Glycolic acid (or hydroxyacetic acid) is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). This colorless, odorless, and hygroscopic crystalline solid is highly soluble in water. Due to its excellent capability to penetrate skin, glycolic acid finds applications in skin care products, most often as a chemical peel. It may reduce wrinkles, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation and improve many other skin conditions, including actinic keratosis, hyperkeratosis, and seborrheic keratosis. 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
