Glycolic Acid Leave-On Formula and pH Requirements

Asked by: kenso345 On: July 25, 2015 Product Type: Cosmetics

Question

Can a Glycolic Acid formula with a concentration not exceeding 10% be left on the skin? What is the recommended pH range for AHA to be effective?

Answer

Based on the staff's recommendation, this formula can be left on the skin.

  • This is because the Glycolic Acid concentration in the formula is not over 10%. (If the concentration were above 10%, it would typically need to be washed off after a limited time.)
  • For the AHA to be effective, the formula's pH should be at least 2 (ideally 2.5) and should not exceed 4.0.