Glyoxylic Acid is an organic acid known for its hair straightening, relaxing, and conditioning properties. As the smallest aldehydic acid, it can penetrate the hair cuticle and attach to keratin. Glyoxylic acid cleaves the bonds linking keratin polypeptide chains and forms new cross-links. Its carboxylic and aldehyde groups react with amine and sulfur-containing groups in hair keratin, creating stable bonds. This results in long-lasting straightening effects, improved manageability, and enhanced appearance without the damage or scalp irritation typically associated with hydroxide-based or thioglycolate products. Glyoxylic acid serves as a high-performance hair conditioning agent, suitable for creating new hair straightening systems that operate under acidic conditions, providing a permanent relaxing action for tightly curled, wavy, or frizzy hair.