Glycolic acid treats dry skin by exfoliating the skin’s surface and promoting cell turnover. It penetrates the top layer of the skin, breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells and allowing them to shed more easily. Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). Alpha hydroxy acids are natural acids found in foods. Glycolic acid comes from sugarcane. Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid work by... Glycolic acid is a compound that naturally occurs in certain fruits, beets, and sugarcane. In its pure form, it is odorless and colorless. Cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies include glycolic ... Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), a group of natural acids derived primarily from fruits and milk. It is most commonly extracted from sugarcane. Chemically, it is the smallest molecule in the AHA family, which allows it to penetrate the skin deeply and work effectively.