Glycolic acid is perhaps the best-known of a group of chemicals called fruit acids or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA). It is derived from sugar cane, so it can be considered a natural product. Citric acid from oranges and other citrus fruits also fall under the same classification as glycolic acid.
Industrial uses for glycolic acid include rust removal and degreasing, so pure glycolic acid (generally sold in concentrations of 70% or better) is extremely dangerous to exposed skin. In fact, the government considers any product with a concentration of glycolic acid over 10% to be a hazardous material.
Most consumers know glycolic acid not from its industrial uses, but from its cosmetic ones. Glycolic acid is generally used as a natural skin exfoliant and moisturizer, although there is much debate over its safety and effectiveness. Some proponents of glycolic acid suggest that products with a glycolic acid concentrations of less than 10% are practically useless. The problem is that many large-scale cosmetic producers will not increase the glycolic acid levels for fear of liability and class action lawsuits. Some smaller cosmetics companies with high-end clients do offer products with at least a 10% glycolic acid concentration.
Lactic acid, also known as milk acid or 2-hydroxypropanoic acid, is an acid that both is formed by the body. It also exists in some foods. In the body, lactic acid develops generally in conjunction with exercise. As for foods, lactic acid exists in certain milk products, like yogurt, as well as some processed foods like some breads and beers.
In the body, lactic acid forms when there aren't enough oxygen molecules to completely breakdown the glucose in the body. A complex process known as glycolysis, breaks glycogen in the muscles into glucose and is one of the primary sources of the energy we need to exercise. During glycolysis, each glucose molecule splits into two pyruvic acid molecules. The resulting energy is released and forms into adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Normally, the pyruvic acid merges with mitochondria and undergoes the oxidation process, which produces more ATP. During strenuous exercise or activity, however, oxygen is lacking and the reaction cannot take place. The pyruvic acid is then transformed into lactic acid.
Citric acid ( IUPAC name
3-carboxy-3-hydroxypentanedioic acid
) is a weak organic acid. It is a natural preservative and is also used to add an acidic, or sour, taste to foods and soft drinks. In biochemistry, it is important as an intermediate in the citric acid cycle, and therefore occurs in the metabolism of virtually all living things. It can also be used as an environmentally benign cleaning agent.
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