Is Glycolic Acid safe in cosmetics?
Glycolic Acid has a safety rating of "GOOD" in our database. EU status: restricted. US status: permitted. 9 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Glycolic Acid
Also known as: 2-hydroxyacetic acid, 4-03-00-00571, BRN 1209322, Caswell No. 470, EINECS 201-180-5 (+15 more)
INCI: GLYCOLIC ACID
Glycolic Acid (CAS 79-14-1) is a cosmetic active ingredient functioning as Smallest AHA (MW 76 Da) enabling the deepest epidermal penetration of the AHA. Reported NOAEL =150 mg/kg in rat (CIR_vision_codex); EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: restricted, max 10% at pH ≥3.5 (twice-daily leave-on); professional peel concentrations up to 50–75% under controlled conditions only. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemical safety and pharmaceutical data.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 79-14-1 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Cross-Vertical Regulatory Divergence
Glycolic Acid is classified GHS Danger (H302, H314, H318, H332) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max 10% at pH ≥3.5 (twice-daily leave-on); professional peel concentrations up to 50–75% under controlled conditions only.
Source: Cosmetics: ingredients.eu_status/eu_max; Chemicals: ghs_classifications.signal_word/hazard_statement_code
Function
Smallest AHA (MW 76 Da) enabling the deepest epidermal penetration of the AHA class. At <25% produces superficial exfoliation; 25–50% causes keratinocyte discontinuity; 50–75% causes epidermolysis. Disrupts desmosomal cohesion via calcium ion chelation, thinning the stratum corneum and promoting cell turnover. Efficacy governed by free (undissociated) acid concentration per Henderson-Hasselbalch: at pH 3.5 (~68% free acid) vs pH 4.5 (~18% free acid). Also used as pH adjuster.
Safety Rating
GOOD
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
restricted
EU Max Conc.
10% at pH ≥3.5 (twice-daily leave-on); professional peel concentrations up to 50–75% under controlled conditions only
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
CIR (1998, reaffirmed 2013): safe ≤10% at pH ≥3.5 for consumer cosmetics; ≤30% at pH ≥3.0 for professional use. FDA endorses CIR guidance; no binding statutory limit but references CIR in guidance. FDA-sponsored studies confirm up to 18% increased UV sensitivity persisting one week post-discontinuation; SPF labelling strongly advised. Optimal pH range 3.5–4.5.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Glycolic Acid.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
9 study endpoints found for Glycolic Acid. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.
| Endpoint | Value | Route | Species | Study Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | =150 mg/kg | oral | rat | developmental toxicity | CIR_vision_codex |
| NOAEL | =150 mg/kg | oral | rat | developmental toxicity | CIR_vision_codex |
| NOAEL | =150 mg/kg | oral | rat | developmental toxicity | CIR_vision_codex |
| NOAEL | =150 mg/kg | oral | rat | developmental toxicity | CIR_vision_codex |
| NOAEL | =250 mg/kg day | - | rat | developmental toxicity | CIR_vision_codex |
| NOAEL | =250 mg/kg day | - | rat | developmental toxicity | CIR_vision_codex |
| NOAEL | =250 mg/kg day | - | rat | developmental toxicity | CIR_vision_codex |
| NOAEL | =250 mg/kg day | - | rat | developmental toxicity | CIR_vision_codex |
| NOAEL | =150 mg/kg bw/day | oral | Rat | developmental | ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID |
GHS Hazard Classification
Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is corrosive to the skin and eyes. The substance is irritating to the respiratory tract. Corrosive on ingestion. The substance may cause effects on the kidneys. This may result in kidney failure.
Long-term Exposure Effects
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation and by ingestion.
Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Glycolic Acid, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Absorption %
15-25%
Penetration Level
epidermis
Penetration Depth
epidermis
Molecular Weight
76.1 Da
Log P
-1.11
Systemic Absorption
yes
Topical Bioavailability
10-20%
Safety Margin Factor
moderate
Vehicle Dependent
Yes — absorption varies by formulation
Source: SCCS/1516/13, CIR
EPA ToxValDB — Toxicity Values
6 toxicity values from EPA ToxValDB (aggregated from CCTE, HPV, ToxRefDB, IRIS, and other regulatory dossiers).
| Endpoint | Value | Species | Route | Duration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | =150 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | - | ECHA IUCLID |
| NOAEL | =150 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | - | ECHA IUCLID |
| LC50 | =0.0071 mg/L | Rat | inhalation | - | ChemIDplus |
| LD50 | =1920 mg/kg | Guinea Pig | oral | - | ChemIDplus |
| LD50 | =1950 mg/kg | Rat | oral | - | ChemIDplus |
| LD50 | =1938 mg/kg | Rat | oral | - | HPVIS |
ECHA REACH Registration
European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.
Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
1,000 - 10,000 tonnes
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE
SVHC Candidate
No
Expanded Jurisdictional Detail
Additional regulatory detail beyond the 7-jurisdiction summary: Saudi SFDA, Korea MFDS, ASEAN ACD, Japan/Korea, Brazil/India, and cross-jurisdictional restriction entries.
Additional Jurisdictional Restrictions (3)
| Jurisdiction | Status | Max % | Product Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN | restricted | 6 | (a) Rinse-off facial products (b) Leave-on facial products |
| AU | restricted | - | exfoliants/peels |
| AE | restricted | 10.0 | Leave-on products |
Expanded Dermal Absorption Data
Cross-database dermal penetration: EPA Dryad physics-based, Roberts Mendeley permeation, and SCCS-aggregated measured values.
Aggregated DA Values (1 records across 5 sources)
| Type | DA % | Method | Skin Model | SCCS Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| measured_in_vitro | 1.42-30.69 | In vitro; flow-through diffusion cells; [14C]-GA; 24 healthy women donors | Human breast/abdominal skin | Jiang & Qureshi 1998 (J Dermatol Sci); Kraeling 2011 (1998) |
Typical Use Concentrations
Reported concentration ranges per product category from SCCS/CIR/industry sources.
| Product Category | Typical Range | Max Reported | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toner/Exfoliant | 2–10 | 30 | CIR |
| Peel | 20–70 | 70 | CIR |
| Body Lotion | 3–8 | 10 | CIR |
Additional Ingredient Properties
10 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
acne
{"cas_number": "79-14-1", "anti_acne_mechanism": "keratolytic/comedolytic", "comedogenicity_rating_0_to_5": "0", "acne_type_efficacy": "non_inflammatory/inflammatory", "p_acnes_mic_ug_per_ml": "No direct antibacterial", "sebum_reduction_pct_clinical": "5-10", "keratolytic_strength": "moderate-strong", "exfoliation_mechanism": "chemical", "optimal_ph_for_efficacy": "3.0-4.0", "aha_type": "glycolic"…
anti_aging
{"anti_aging_claim": "anti-wrinkle, cell-turnover, brightening, pore-minimizing", "mechanism_of_action": "Reduces corneocyte adhesion, accelerates desquamation, stimulates collagen synthesis", "target_skin_layer": "stratum corneum, epidermis, upper dermis", "collagen_stimulation": "Yes - increases collagen synthesis", "elastin_protection": "Moderate", "wrinkle_reduction_pct": "12-25", "clinical_st…
anti_pollution
{"cas_number": "79-14-1", "ingredient_class": "other", "primary_mechanism": "barrier_reinforcement", "pollution_types_targeted": "PM2_5", "IR_A_protection": "no", "visible_light_protection": "no", "digital_screen_protection_claim": "no", "PAH_neutralization": "no", "ozone_protection": "no", "mitochondrial_protection": "no", "Nrf2_activation": "no", "AhR_pathway_modulation": "no", "NF_kB_inhibition…
baby_pediatric
{"cas_number": "79-14-1", "ingredient_class": "other", "pediatric_safety_rating": "avoid", "minimum_age_months": "24", "neonatal_safe": "no", "premature_infant_safe": "insufficient_data", "skin_barrier_maturity_consideration": "AHA - adult use", "transepidermal_absorption_risk_pediatric": "low", "systemic_exposure_concern_pediatric": "low", "dose_per_kg_body_weight_concern": "Chelator/buffer funct…
comedogenicity_detail
{"comedogenicity_rating": "0", "irritancy_rating": "3", "skin_type_suitability": "oily,combination,normal,acne-prone,mature", "acne_safe": "caution", "source": "AHA exfoliant"}
concentration
{"min_concentration_pct": "2.0", "max_concentration_pct": "5.0", "typical_concentration_pct": "3.0", "product_type": "Cleanser", "function_at_concentration": "Gentle exfoliation", "source": "CIR Safety Assessment"}
deodorant
{"cas_number": "79-14-1", "ingredient_class": "astringent", "mechanism_of_action": "pH_modification", "antiperspirant_efficacy_sweat_reduction_pct": "0", "deodorant_efficacy_hours": "6-10", "odor_reduction_pct": "30-50", "bacteriostatic": "yes", "bactericidal": "limited", "microbiome_impact": "neutral", "axillary_microbiome_effect": "varies by ingredient", "MIC_value_if_antimicrobial": "varies", "…
depigmentation
{"cas_number": "79-14-1", "ingredient_class": "keratinocyte_turnover_enhancer", "primary_mechanism_of_action": "Smallest AHA accelerates cell turnover dispersing melanin", "secondary_mechanisms": "Variable", "molecular_target": "other", "tyrosinase_inhibition_IC50_uM": "varies", "tyrosinase_inhibition_type": "competitive", "melanin_reduction_pct_in_vitro": "25-45", "melanin_reduction_pct_clinical"…
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Abrasive
Biocide
Cleaning agent
Softener and conditioner
pH regulating agent
Regulatory List Membership (1)
FDA Indirect Food Contact Additives
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Glycolic Acid.
