What is the lowest pH that a 30% concentration of glycolic acid can have?

What is the lowest pH that a 30% concentration of glycolic acid can have?

• A. pH of 3
• B. pH of 2
• C. pH of 30
• D. pH of 4

Answer: (B)

A 30% concentration of glycolic acid can indeed reach a pH as low as 2. This low pH value is characteristic of glycolic acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) known for its effectiveness in exfoliation and skin rejuvenation. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with lower values indicating higher acidity. Glycolic acid, being a strong acid, can significantly lower the pH of a solution when used at high concentrations. In the context of skin care, a pH of around 2 is considered effective for exfoliating purposes, as it ensures that the product penetrates the skin effectively and activates the desired chemical reactions for exfoliation. This also highlights the importance of pH balance in skin care products, as it influences not only the efficacy of the active ingredients but also the safety and compatibility with the skin. Higher pH values, such as 3 or 4, would indicate a less acidic solution, which would not fully leverage the exfoliating potential of the glycolic acid at this concentration. A pH of 30 is impossible within the context of the pH scale, making it a non-applicable choice. Understanding the acidic nature of glycolic acid and

A 30% concentration of glycolic acid can indeed reach a pH as low as 2. This low pH value is characteristic of glycolic acid, which is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) known for its effectiveness in exfoliation and skin rejuvenation. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with lower values indicating higher acidity. Glycolic acid, being a strong acid, can significantly lower the pH of a solution when used at high concentrations.

In the context of skin care, a pH of around 2 is considered effective for exfoliating purposes, as it ensures that the product penetrates the skin effectively and activates the desired chemical reactions for exfoliation. This also highlights the importance of pH balance in skin care products, as it influences not only the efficacy of the active ingredients but also the safety and compatibility with the skin.

Higher pH values, such as 3 or 4, would indicate a less acidic solution, which would not fully leverage the exfoliating potential of the glycolic acid at this concentration. A pH of 30 is impossible within the context of the pH scale, making it a non-applicable choice. Understanding the acidic nature of glycolic acid and