GLYCOLIC ACID- ▸ Metal cleaning: Acid cleaning and descaling of metals and equipment
- ▸ Textile & leather: Dyeing, finishing, and tanning processing aid
- ▸ Electroplating: Bath additive and surface preparation
- ▸ Adhesives: Acid component in adhesive manufacture
- ▸ Personal care: pH adjuster/acidulant in formulations
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
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Transport classification per the UN Model Regulations / 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table. Confirm against the grade-specific SDS (Section 14) before shipping.
Aqueous solution (70%) of glycolic acid, the smallest alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acid (CAS 79-14-1, C2H4O3). Used industrially to clean metals and dairy/oilfield equipment, in textile dyeing/finishing and leather tanning, in adhesives and electroplating, and as a pH adjuster in personal-care formulations.
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 201-180-5
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Solutions Using This Product
Process-solution guides on this site that specify this chemistry:
- Chemical Exfoliation (AHA / BHA / PHA Acid Systems) (Beauty & Personal Care)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is glycolic acid 70% used for?
Glycolic Acid 70% (aqueous solution of the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid, CAS 79-14-1, C2H4O3) is used industrially for acid cleaning and descaling of metals and dairy/oilfield equipment, in textile dyeing/finishing and leather tanning, in electroplating baths, in adhesive manufacture, and as a pH adjuster/acidulant in personal-care formulations.
Is glycolic acid an acid or an alcohol?
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acid, meaning it has both a carboxylic acid group and a hydroxyl (alcohol) group on the same molecule. Its acidic carboxyl group drives its descaling and pH-adjusting applications.
Is glycolic acid 70% water soluble?
Yes. Glycolic acid is fully miscible with water, and the 70% grade is itself an aqueous solution, making it convenient to dilute into cleaning, plating, and processing baths.
How should glycolic acid 70% be shipped and handled?
It ships as a corrosive solution under UN 3261 (HS 2918.19); confirm current DOT packing group and handling requirements on the SDS before transport. RawSource supplies it in bulk drums, totes, and IBCs to manufacturers.
What is the cost of bulk glycolic acid 70%?
Pricing is volume-dependent and quoted per order; RawSource supplies the 70% solution in drum, tote, and IBC quantities to industrial buyers. Request a bulk quote with your target volume and packaging, and CoA and SDS are available on request.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Glycolic Acid 70% (Hydroxyacetic Acid, GA)?
Glycolic Acid 70% (Hydroxyacetic Acid, GA) (CAS 79-14-1) is subject to U.S. TSCA Inventory requirements; supplying it into the EU requires valid REACH registration ((EC) No 1907/2006). RawSource cannot verify a third-party supplier's registrations — buyers should require documented TSCA and REACH compliance for their jurisdiction and volume (EC 201-180-5).