# GLYCOLIC ACID (glycolic-acid) — Global Cosmetic Regulatory & Formulation Monograph

- **Canonical URL**: https://www.inciname.com/en/ingredients/glycolic-acid
- **Standard INCI**: `GLYCOLIC ACID`
- **KR MFDS Standard Name**: `글라이콜릭애씨드`
- **CAS No.**: `79-14-1`
- **EC / EINECS No.**: `201-180-5`
- **Origin**: `synthetic`
- **Functions**: pH조절제, 완충제
- **Molecular Formula / MW**: `—` (— g/mol)

## 1. 7-Track Official Regulatory Label Names
| Track | Official Label Nomenclature |
| :--- | :--- |
| KR (MFDS Standard) | 글라이콜릭애씨드 |
| KR (Former Names) | — |
| EU (CosIng 1223/2009) | GLYCOLIC ACID |
| US (PCPC / MoCRA INCI) | GLYCOLIC ACID |
| US (FDA OTC Monograph) | — |
| CN (NMPA IECIC) | 羟基乙酸 |
| JP (JCIA / MHLW QD) | グリコール酸 (QD: グリコール酸) |

## 2. Layer 1 — Global 6-Region Statutory Summary
- **KR (MFDS)**: `none`
- **EU (1223/2009)**: `none`
- **US (FDA/MoCRA)**: `none`
- **CN (NMPA IECIC)**: `allowed` (Entry: `5274`)
- **JP (MHLW)**: `none`
- **ASEAN (ACD)**: `none`



## 3. Layer 2 — Toxicological & Historical Safe Use Concentrations
- **cn_iecic_max** (leave_on): ≤ 6% — NMPA IECIC (2025) Entry 07812 (2025)
- **cn_iecic_max** (rinse_off): ≤ 6% — NMPA IECIC (2025) Entry 07812 (2025)

## 4. Layer 3 — Formulation Quartiles & Compatibility
- **Optimal pH Window**: 4.5 – 7.5
- **Max Process Temp**: ≤ 70°C
- **Synergy Pairings**: —
- **Incompatibilities**: —

## 5. Academic Monograph
Glycolic acid is a chemical peel belonging to the alpha-hydroxy acid family and is the most commonly used alpha-hydroxy acid peel.
It is simple, inexpensive, and has no downtime.
The depth of the peel depends on the concentration of the acid used, the number of coats applied, and the application time, allowing it to be used as a very superficial peel or even a medium depth peel.
It is used for treatment of various skin conditions including acne, acne scars, melasma, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, photoaging, and seborrhea.
Superficial peels such as glycolic acid and salicylic acid show promise for acne and pigmentary disorders in individuals with darker skin (Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI) with good safety profiles.
Proper patient selection, peel timing, and on-time neutralization will ensure good results with no side effects.
It has been found to be very safe in Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV.
Glycolic acid was identified as unsuitable for use on treatment day in aesthetic procedures.

## 6. Linked PubMed Literature
- [PMID: 42306365] Chemical Peels in Skin of Color: A Scoping Review of Safety, Efficacy, and Practice Patterns. — *Cureus* (2026)
- [PMID: 42087526] International Expert Consensus on Integrated Skincare Active Ingredients for Pretreatment and Posttreatment Use With Medical Aesthetic Procedures to Enhance Skin Benefits — *J Cosmet Dermatol* (2026)
- [PMID: 42047106] Glycolic acid-integrated nanostructured lipid carriers of apremilast and quercetin co-delivery for the management of psoriasis — *Ther Deliv* (2026)
- [PMID: 42011195] Nanodelivery of Gentiopicroside for Inflammatory Skin Lesions: Insights from Psoriasis and Diabetic Foot Ulcers — *Int J Nanomedicine* (2026)
- [PMID: 41987370] Shake-Induced Temporary Ion-Pairing Between Lecithin and Glycolic Acid for Enhanced Exfoliation in a Novel Biphasic Serum: Comparative Ex Vivo and in Vivo Randomised Studies — *Skin Res Technol* (2026)
- [PMID: 24399880] Glycolic acid peel therapy - a current review. — *Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology* (2018)
- [PMID: 42264092] Assessment of the Efficacy and Safety of 50% Glycolic Acid, 30% Salicylic Acid, and Modified Jessner's Chemical Peels in the Treatment of Active Acne and Post-acne Hyperpigmentation: Randomized Controlled Trial. — *J Am Acad Dermatol* (2026)
- [PMID: 42165804] Hyaluronic acid-modified PLGA nanoparticles for enhanced ocular drug delivery — *J Microencapsul* (2026)
- [PMID: 42142786] Implantable core-shell microneedles enable biphasic release of insulin for immediate and sustained glycemic regulation — *Int J Biol Macromol* (2026)
- [PMID: 42098207] Folate-targeted PLGA nanoparticles enhance paclitaxel-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in B16 melanoma cells — *Sci Rep* (2026)
- [PMID: 29606887] Glycolic acid peel therapy – a current review — *Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology* (2018)
- [PMID: 8641822] Topical alpha-hydroxy acids in the treatment of photoaged skin — *Cutis* (1996)
- [PMID: ] PubChem Compound Summary: Glycolic Acid — *PubChem Compound Database* (2026)