Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid are ingredients commonly found in skin care products. Skincare products help to maintain a healthy, radiant skin. They have different functions, including cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin from harmful elements.
What is the main difference between glycolic lactic and salicylic acid? Glycolic acid and lactic acid are alpha hydroxy acids, whereas salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Glycolic Acid
– Definition, Features, Function
2. What is Lactic Acid
– Definition, Features, Function
3. What is Salicylic Acid
– Definition, Features, Structure
4. Similarities Between Glycolic Lactic and Salicylic Acid
– Outline of Common Features
5. Difference Between Glycolic Lactic and Salicylic Acid
– Comparison of Key Differences
6. FAQ: Glycolic Lactic and Salicylic Acid
– Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Key Terms
Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid
What is Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid, a group of organic compounds derived from fruits. It gives exfoliating properties and is therefore used as an ingredient in skin care products.
Glycolic acid breaks down the bonds between dead skin cells so that shedding is made easy. Moreover, it removes the outermost layer of skin, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, helps unclog pores, improves tone and skin texture, and helps lighten dark spots (reduce pigmentation). Glycolic acid is found in products such as cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers.
What is Lactic Acid
Lactic acid, chemically known as 2-hydroxypropanoic acid, is an organic compound produced by our cells. It is a colorless and odorless liquid. It is soluble in water. Moreover, it has a hydroxyl group (-OH) adjacent to a carboxyl group (-COOH), making it a member of the alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) group of compounds.
Lactic acid is mainly produced in muscle cells, red blood cells, and some organs. It is produced when oxygen levels are low (in anaerobic conditions) it is produced. When the energy demand increases than the supply of oxygen, such as in the case of exercises, lactic acid is produced. In anerobic glycolysis, glucose is broken down into pyruvate, which is then converted into lactic acid. Lactic acid serves as a temporary energy source, providing ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Furthermore, lactic acid can be recycled by the liver to produce glucose, a process known as the Cori cycle.
What is Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid is a phenolic acid, meaning it contains a phenol group (a hydroxyl group, -OH, attached to a benzene ring). It also has a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) attached to the benzene ring.
Salicylic acid is found in plants such as willow bark, wintergreen, and meadowsweet, but it can even be synthesized commercially. Salicylic acid is mainly useful in acne treatment. It breaks down keratin plugs present within pores. It also can reduce inflammation.
Salicylic acid is generally safe for most people, but it can cause irritation in some. If you have sensitive skin, it is important to test a small patch of skin before using a product containing salicylic acid.
Similarities Between Glycolic Lactic and Salicylic Acid
- They are commonly present in skincare products.
- All three acids have exfoliating properties.
- They can improve skin smoothness and clarity.
Difference Between Glycolic Lactic and Salicylic Acid
Definition
- Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid used in skincare for its exfoliating properties and ability to improve skin texture and tone. Lactic acid, on the other hand, is an alpha-hydroxy acid found in milk and produced synthetically, known for its gentle exfoliation, hydration, and skin-brightening effects. Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid commonly used in acne treatments for its ability to penetrate and unclog pores, reducing inflammation and exfoliating the skin.
Type of Acid
- Glycolic and lactic acid are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), while salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA).
Size
- Glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size, while lactic acid is slightly larger than glycolic acid.
Moisturizing
- Lactic acid has natural moisturizing properties, making it a good choice for dry or dehydrated skin. But glycolic and salicylic acids may not have as strong moisturizing effects.
Other Functions
- Glycolic and lactic acids can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. However, salicylic acid primarily focuses on treating acne and unclogging pores.
Production
- While salicylic acid can be synthesized, both glycolic and lactic acids are derived from natural sources.
Conclusion
Glycolic acid lactic acid and salicylic acid are ingredients in skin care products. The main difference between glycolic lactic and salicylic acid is that glycolic acid and lactic acid are alpha hydroxy acids, whereas salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid.
FAQ: Glycolic Lactic and Salicylic Acid
1. Can you use salicylic acid with glycolic and lactic acid?
Yes, you can use salicylic acid with glycolic and lactic acid. Combining these acids can improve exfoliation and address various skin concerns,. However, it’s important to consult with a dermatologist.
2. Which acid is best for glowing skin?
Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is highly effective for glowing skin. It helps brighten and even out skin tone and promotes collagen production for a youthful appearance.
3. What cannot be mixed with glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid cannot be mixed with strong bases like sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide as they neutralize each other, making the glycolic acid ineffective.
4. Does glycolic acid darken skin?
Yes, glycolic acid can potentially darken the skin in people with darker skin tones. It may stimulate melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, leading to hyperpigmentation. Therefore, those with darker skin should use glycolic acid with caution.
5. Can salicylic acid fade hyperpigmentation?
Yes, salicylic acid can help fade hyperpigmentation. It is a beta hydroxy acid and works by exfoliating the skin, removing dead skin cells, and revealing brighter, new skin cells underneath. This can reduce the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Reference:
1. “Lactic Acidosis and Exercise: What You Need to Know.” WebMD.
2. “Salicylic Acid Gel – Uses, Side Effects, and More.” WebMD.
3. “Is Glycolic Acid a Good Acne Treatment?” Health Line.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Glycolic acid” By STALLKERL – Own work (Original text: Selbstgezeichnet mit ChemSketch) (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Lactic-acid-skeletal” By NEUROtiker – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
3. “Salicylic-acid-skeletal” By File:Aspirin-skeletal.svg originally by Benjah-bmm27 and Booyabazooka, edited by Fvasconcellos – File:Aspirin-skeletal.svg (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
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