AHA
Glycolic Acid
Clear, low-viscosity liquid or gel
Typical Strength
5%–15% (leave-on ranges)
Formulations
0 compounds
Formula
C₂H₄O₃
Mol. Weight
76.05 g/mol
How It Works
Mechanism of action
The smallest alpha-hydroxy acid, with the deepest penetration. Dissolves the bonds between corneocytes to exfoliate, stimulates collagen, and improves tone and texture. Compounding sets precise concentration and pH for the indication.
Did you know?
Glycolic acid can be derived from sugarcane and is the smallest alpha hydroxy acid (AHA).
What compounding can change
When Glycolic Acid is compounded for one patient, your prescriber can choose the concentration, combine it with other ingredients, and pick the base. Commercial products come in fixed strengths and bases.
Safety Considerations
Please note: Compounded medications require a prescription from a licensed prescriber for an individual patient. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. The FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness or quality. A compounded medication is not the same as, or a generic version of, any FDA-approved drug. This page is general information, not medical advice. Your prescriber decides whether a treatment is right for you and sets the final ingredients, strength and dosage form.