Common Name(s): Trimethylsilyl trimethylsiloxy glycolate,trimethylsilyl trimethylsiloxy glycolate,silyl-protected hydroxy acid,controlled-release active

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides controlled-release glycolic acid aha from trimethylsilyl ester hydrolysis in the sc, delivering the active acid at a sustained low concentration that reduces irritancy while maintaining efficacy.

Why It's Used: Trimethylsilyl trimethylsiloxy glycolate is selected for its silyl-protection strategy — the trimethylsilyl groups provide a lipophilic prodrug that penetrates the sc more efficiently than the free acid, then releases glycolic acid aha upon enzymatic hydrolysis for reduced-irritancy sustained exfoliation.

How It Works: Trimethylsilyl ester → sc esterase hydrolysis → glycolic acid aha release at sc depth; silyl protection: neutral lipophilic molecule → superior sc penetration vs ionised free acid.

Typically Found In: Gentle exfoliation,sensitive skin

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant

Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–3%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Silyl-protected acid delivery achieves deeper sc delivery than free acid — the neutral silyl ester penetrates further before hydrolysis than the ionised acid that partially distributes in the aqueous sc.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Cosing database,trimethylsilyl trimethylsiloxy glyc silyl-protected acid delivery review