Sodium Glycolate
Other names: Sodium glycolate, sodium 2-hydroxyacetate
Harm score: 3 (Harmless chemicals)
Sodium glycolate, scientific name Sodium Glycolate or also sodium 2-hydroxyacetate, is a chemical compound that is a pyrolyzed form of glycolic acid. This substance is characterized by its high solubility in water and moderate solubility in alcohol. It is a white crystalline powder with a slightly sour taste and odor. The main source of sodium glycolate comes from the biochemical oxidation of ethanol and glycerol.
In practice, sodium glycolate is mainly used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries because of its ability to moisten and soften. In cosmetics, it is used in skin care products such as cleansers, toners or scrubs. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin and thus stimulate cell renewal. As a pharmaceutical excipient, it is used in the manufacture of tablets because it improves their spreadability and disintegration. It is also part of some food additives where it acts as a stabilizer or Ph regulator. Although it is mostly considered safe for human health, it can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. Therefore, its use should always be consulted with a specialist.