Glycollate

/ɡlaɪˈkɑːleɪt/ noun

Definition

A salt or ester form of glycollic acid, used in skincare products and chemical processes.

Etymology

From 'glycol' (a two-carbon alcohol) + '-ate' (suffix for salts and esters). This term developed as organic chemistry classified different forms of glycol-based compounds.

Kelly Says

Glycollic acid and its salts (glycollates) are alpha hydroxy acids that cosmetic companies love because they gently dissolve dead skin cells—they're basically controlled acid peels you can buy at the drugstore!

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