26 g/cm³ at 20 °C with OECD 109; HSDB gives relative density 1.49 at 25 °C/4 °C. State, method and material differences were not established; numeric main field omitted. Solution concentration: CONDITION-DEPENDENT. 70 wt.% is explicitly a separate Sigma solution. Wako’s separate 67–73% solution titration lacks a retrieved explicit basis; no w/w inference. Melting / polymorph: CONDITION-DEPENDENT. Attributed Ullmann reference distinguishes alpha material 78–80 °C and a metastable beta form at 63 °C. This does not establish the polymorph of a supplier lot.
This informational prototype is not a supplier, quotation service, or endorsement of a product’s fitness for an application. Buyers should verify the applicable specification, certification, and regulatory requirements for their intended use.