Ingredient
Glycolic Acid
An alpha hydroxy acid that loosens the bonds between surface skin cells. The effect depends heavily on concentration and pH, neither of which is usually stated on a label.
- CAS 79-14-1
What it is there to do
Exfoliant
Loosens or dissolves the bonds between surface skin cells.
Where this comes up
The notes BeautySignal puts beside this ingredient when it is on a label.
- Contains exfoliating acids
This product contains an exfoliating acid. These work by loosening the bonds between surface skin cells, and are usually introduced gradually.
Why we mention it
Concentration and pH change the effect substantially, and neither is usually disclosed, so an absolute statement would be misleading.
What the rules say
Each line names the rule it comes from. A limit is not a warning.
EU · Restricted
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III
What it sets out
Concentration and pH conditions apply, and differ between consumer and professional use.
What we don't know
- Where it comes from — plant, mineral, synthetic — isn't recorded.
- How much of it is used in any particular product. We hold no concentrations at all.
This is information about an ingredient, not medical advice, and not a judgement about any product that contains it. Back to the reference.