On the carcinogenic risk of glycolic acid

In recent times, doctors and researchers have been exploring the effects of various chemicals on human health. Glycolic acid is also one of them. Glycolic acid is widely used in chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields, but its association with cancer risk is worthy of in-depth investigation.

Glycolic acid, with its unique chemical properties, can participate in various biochemical reactions. In other words, it has the ability to intervene in the path of cell metabolism. If cell metabolism is methodical, the risk of carcinogenesis may increase. Studies have taken animals as models and fed a diet containing glycolic acid. During the period, the changes in cells in their bodies were observed. The results showed that some of the tested animal organ cells had abnormal proliferation, which may be the beginning of cancer.

The effects of glycolic acid on human skin contact and ingestion are also discussed. Daily cosmetics contain glycolic acid, which has the effect of rejuvenating the skin. However, if used for a long time or in excess, skin cells may be irritated. The skin is the first barrier of the human body. If its cells are damaged by genes due to glycolic acid stimulation and repaired improperly, it will become cancerous. As for oral ingestion, glycolic acid enters the digestive system and contacts the cells of the gastrointestinal organs. Gastrointestinal mucosal cells are delicate, and glycolic acid may disturb their normal physiology and damage their genetic structure. Over time, the risk of cancer gradually increases.

However, there is also a contrary theory. Some researchers say that glycolic acid can be effectively metabolized by the human body at normal doses, without accumulating in the body and damaging cells. And the human body has its own set of delicate defense and repair mechanisms, which can guard against the possible harm of glycolic acid. In vitro cell experiments, the appropriate concentration of glycolic acid environment was set, and the cells did not show obvious carcinogenesis.

In summary, the theory of carcinogenic risk of glycolic acid is still under investigation. Although there are indications that it may increase the risk of cancer, the evidence is not conclusive. In order to understand the truth, more in-depth and comprehensive studies are still needed, taking into account various factors such as dosage, exposure route, individual differences, etc., in order to determine the exact relationship between it and cancer risk and provide solid evidence for public health and industry application.