Molekula
Glycolic acid
Supplying 4,500+ customers in over 80 countries
ISO 9001:2015 & ISO 14001:2015 certified · Supplying laboratories and industry since 2000 · Listed pack sizes are a starting point — we manufacture, source and repack to the quantity you need
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) with the molecular formula HOCH2COOH, widely used in skincare for chemical exfoliation, cosmetic formulations, and industrial cleaning due to its mild yet effective properties. This clear, colorless crystalline solid (CAS 79-14-1) has a molecular weight of 76.05 g/mol and requires ambient storage. It bears a **Danger** signal word under GHS classification, indicating corrosive hazards. Molekula supplies glycolic acid from research to bulk quantities with full documentation and ISO 9001:2015 traceability.
Example image for illustration only. Other packaging and pack sizes are available.
Pricing & pack sizes
These pack sizes aren't a limit. Molekula manufactures, sources and repacks to order — if you need 500 kg and only see 1 kg listed, . We quote from grams to multi-tonne.
Need a different size? Add the nearest pack and change the size in your basket — we price it at the same rate per unit.
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25 g — £25.00 per pack ex VAT · £30.00 inc. VAT
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100 g — £46.70 per pack ex VAT · £56.04 inc. VAT
Need a different quantity or pack?
Tell us how much you need and when — drums, IBCs, sacks or a one-off bulk lot. We'll manufacture or source it and come back with a price.
Prices exclude VAT/sales tax and shipping.
Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White crystals |
| Chloride (Cl-) | ≤ 10ppm |
| Moisture | ≤ 0.5% |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤ 10ppm |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 10ppm |
| Sulphates (SO4)(2-) | ≤ 100ppm |
| Total Acid | ≥ 99% |
Storage & handling
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | Ambient |
| Transport Class | 8 |
| Packing Group | II |
| Acidity | Acid |
Literature values
Published physical properties of the substance, not batch specifications.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colorless, translucent solid |
| Odour | Odorless |
| Melting Point | 79.5 °C |
| Boiling Point | 100 °C |
| Density | 1.49 (relative, water = 1) |
| Solubility (other solvents) | Soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether |
| Vapour Pressure | 2.0 × 10⁻² mmHg at 25 °C (extrapolated) |
| pKa | pKa = 3.83 |
| log P (octanol/water) | -1.11 |
Source: PubChem CID 757 (HSDB, DrugBank, ICSC)
Identification
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | 90023324 |
| CAS Number | 79-14-1 |
| IUPAC Name | 2-hydroxyacetic acid |
| EC Number | 201-180-5 |
| Molecular Formula | HOCH2COOH |
| Molecular Weight | 76.05 |
| Exact Mass | 76.016 |
| SMILES | C(C(=O)O)O |
| InChIKey | AEMRFAOFKBGASW-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C2H4O3/c3-1-2(4)5/h3H,1H2,(H,4,5) |
| PubChem CID | 757 |
| UN Number | UN3261 |
| REACH Code | Y110 |
| TSCA Listed | Yes |
| HTS Code | 29181998 |
| Tariff Code | 2918199890 |
Safety & GHS
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Corrosive
GHS05
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Health Hazard
GHS07
Hazard statements
- EUH071 Corrosive to the respiratory tract
- EUH208 Contains sensitizing substance. May produce an allergic reaction.
- H302 Harmful if swallowed
- H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
- H318 Causes serious eye damage
- H332 Harmful if inhaled
Precautionary statements
- P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray
- P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection
- P301+312 IF SWALLOWED: Call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician if you feel unwell
- P302+352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with soap and water
- P304+340 IF INHALED: Remove victim to fresh air and keep at rest in a position comfortable for breathing
- P305+351+338 IF IN EYES: Rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing
Documents
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Available in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish.
Certificate of Analysis (CoA) by batch
Enter a lot or batch number to retrieve the CoA for that specific batch. We can generate one from spec data if no PDF is on file.
Synonyms
- 2-Hydroxyacetic acid
- 2-Hydroxyethanoic acid
- alpha-Hydroxyacetic acid
- glycolate
- GLYCOLLATE
- Glycollic acid
- hydroxyacetic acid
- Hydroxyethanoic acid
- Kyselina glykolova
- Kyselina hydroxyoctova
Frequently asked questions
What is glycolic acid commonly used for?
Glycolic acid is primarily used in skincare products (e.g., chemical peels, exfoliants) and as an intermediate in pharmaceuticals, textiles, and food processing.
What is the molecular formula and molecular weight of glycolic acid?
The molecular formula is **HOCH₂COOH** and the molecular weight is **76.05 g/mol**.
How should glycolic acid be stored?
Store glycolic acid at **ambient temperature** in a tightly sealed container, away from incompatible substances and moisture.
What grades of glycolic acid does Molekula supply?
Molekula supplies **technical grade** and **pharmaceutical/food-grade** glycolic acid, depending on purity requirements.
Can Molekula supply glycolic acid in bulk quantities?
Yes, Molekula can supply glycolic acid in **bulk quantities** (e.g., drums, IBCs) for industrial and commercial applications.
What documentation is provided with a glycolic acid order?
Each order includes a **Certificate of Analysis (CoA)**, **Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)**, and **batch-specific documentation** for traceability.
Ready to order or need a custom pack?
Tell us the product, grade, and quantity — Molekula usually responds within one working day with pricing and lead time.