Glypure® cosmetic-grade glycolic acid is manufactured in Belle, West Virginia via PureTech Scientific’s unique 24/7 glycolic acid synthesis process. All Glypure® products are produced using an industry-leading purification process to deliver the most consistent and highest purity of glycolic acid on the market.
- Prop 65 – no reportable levels of chemicals of concern, including Dichloroacetic Acid and Formaldehyde
- Glypure® is produced on dedicated equipment and does not contain crossover contaminants found in batch processes
Our two proven active ingredients
Glypure® Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is the smallest of the alpha-hydroxy acid chemical family.
Molecular weight: 76.04 g/mol
pKa: 3.83
- Suitable for aqueous and anhydrous formulations
- Highly purified skin and hair care active
- Multifunctional activity in formulation
- Intended for all skin and hair types
Glypure® GL Glycolide
Glycolide is the cyclic dimer of glycolic acid. It is water reactive, and will slowly hydrolyze to glycolic acid within the skin for reduced irritation potential.
Molecular weight: 116.01 g/mol
Melting point: ~83°C
- Intended for anhydrous formulations
- Time-release active ingredient
- For sensitive skin types
Glypure® Grades
Glypure® 70
Supplied as a 70% high purity glycolic acid solution, commonly used in skin and hair care products due to its versatility as an active ingredient and global availability.
- As the world’s largest and only 24/7 continuous manufacturing process, product is readily available and stocked globally
- Easy to formulate with, long shelf life and supplied in a variety of pack sizes (22.5 kg pails, 250 kg drums, 1250 kg totes)
- No reportable levels of Prop 65 chemicals, including Dichloroacetic Acid and Formaldehyde
Glypure® 70 ULTRA
Supplied as a 70% glycolic acid solution that undergoes a proprietary secondary purification process to reduce residual impurities to undetectable levels.
- Formaldehyde-free
- Dichloroacetic acid-free
- For aqueous products that demand the most rigorous standards for product purity
Glypure® 99
Supplied as a 99% high purity, crystalline glycolic acid powder and is suitable for anhydrous formulations or those that require low water content.
- Solubilizing in humectants helps meter delivery to the skin’s surface, reducing irritation potential
- Allows for the formulation of non-occlusive moisturizing products that require little-to-no water
Glypure® GL
Glypure GL is a new proactive form of Glycolic Acid designed for anhydrous skin care formulations, suitable for all skin types.
- Delivers all the benefits of an AHA without putting acid on the skin
- Based on the active ingredient “Glycolide” which slowly releases Glycolic Acid over time, reducing irritation potential
Glypure® as a supporting ingredient
Glypure is a multifunctional active – enhancing efficacy and efficiency of other ingredients in formulation.
- Works well when combined with other alpha-hydroxy acids to deliver products that have a range of exfoliating and moisturizing properties
- Due to its small size and solubility properties, Glypure® is widely compatible with newer generations of ingredients that have bio-based properties
- Glypure® can provide an alternative method for pH adjustment in formulations that have challenges with agglomeration or pH drift
Formulating with Glypure®
Glypure® glycolic acid is a versatile active ingredient for skin and hair care that has a spectrum of activity to target different applications—from professional dermatological peels to a boost of moisturization in a daily skin care lotion.
By controlling the free-acid content, delivery method, and contact time, Glypure can maximize the skin’s potential to look and feel healthier.
It’s important to note that skin care needs differ greatly across different skin types, textures and tones. Men’s skin care and grooming products are commonly formulated at lower pH due to the naturally low pH of male skin, and can leverage a higher free-acid value from glycolic acid. On the other end of the spectrum, skin care products for Fitzpatrick IV, V, and VI skin types should target formulations that contain lower free acid content or leverage novel delivery methods to reduce irritation potential when using glycolic acid.
The following chart is provided as a reference to formulators on glycolic free acid content by desired activity:
Glypure® is a multifunctional that boosts efficacy of other ingredients
Glypure® has the unique ability to boost the efficacy of other ingredients. Ingredients like AHA’s, Vitamin C, and other acids are all enhanced with the power of Glypure®. This is due to Glypure®’s ability to function as a stabilizer by chelating unwanted metal ions and buffering low-pH formulations.
Glypure® is found in deodorants, anti-acne treatments, hair conditioning and more thanks to its usefulness as an active ingredient as well as a tool for ease-in-formulating.
Want to learn more about how to use Glypure® to support other active ingredients? Reach out and we can recommend the best formulations and use cases.
