Molekula
Glycolic Acid Cosmetic grade
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) derived from sugar cane, widely used in cosmetics for exfoliation, skin brightening, and anti-aging formulations. It effectively removes dead skin cells, enhances product absorption, and improves skin texture in cleansers, peels, and serums. Catalogue details: CAS 79-14-1, molecular formula C2H4O3, molecular weight 76.05 g/mol. Store at ambient conditions. Signal word: Danger. Molekula supplies glycolic acid cosmetic grade 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
Pack sizes & pricing
Pricing on request — packs available from research to bulk quantities.
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 crystalline |
| Heavy metals | ≤4ppm |
| Chloride (Cl-) | ≤10ppm |
| Moisture | ≤0.5% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤10ppm |
| Sulphates (SO4)(2-) | ≤10ppm |
| Total Acid | ≥99% |
Storage & handling
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Storage Temperature | Ambient |
| Flash Point | 100 °C |
| 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 | 90035144 |
| CAS Number | 79-14-1 |
| IUPAC Name | 2-hydroxyacetic acid |
| EC Number | 201-180-5 |
| Molecular Formula | C2H4O3 |
| 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
-
Corrosive
GHS05
-
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
- glycolic acid
- Glycollic acid
- hydroxyacetic acid
- Hydroxyethanoic acid
- Kyselina glykolova
- Kyselina hydroxyoctova
Frequently asked questions
What is glycolic acid used for in cosmetic applications?
Glycolic acid is primarily used in cosmetics as a chemical exfoliant to remove dead skin cells, improve skin texture, and treat hyperpigmentation, acne, and fine lines.
What is the chemical formula and molecular weight of glycolic acid?
The chemical formula is **C₂H₄O₃**, and the molecular weight is **76.05 g/mol**.
How should glycolic acid (cosmetic grade) be stored?
Store glycolic acid at **ambient temperature** in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and incompatible substances.
What grade of glycolic acid does Molekula supply, and is it suitable for cosmetics?
Molekula supplies **cosmetic-grade glycolic acid**, meeting industry standards for safety and purity in personal care formulations.
Can Molekula supply glycolic acid in bulk quantities?
Yes, glycolic acid is available in bulk, with flexible packaging options (drums, IBCs, or custom solutions) for large-scale cosmetic manufacturing.
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 to ensure compliance and quality.
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.