Glycolic Acid

Description

1. Product Overview

Glycolic Acid is a high-value alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) widely utilized across industrial, personal care, and specialty chemical sectors due to its strong reactivity and multifunctional properties. It serves primarily as a key intermediate in chemical synthesis, a pH regulator, and an effective cleaning and descaling agent. The product’s core value proposition lies in its dual functionality—offering both chemical reactivity and performance efficiency—making it highly versatile across multiple industries. Strategically, glycolic acid is essential in high-growth markets such as cosmetics, biodegradable polymers, and industrial cleaning, positioning it as a critical input in modern, sustainability-driven manufacturing systems.

2. Key Specifications & Technical Characteristics

• Chemical Composition:
  • Glycolic Acid (C₂H₄O₃)
  • Water (in aqueous solution grades)
  • Trace impurities depending on production method
• Purity Level / Grade:
  • Industrial grade (typically 50%–70% aqueous solution)
  • Cosmetic and high-purity grades available upon request
  • Assay and impurity profile provided via Certificate of Analysis (COA)
• Physical Characteristics:
  • Liquid (aqueous solution) or crystalline solid (high-purity form)
  • Color: Colorless to light yellow
  • Odor: Mild acidic odor
  • Density: ~1.2–1.3 g/cm³ (solution-dependent)
  • Fully water-soluble and highly reactive
• Packaging Options:
  • HDPE drums (200–250 kg)
  • IBC containers (1,000L)
  • Bulk ISO tank containers
  • Custom bulk packaging options available
• Shelf Life:
  • Typically 12–24 months under sealed, recommended storage conditions
  • Store in cool, dry, and well-ventilated areas in corrosion-resistant containers

3. Core Industrial Applications

Primary Industries:

• Personal care and cosmetics
• Chemical manufacturing
• Textile processing
• Industrial cleaning and descaling
• Bioplastics and biodegradable polymer production

Operational Use Cases:

• Active ingredient in skincare formulations (chemical exfoliation and pH adjustment)
• Intermediate in synthesis of biodegradable polymers such as polyglycolic acid (PGA)
• Descaling and cleaning agent for industrial equipment and metal surfaces
• Dyeing and finishing processes in textile manufacturing
• pH regulator and chelating agent in specialty chemical formulations

Performance & Cost Advantages:
Glycolic acid delivers superior performance due to its small molecular size, enabling high reactivity and penetration efficiency in both chemical and surface applications. Compared to alternative acids, it offers enhanced cleaning efficiency, lower residue formation, and multifunctional utility across industries. Its versatility reduces the need for multiple chemical inputs, optimizing formulation costs and improving process efficiency.

4. Competitive Advantages

• Quality Consistency: Controlled manufacturing processes ensuring stable purity and performance across batches
• Supply Reliability: Scalable production capacity supporting consistent global supply
• Logistics Capability: Flexible bulk and packaged shipping options, including ISO tanks and drums
• Price Competitiveness: Optimized production economics enabling competitive global pricing
• Sustainability Benefits: Biodegradable profile supporting environmentally responsible formulations
• Technical Documentation: Comprehensive COA, SDS, and regulatory compliance documentation available

Positioned as a strategic raw material, glycolic acid enables manufacturers to enhance product performance, streamline formulations, and align with sustainability and regulatory requirements across diverse industrial sectors.

5. Commercial & Supply Information

• Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): BULK 20MT
• Loading Capacity (MT per container): Approximately 20–25 MT per 20’ ISO tank container (depending on concentration and packaging format)