Glükoolhappel

Glükoolhappel, also known as glycolic acid, is an organic compound with the formula HOCH2CO2H. It is the smallest of the alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). In its pure form, glycolic acid is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and other polar solvents. It is naturally found in sugarcane, sugar beets, and grapes.

Industrially, glycolic acid is synthesized through several methods, including the carbonylation of formaldehyde. Its small molecular size and low pKa value contribute to its effectiveness in various applications.

Glükoolhappel is widely used in the cosmetics and skincare industry as an exfoliant. It works by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together on the surface of the skin, revealing smoother and brighter skin underneath. It is a common ingredient in cleansers, toners, serums, and peels, and can help improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and treat acne.

Beyond skincare, glycolic acid has industrial applications. It is used as a descaling agent, a cleaning agent for industrial equipment, and in textile dyeing. Its chelating properties allow it to bind with metal ions, making it useful in certain cleaning formulations. In some regions, it is also used as a food additive.