Widely used in skincare, glycolic acid helps exfoliate the skin by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, promoting cell turnover and revealing smoother, brighter skin. It is effective in treating acne, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Due to its small molecular size, it penetrates the skin easily, making it a popular ingredient in chemical peels, toners, serums, and cleansers. It also enhances the effectiveness of other skincare ingredients by improving skin permeability. In addition to cosmetics, it is used in industrial settings for cleaning metal surfaces and removing rust.