Glycolic acid
Synonyms
Acetic acid, 2-hydroxy-;
Hydroxyacetic acid;
Category
Anionic Surfactant
> Carboxylate
>> Chain Carboxylate
>>> Hydroxyalkyl Carboxylate
>>>> Hydroxy Linear Alkyl Carboxylate
Chemical Numbering System
CAS: 79-14-1
EINECS: 201-180-5
Molecular Formula & Molecular Weight
Molecular Formula: C2H4O3
Molecular Weight: 76.05
Structure
Properties
Appearance (1), solid.
Solubility soluble in water.
Stability stable.
Risk Solid form: corrosion, flammable material; irritation, irritation to skin, eye, respiratory system. Harmful products of combustion are CO, CO2 and so on. Contact with strong oxidants, can cause to burn.
GHS label: 
Animal Toxicity
Table 1 Animal toxicity values
|
cat intravenous LD50 |
1000mg/kg[1] |
|
guinea pig oral LD50 |
1920mg/kg[1] |
|
rat inhalation LC50 |
7.1mg/m3/4H[1] |
|
rat oral LD50 |
1950mg/kg[1] |
Reproductive effect[1].
Ecology may be hazardous to environment. Water body should be given special attention.
Biodegradability biodegradable.
Characteristics excellent cleansing, dispersing abilities.
Synthesis
Quality Standards & Test Methods
1, Physical and chemical indexes
|
Item |
Physical and chemical indexes |
|
Solid |
|
|
Actives, %, ≥ |
95.0 |
Test Methods
(1), Actives
GB/T 13173 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Testing methods
2, Hazardous substances indexes
|
Item |
Hazardous substances indexes |
|
Solid |
|
|
Heavy metals (as Pb), mg/kg, ≤ |
20 |
|
As, mg/kg, ≤ |
3 |
Test Methods
(1), Heavy metals (as Pb)
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30799 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of heavy metals
(2), As
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30797 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of total arsenic
3, Further explanation
(a), On physical and chemical indexes: firstly, shall be indicated carbon atom distribution; secondly, shall be indicated average molecular weight.
(b), Used in cosmetics, should be test for harmful substances or furtherly test for microorganisms, according to local regulations and standards.
Major Uses
1, Typical applications
Use as cleansing agent.
2, Personal care products
Buffering agent, exfoliating agent in personal care products.
* * * * * *
Further information:
(1), In accordance with Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition) of China, be included in the restricted components.
Maximum content is 6% (as acid).
The pH value of the product is greater than or equal to 3.5 (except rinse-off hair products).
Used in non-sunscreen cosmetics, when content is greater than or equal to 3.0 (as acid) or when the label claims to contain it, this label should be noted that this product is used in conjunction with sunscreen cosmetics.
3, Organic synthesis
Use as intermediate in organic synthesis.
Manufacturers
References
[1]: ChemIDplus. 79-14-1, Hydroxyacetic acid
Update: 20140309(1); 20180917(2);