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Two Grade Options
Choose 70% aqueous liquid for convenient handling or 99% crystalline material for low-moisture and high-active formulation design.
Glycolic Acid AHA Ingredient
AC-GLA
INCI name: Glycolic Acid · CAS No.: 79-14-1
THE SMALLEST MOLECULAR WEIGHT AHA
70% Liquid Grade
99% Crystalline Grade
Smallest AHA Molecule
Water Soluble
pH-Controlled Use
Brightening and Renewal Concepts
AC-GLA is ANECO glycolic acid for personal care and technical applications. As the alpha hydroxy acid with the smallest molecular weight, glycolic acid is used in controlled-pH exfoliating, renewal, brightening, toner, lotion, hair-care and nail-care formulations where skin feel, clarity and grade selection matter.
70%
Purified aqueous liquid grade for ready-to-use formulation handling.
99%
Highly purified crystalline form for water-free or low-moisture applications.
Product Identity
AC-GLA Specification Snapshot
Review the core identity and grade differences before selecting AC-GLA 70% or AC-GLA 99% for sample evaluation.
| Product Name | AC-GLA 70% / AC-GLA 99% |
|---|---|
| INCI / Chemical Name | Glycolic Acid |
| CAS No. | 79-14-1 |
| Appearance | AC-GLA 70%: light yellow transparent liquid; AC-GLA 99%: white crystalline powder. |
| Assay / Active Matter | AC-GLA 70%: purity ≥70.0%; AC-GLA 99%: total acid ≥99.0%. |
| Solubility | Water soluble. AC-GLA 99% can be selected where avoidance of water is necessary before dissolution or blending. |
| Regulatory References | Listed in China IECIC 2021, the U.S. PCPC ingredient dictionary and the EU CosIng database. |
Low Molecular Weight AHA
Glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size among common AHAs, supporting efficient stratum-corneum interaction in pH-controlled cosmetic formulas.
Available Documentation
Specification, TDS, SDS/MSDS and COA documentation are available for grade selection, sample evaluation and quality review.
Grade Comparison
AC-GLA 70% vs AC-GLA 99%
Use the grade comparison to decide whether the formulation needs a ready-to-use liquid acid solution or a high-active crystalline form.
| AC-GLA 70% | Purified aqueous glycolic acid liquid, water soluble, commonly selected for toners, lotions, serums and water-phase systems. |
|---|---|
| AC-GLA 99% | Highly purified crystalline glycolic acid, water soluble after incorporation, useful for high-active, low-water or anhydrous-compatible design work. |
| Cosmetic Use Window | Use the recommended range as a starting point; confirm final dosage, pH and local compliance for the selected grade and finished formula. |
| Technical Documents | TDS, SDS/MSDS, specification and COA samples are available on request for each grade. |
Performance
AHA Performance Evidence for Controlled-PH Formulas
The following glycolic acid study results support renewal, texture and visible skin-quality applications.
Clinical Skin-Appearance Data
In an 80-subject study, glycolic acid improved visible skin appearance under the tested conditions, supporting applications for blemish-prone skin, texture and clarity.
Collagen Marker Support
A glycolic acid study found a 2.8-fold increase in type I collagen mRNA expression versus vehicle-treated controls.
Epidermal HA Staining
Skin-sample analysis found a 54.7% increase in epidermal hyaluronic acid staining after glycolic acid use.
Supports Exfoliation and Renewal Concepts
Glycolic acid helps loosen the cohesion of aged surface keratinocytes in pH-controlled formulas, supporting smoother skin feel and fresh-looking complexion applications.
Brightening and Uneven Tone Support
Use AC-GLA in carefully buffered toners, serums, lotions and masks designed to address dullness, uneven tone and surface texture.
Hair and Nail Care Extensions
Glycolic acid also supports nail-care and hair-care concepts, including cuticle softening, manageability and texture improvement.
Grade Selection for Process Flexibility
The 70% liquid grade simplifies water-phase handling; the 99% crystalline grade gives formulators more control in low-water or high-active systems.
Application
Application and Processing Guide
Use AC-GLA with pH control, appropriate dosage and final stability confirmation in the finished formulation.
- Select the grade Use AC-GLA 70% for convenient aqueous handling and AC-GLA 99% when a higher-active crystalline input is preferred.
- Control final pH Maintain the finished formula at pH 3.5 or above, then confirm stability, tolerance and local regulatory compliance.
- Add with process awareness Dissolve or pre-blend thoroughly before final pH adjustment. Avoid localized high acid concentration during batching.
- Validate stability and compliance Confirm pH drift, color, odor, packaging compatibility, skin feel and compliance with local AHA regulations and claim requirements before scale-up.
Recommended Formula Systems
Brightening toner
Exfoliating serum
Lotion
Mask
Ampoule essence
Facial cleanser
Shampoo
Nail care
Glycolic acid demonstrates superior efficacy in disrupting the bonds between surface skin cells due to its low molecular size.
Documents and Support
AC-GLA Technical Documents and Formulation Support
Request grade-specific files for AC-GLA 70% cosmetic grade, AC-GLA 70% technical grade and AC-GLA 99%.
Product Benefits
Key Product Benefits
AC-GLA supports exfoliation, keratin renewal, smoother skin texture, dullness improvement, brightening, moisturization and skin-feel adjustment in pH-controlled cosmetic formulations.
Technical Files to Request
Ask for the documents needed for specification review, regulatory review, sample testing and bulk order qualification.
FAQ
AC-GLA FAQ
Answers to common buyer questions about grade selection, dosage, pH, documents and product performance.
What is AC-GLA?
AC-GLA is ANECO glycolic acid. It is offered as AC-GLA 70% liquid and AC-GLA 99% crystalline grade for controlled-pH AHA cosmetic and technical formulations.
How do I choose AC-GLA 70% or AC-GLA 99%?
Choose AC-GLA 70% when convenient aqueous handling is important. Choose AC-GLA 99% when the formula needs a high-active crystalline input or lower water contribution.
What dosage and pH range should be considered?
Start within the grade-specific recommended use range, confirm the dosage against the TDS and formula type, and maintain the finished formula at pH 3.5 or above unless local regulations or testing require otherwise.
What evidence supports glycolic acid performance?
Glycolic acid studies found improved visible skin appearance, a 2.8-fold increase in type I collagen mRNA expression and increased hyaluronic acid staining under their respective test conditions.
What documents are available for AC-GLA?
TDS, SDS/MSDS, specification, COA sample and formulation guidance can be requested for the selected AC-GLA grade.
