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glycolic acid
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glycolic acid

chemical compound
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Quick Summary

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid with the chemical formula C2H4O3. It is found naturally in unripe grapes and sugar beets.1

Glycolic acid is used in textile and leather processing, as well as in skin-care treatments as an exfoliant. It can be copolymerized with lactic acid to create a type of polyester used in absorbable surgical sutures. These sutures are slowly hydrolyzed by the body over about two weeks, eliminating the need for removal after healing. The hydrolysis process breaks down the sutures into glycolic and lactic acids, which are then metabolized and excreted by the body.12

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. glycolic acid
  2. carboxylic acid - Hydroxy and keto acids
  3. glycidic acid

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