Due to its excellent capability to penetrate skin, glycolic acid finds applications in skin care products, most often as a chemical peel. Glycolic acid is used to improve the skin’s appearance and texture. It may reduce fine lines & 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 stratum corneum to be exfoliated, exposing live skin cells.
