Discover the Ingredient: Glycolic Acid

Due to a plethora of reasons, skincare brands are forced to add glycolic acid as an ingredient in their beauty products. There is a hype being created for this ingredient and rightly so as it is among the widely used and well-known alpha-hydroxy acids in the skincare industry. Some of the major reasons why glycolic acid is used include the treatment of hyperpigmentation, anti-aging, dryness, and acne.

As per a report, From 222million USD In 2020, the glycolic acid market in 2021 is projected to register a 5.8% CAGR in terms of revenue over the next five years. Further, the global market size is expected to reach 310.6 Million USD by 2026.

With a rising demand for beauty products with glycolic acid as an ingredient; a beauty business would be curious to know more about it.

Therefore, for those beauty brands who don’t have an idea what glycolic acid is and how it offers benefits to the beauty industry; then this article is for them.

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What is Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is a skincare ingredient, which is both a humectant and alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and is highly soluble in alcohol. The ingredient is also a humectant meaning it lures(chemically) water molecules to itself. Glycolic acid extracts moisture to newly exfoliated skins.

Benefits of Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid has various benefits for human skin, let's explore what are those.

1. Skin Renewal

Glycolic acid has effective skin-renewing features. Thus, it is often used in anti-aging beauty products. It also helps in smoothing fine wrinkles and enhancing the texture and skin tone. This ingredient plumps the skin and aids in boosting hydration levels.  

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2. Skin Brightening

Since glycolic acid has an effective exfoliator, regular use of glycolic acid can help in brightening skin complexion. It is the exfoliating characteristic that makes it an effective preventive step against ingrown hairs.  

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3. Prevention Against Acne

Several acne treatment beauty products also have glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is not an acne treatment it self, but this can help in keeping pores clear from blockages, preventing blackheads, comedones, and inflamed breakouts from forming.  

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Helps in Reducing Scars

Glycolic acid helps reduce dark discolorations left by wounds or acne. Also, it can soften the appearance of pitted scars and raised scars. However, it cannot vanish or make the scars disappear.

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Final Words

This article has brought the benefits and significance of glycolic acid as a beauty ingredient. So, if you are looking for that one personal care ingredient that can skyrocket your skincare product sales, then glycolic acid is the one.

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