What is Glycolic Acid?
A- Glycolic Acid is one of the alpha-hydroxyacids (AHAs), a group of naturally occurring substances often referred to as “fruit acids” because they are found naturally in various fruits and other foods. Glycolic acid is found in sugar cane juice. Leading dermatologists and plastic surgeons world wide have long appreciated the positive results of AHA treatments. Numerous clinical publications have demonstrated their benefits in improving skin appearance and texture. Improvements have been observed in clients with dry skin, oily and acne-prone skin, and with pigmentation concerns including age spots and melasma.
Glycolic acid is perhaps the best-known of a group of chemicals called fruit acids or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA). It is derived from sugar cane, so it can be considered a natural product. Citric acid from oranges and other citrus fruits also fall under the same classification as glycolic acid. Industrial uses for glycolic acid include rust removal and degreasing, so pure glycolic acid (generally sold in concentrations of 70% or better) is extremely dangerous to exposed skin. In fact, the government considers any product with a concentration of glycolic acid over 10% to be a hazardous material. Most consumers know glycolic acid not from its industrial uses, but from its cosmetic ones. Glycolic acid is generally used as a natural skin exfoliant and moisturizer, although there is much debate over its safety and effectiveness. Some proponents of glycolic acid suggest that products with a glycolic acid concentrations of less than 10% are practically useless. The problem is that many large-sc
