Glycol vs Glycolic Acid
"On the Differences between Glycol and Glycolic Acid"

Vethylene glycol and glycolic acid, the names of the two are similar, but the properties are different.

Glycol has a peaceful nature, mostly a colorless liquid, with a certain viscosity, and is often used in industrial fields, such as refrigeration agents, moisturizing materials, etc. Its molecular structure is connected by carbon chains and depends on hydroxyl groups, giving it a special quality. Although soluble in water, it is mixed with water, and its physical properties such as boiling point and freezing point also change.

As for glycolic acid, it has an acidic quality and can dissociate hydrogen ions in water, showing the sign of acidity. Its molecular structure has the existence of a carboxyl group, which endows it with acidity and special reactivity. It is often used in chemical synthesis, pharmaceutical preparation, and even beauty and skin care. In the beauty industry, it can promote keratin renewal, so it is a good skin care product.

Compared with the two, the first look at its chemical properties. Glycol is an alcohol, and hydroxyl is its functional group, which mainly shows the properties of alcohol; glycolic acid contains carboxyl groups, and acidity dominates its chemical behavior. In physical properties, glycol has a high viscosity. Glycolic acid has different melting points and boiling points from glycol due to its acidity and intermolecular interactions.

Again, glycol is mostly used in industrial processes, which is related to the operation of machinery and the basis of chemical production; glycolic acid is more effective in fine chemicals, medicine and beauty, which helps to improve the quality of life and promote health and beauty.

From this perspective, glycol and glycolic acid, although they are close in name, are suitable for each use and can be used in different fields to develop their strengths.