Glyoxylic acid

Glyoxylic acid (CAS 298-12-4), also known as α-ketoacetic acid, is a bifunctional organic acid; a reactive intermediate and chelating agent.

Where is Glyoxylic acid used?

• Pharmaceuticals: intermediate in synthesis of amino acids, including D-phenylglycine and D-4-hydroxyphenylglycine for semi-synthetic penicillin and cephalosporin production
• Personal care: active agent in hair straightening treatments, reacting with keratin to restructure hair bonds without formaldehyde
• Water treatment: chelating capacity sequesters metal ions, supporting scale inhibition and corrosion control
• Food-grade applications: pH regulator
• Flavor compound synthesis: precursor
• Its aldehyde and carboxylic acid groups make it a building block for synthesizing active ingredients.

Good to know: Unlike a commodity acid used purely for pH adjustment, its aldehyde and carboxylic acid groups make it a building block for synthesizing active ingredients.

Formulation notes

• Reacts with bases, releasing substantial heat.

Typical specification

• Smoothing products with glyoxylic acid contained it at levels of 14% to 23%.

Regulatory status

• Assigned UN number 3261 for transport.
• Classified as Class 8 corrosive substances for transport.
• Assigned packing group II for transport.
• Carries hazard statement H317: may cause an allergic skin reaction.

Frequently asked questions about Glyoxylic acid

What anti-dumping measures apply to glyoxylic acid imports?

Definitive anti-dumping duties were imposed by Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1901 of 23 September 2025, with a definitive anti-dumping duty of 124.9% applying to all other imports originating in China.

Is glyoxylic acid restricted in cosmetic products in the EU?

ANSES recommends a risk assessment under the European Cosmetics Regulation to restrict or even ban glyoxylic acid in hair care products.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.