Difference Between Hyaluronic Acid and Glycolic Acid

Main Difference – Hyaluronic Acid vs Glycolic Acid

Hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid are important acid compounds that are soluble in water. Hyaluronic acid is a completely transparent compound, which can be found only in animals. Glycolic acid has many important applications in different industries. The main difference between Hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid is that hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide (polymer) compound whereas glycolic acid is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Hyaluronic Acid
      – Definition, Occurrence, and Properties
2. What is Glycolic Acid
     – Definition, Properties, and Applications
3. What are the Similarities Between Hyaluronic Acid and Glycolic Acid
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Hyaluronic Acid and Glycolic Acid
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms: 2-hydroxyacetic Acid, Disaccharide, Glycolic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hygroscopic, Mucopolysaccharide, Polysaccharides

What is Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid is a chemical compound that can be found only in animals. The chemical formula of hyaluronic acid is (C14H21NO11)n. The formula weight (sum of the atomic weights of the atoms in its empirical formula) of this compound is 403.31 g/mol. It can be obtained as a transparent, lyophilized powder. This acid is soluble in water. It is easily soluble even in cold water.

Figure 1: The Chemical Structure of Hyaluronic Acid

In our body, hyaluronic acid can be found in connective tissues, epithelial tissues, and neural tissues. It is a mucopolysaccharide; long unbranched polysaccharides consisting of repeating disaccharide units. Hyaluronic acid contains alternating beta (1-3) glucuronide and beta (1-4) glucosaminidic bonds. Hyaluronic acid is completely transparent. Hyaluronic acid has a unique water retention effect.

What is Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid, which has applications in many industries such as food industry, textile industry, etc. An alpha hydroxy acid is an organic acid containing a hydroxyl group bonded to the carbon atom adjacent to the carboxylic acid group. The chemical formula of glycolic acid is C2H4O3. The IUPAC name of glycolic acid is 2-hydroxyacetic acid. The molar mass of this compound is 76.05 g/mol. It is available as a colorless to white powder which is odorless.

Glycolic acid is highly soluble in water. It is also hygroscopic. The melting point of glycolic acid is 75 °C and it decomposes at high temperatures. When heated to decomposition, glycolic acid emits irritating fumes that can be hazardous. When concentrated, glycolic acid is corrosive.

This compound has applications in different industries. In the textile industry, glycolic acid is used as a dyeing agent and a tanning agent. In the food industry, it is used as a food additive and flavoring agent. In the pharmaceutical industry, it used as a skin care agent. It is also used in manufacturing adhesives and plastics.

Figure 2: Glycolic acid is an Ingredient in Various Skincare Products

Glycolic acid has medicinal values as well. It is used as an ingredient in many skincare products. This compound is used to improve the texture and the appearance of skin. It also is capable of reducing acne scars and wrinkles.

Similarities Between Hyaluronic Acid and Glycolic Acid

• Both are acidic compounds.
• Both are highly hygroscopic.
• Both are water soluble.

Difference Between Hyaluronic Acid and Glycolic Acid

Definition

Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide molecule that can be found only in animals.

Glycolic Acid: Glycolic acid is a water-soluble alpha hydroxy acid.

Nature

Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic Acid is a mucopolysaccharide.

Glycolic Acid: Glycolic acid is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid.

Chemical Formula

Hyaluronic Acid: The chemical formula of hyaluronic acid is (C14H21NO11)n.

Glycolic Acid: The chemical formula of glycolic acid is C2H4O3.

Appearance

Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid can be obtained as a transparent, lyophilized powder.

Glycolic Acid: Glycolic acid is available as a colorless-white powder.

Water Solubility

Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is easily soluble even in cold water.

Glycolic Acid: Glycolic acid is soluble in water.

Conclusion

Hyaluronic acid is found only in animal tissues. Glycolic acid is the smallest alpha-hydroxy acid and it is used in many skincare products due to its ability to remove acne scars and wrinkles. The main difference between Hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid is that Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide (polymer) compound whereas glycolic acid is not a polymer compound.

Reference:

1. “Glycolic acid.” Chemical Book, Available here.
2. “Glycolic acid.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Database, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Available here.
3. “Hyaluronic acid.” Chemical Book, Available here.
4. “Hyaluronic acid.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 29 Jan. 2018, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Hyaluronic acid” By Ed (Edgar181) – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “2613852” (CC0) via Max Pixel

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