Ingredients · Exfoliating acids
Glycolic Acid글라이콜릭애씨드
글라이콜릭애씨드geul-la-i-kol-lik-ae-ssi-deu
On a Korean label: 글라이콜릭애씨드 = Glycolic Acid — AHA.
What it is
The smallest AHA (alpha hydroxy acid). The Korean dictionary lists it as a pH adjuster.
On a Korean label
Written 글라이콜릭애씨드. Fronts of packs say AHA.
Korean rules
- Label caution: Products with more than 0.5% AHA must carry cautions: use a sunscreen too (except rinse-off and hair products), patch-test first, and — if AHA is above 10% or the pH is below 3.5 — consult a specialist (화장품 사용할 때의 주의사항 및 알레르기 유발성분 표시에 관한 규정).
Questions
Why does my AHA product say to use sunscreen?
Korean rules require that caution on products with more than 0.5% AHA, because AHAs can make skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Sources
- Korea Cosmetic Association — ingredient dictionary (대한화장품협회 성분사전)
- Regulation on cautions for use and allergen labelling (화장품 사용할 때의 주의사항 및 알레르기 유발성분 표시에 관한 규정), as listed in the KCIA dictionary
Checked 26 October 2026. Rules change — the official texts above are the final word.