Widely used in skincare, glycolic acid helps exfoliate the skin by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and revealing smoother, brighter skin. It is commonly found in facial cleansers, toners, serums, and chemical peels for treating acne, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines. Due to its small molecular size, it penetrates the skin effectively, enhancing collagen production and improving skin texture. In industrial settings, it serves as a cleaning agent for metal surfaces and in the textile industry for dyeing and printing processes. It is also used in some biodegradable polymers and environmentally friendly solvents.