Regulatory Flags
photosensitizing
ph-critical
concentration-dependent-safety
barrier-disrupting
eu-restricted
piH-risk-dark-skin-tones
NOAEL Studies Summary
View details ->Public NOAEL study rows linked to Glycolic Acid by CAS number or substance name.
Studies
9
Lowest NOAEL
150
Highest NOAEL
250
Units vary across source rows: mg/kg bw/day, mg/kg, mg/kg day
ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID
CIR_vision_codex
Dermal Absorption
View details ->| Absorption % | Method | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 1.42-30.69 | In vitro; flow-through diffusion cells; [14C]-GA; 24 healthy women donors | Aqueous solutions at varying pH and concentration |
Known Synonyms
2-hydroxyacetic acid
4-03-00-00571
BRN 1209322
Caswell No. 470
EINECS 201-180-5
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 000101
Kyselina glykolova
Kyselina hydroxyoctova
UNII-0WT12SX38S
2-Hydroxyacetate
GlyPure 70
Glycolate
Glycollate
HOCH2COOH
Hydroxyacetate
Hydroxyethanoate
Sodium glycolate
a-Hydroxyacetate
a-Hydroxyacetic acid
alpha-Hydroxyacetate
Chemical Function
pH regulating agent
Cleaning agent
Abrasive
Regulatory Lists
pharmaceutical
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
CEDI
Indirect additives food contact (10/2018)
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
active_ingredient; Pesticides
Cross-Vertical Safety Context
Same-CAS public records found in pharmaceutical data.
SOURCE
ChEMBL / DrugCentral / FAERS
DB_PHARMA CAS match
Pharmaceutical Data
Same-CAS rows from the pharmaceutical spoke database.
Compound
GLYCOLIC ACID
ChEMBL ID
CHEMBL252557
Max Phase
2
Adverse Event Associations
437
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glycolic Acid allowed in the EU?
Glycolic Acid EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 10% at pH ≥3.5 (twice-daily leave-on); professional peel concentrations up to 50–75% under controlled conditions only. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Glycolic Acid do in cosmetics?
Glycolic Acid functions as: Smallest AHA (MW 76 Da) enabling the deepest epidermal penetration of the AHA class. At <25% produces superficial exfoliation; 25–50% causes keratinocyte discontinuity; 50–75% causes epidermolysis. Disrupts desmosomal cohesion via calcium ion chelation, thinning the stratum corneum and promoting cell turnover. Efficacy governed by free (undissociated) acid concentration per Henderson-Hasselbalch: at pH 3.5 (~68% free acid) vs pH 4.5 (~18% free acid). Also used as pH adjuster.. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 79-14-1.
What is the NOAEL for Glycolic Acid?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Glycolic Acid is =150 mg/kg based on a developmental toxicity study via oral route in rat. A total of 9 study endpoints are available. Source: CIR_vision_codex.
Is Glycolic Acid used outside cosmetics?
Glycolic Acid also appears in industrial chemical safety and pharmaceutical data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Does Glycolic Acid have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?
Glycolic Acid is classified GHS Danger (H302, H314, H318, H332) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max 10% at pH ≥3.5 (twice-daily leave-on); professional peel concentrations up to 50–75% under controlled conditions only.
Compliance Tools
Check Glycolic Acid compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
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Heavy Metal Limits
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