Alpha-hydroxy acid(AHA) are used in cosmetic products as a pH adjuster, mild exfoliant and humectant-skin conditioner. Cosmetics containing higher concentration (30%) and lower pH (3.0) of AHA can cause side effects if it is applied without the prescription. For providing information on the safety of AHA and on human risk assessments we studied skin irritation effect of glycolic acid, one of the most commonly used AHA in guinea pigs. The skin irritation by glycolic acid was increased in a dose(10% to 70%), acidity (pH 2.5 to 5.5.) and length of exposure dependent manner (for up to 14 days), respectively. The combination treatment with UVB (0.4 or 3.0 J/$cm^2$) increased glycolic acid-induced skin irritation. Histological examination showed that hyperplasia of non-inflammatory cells in the epidermis of skin treated with high dose of glycolic acid (pH 3.0). There results show that glycolic acid increased skin irritation in a dose, length of exposure and pH dependent manner, respectively, in guinea pig, and the combination with UVB increased glycolic acid-induced skin irritation. The cell proliferation of non-inflammatory cell may be involved in high doses of glycolic acid-induced skin irritation. Long-term application of more than 30% of glycolic acid (pH 3.0) may cause skin irritation.