Chemical peel showdown: which acid fades melasma better?
NCT ID NCT01976286
First seen Jul 01, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether glycolic acid or salicylic acid chemical peels are safer and more effective for treating melasma, a condition that causes dark patches on the face. Adults with melasma patches on both sides of their face receive one type of peel on each side, and a dermatologist judges which side looks better after 16 weeks. The goal is to find a better way to manage this stubborn skin condition.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- glycolic acid and salicylic acid chemical peels
- What this could lead to
- If one peel works better, it could offer a more effective option for reducing melasma patches on the face.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study with only 21 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Melasma often requires ongoing treatment, and peels may cause irritation or temporary skin darkening.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Northwestern University Department of Dermatology
Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
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