glycolic acid
noun
gly·col·ic acid
(ˌ)glī-ˈkä-lik- 
variants
or glycollic acid
: an alpha hydroxy acid C2H4O3 found especially in unripe grapes and sugar beets and used especially in textile and leather processing and in skin-care treatments especially as an exfoliant
Examples of glycolic acid in a Sentence
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It’s formulated with all the essentials: GABA, an active neuropeptide that supports healing and repair; moisturizing hyaluronic acid; niacinamide to reduce inflammation; and glycolic acid to improve texture.
—
Iman Balagam, Vogue, 30 June 2025
First and foremost, glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant.
—Deanna Pai, Glamour, 20 May 2025
Salicylic and glycolic acids dive deep to clear clogged pores, while gentle date seed powder buffs away dead skin on the surface.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 14 May 2025
The serum contains azelaic and glycolic acid, both chemical exfoliants.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2025
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Iman Balagam, Vogue, 30 June 2025
First and foremost, glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant.
—Deanna Pai, Glamour, 20 May 2025
Salicylic and glycolic acids dive deep to clear clogged pores, while gentle date seed powder buffs away dead skin on the surface.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 14 May 2025
The serum contains azelaic and glycolic acid, both chemical exfoliants.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for glycolic acid
Cite this Entry
“Glycolic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/glycolic%20acid. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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