Sodium glycolate

Sodium glycolate (CAS 2836-32-0), also known as sodium 2-hydroxyacetate, is the sodium salt of glycolic acid used across pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food applications as a buffering agent, chelant, and humectant.

Its ability to regulate pH and bind metal ions makes it a functional ingredient in formulations where stability and moisture retention are critical procurement considerations for industrial manufacturers.

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, sodium glycolate is used as a buffering excipient in topical and injectable formulations, helping maintain pH stability throughout the entirety of the product shelf life.

Cosmetic formulators incorporate it into skin care products, particularly exfoliating serums, moisturizers, and cleansers, where it supports moisture retention and enhances the performance of active ingredients.

In industrial and personal care cleaning formulations, it acts as a chelating agent to sequester calcium and magnesium ions, improving surfactant efficiency in hard water conditions for better results.

Food-grade applications include its use as an acidity regulator in processed food systems requiring precise pH control. It is supplied as a white crystalline powder or as an aqueous solution.

Standard grades include technical, food-grade, and pharmaceutical-grade material, with the latter conforming to USP or Ph. Eur. specifications where required for high-purity compliance.

Packaging is typically available in kilogram quantities for laboratory and formulation use, scaling to bulk supply for industrial buyers seeking consistent quality and reliable chemical distribution.