GLYCOLIC ACID

RestrictedCAS 79-14-12 regulations across 2 markets

GLYCOLIC ACID is a cosmetic ingredient classified as Buffering. Also known as AHA, CAS 79-14-1. It is regulated in 2 markets including Australia, Canada.

Also Known As

Common names
AHA, ALPHA HYDROXY ACID
CAS Number
79-14-1

Market Overview — 29 Markets

European Union
United Kingdom
United States
California
Maryland
Washington
Canada1
Brazil
South Korea
Japan
Taiwan
Australia1
Singapore
Malaysia
Thailand
Indonesia
Vietnam
Philippines
UAE
Saudi Arabia
Qatar
Oman
Kuwait
Bahrain
Russia
Belarus
Kazakhstan
Armenia
Kyrgyzstan

Detailed Regulations

EuropeNo restrictions

No specific restrictions for GLYCOLIC ACID in European Union, United Kingdom.

Americas1 regulation
CanadaRestrictedAnnex Table 2 (Restricted)
Chemical name
Alpha-hydroxy acids, including polyhydroxy acids and bionic acids with alpha hydroxyl groups, and their salts
CAS
79-14-1
Max concentration
a) Between 3% and 18% total mono-AHA equivalents with a pH equal to or greater than 3.5 b) Between 18% and 30% total mono-AHA equivalents and/or a pH between 3.0 to 3.5 d) Between 3% and 30% total mono-AHA equivalents with a pH equal to or greater than 3.0 3%
Conditions of use
a) Products for use on the skin for consumer use Manufacturer or importer to provide pH levels b) Products for use on the skin for professional use Manufacturer or importer to provide evidence of safety, including: pH levels AHA concentrations directions for use clinical studies demonstrating minimal skin irritation c) Products intended to be diluted in bath water may contain levels of AHAs exceeding 10% d) Other cosmetics e) Any cosmetics | Warning: a) and b) "Use only as directed" "Avoid contact with the eyes" "If irritation persists, discontinue use and consult a physician" "It is recommended that prior to exposure to the sun, users cover areas where AHAs have been applied with sunscreen" Product labels should contain appropriate directions regarding frequency and/or duration of use b only) "For professional use only" d) "Use only as directed" "Avoid contact with eyes" "Discontinue use if rash or irritation occurs"

Source: Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist

East Asia & Oceania1 regulation
AustraliaRestrictedAnnex Schedule 6 (Poison) #SUSMP Schedule 6
Chemical name
GLYCOLIC ACID (including its salts and esters) in cosmetic products or when packed and
Conditions of use
labelled for use as an agricultural chemical except: (a) in cosmetic preparations for salon use only, when labelled in accordance with requirements under applicable jurisdictional Work Health and Safety laws, as amended from time to time; or (b) in preparations containing 5% or less of glycolic acid; or (c) in preparations containing 20% or less of glycolic acid with a pH of 3.5 or greater.

Source: TGA SUSMP F2026L00060

ASEANNo restrictions

No specific restrictions for GLYCOLIC ACID in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines.

GCCNo restrictions

No specific restrictions for GLYCOLIC ACID in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain.

EAEUNo restrictions

No specific restrictions for GLYCOLIC ACID in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GLYCOLIC ACID banned in any country?

GLYCOLIC ACID is not banned in any of the 26 markets tracked by Formpli. However, it may be subject to restrictions or conditions of use in some markets.

What are the restrictions on GLYCOLIC ACID in cosmetics?

GLYCOLIC ACID is restricted or has conditions of use in Australia, Canada. Restrictions may include maximum concentration limits, product type limitations, or mandatory labeling requirements. See the detailed regulations above for specifics.

Can I use GLYCOLIC ACID in cosmetics?

GLYCOLIC ACID is regulated in 2 markets. It has restrictions in Australia, Canada. Use Formpli's free screening tool to check your full ingredient list against all 26 markets at once.

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This information is for reference only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Regulations change — always verify with official sources and consult a regulatory specialist before exporting cosmetic products. Data sourced from EU COSING, US FDA, Health Canada, MHLW Japan, MFDS Korea, ASEAN ACD, GCC SFDA, TGA Australia, ANVISA Brazil, EAEU TR CU, and Taiwan TFDA.