Comparative Study On The Efficacy Of 70% Glycolic Acid Versus 30% Salicylic Acid Peel In The Management Of Mild To Moderate Acne Vulgaris

Authors

  • Md Faizi Karim
  • Rajeev Agarwal
  • Sharique Ali
  • Vivek Kumar Sahu
  • Raveena Yadav
  • Manthankumar K. Jhad

Keywords:

Acne vulgaris, Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid, Chemical peel, GAGS

Abstract

Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit. Chemical peels such as glycolic acid (GA) and salicylic acid (SA) are popular, safe, and non-invasive treatment modalities.

Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy and tolerability of high-strength 70% GA and 30% SA peels in the management of mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted from May 2024 to October 2024. Forty patients with mild to moderate acne (as per Global Acne Grading System - GAGS) were randomized into two groups. Group A received 70% GA peel, and Group B received 30% SA peel, with treatments administered at an interval of 2 weeks for a total of 6 sessions (12 weeks). Outcome was assessed by GAGS score and clinical photography.

Results: Group B (SA) demonstrated faster and greater GAGS score reduction (65%) compared to Group A (GA, 46%). Both treatments were well tolerated, with minor adverse events in <15% of patients.

Conclusion: Both peels were effective; however, 30% SA peel showed superior clinical response and earlier onset of action.

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References

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Grimes PE.The safety and efficacy of salicylic acid chemical peel in darker racial-ethnic group.Dermatol surg 1999;25;18-22.

Kessler E, Flanagan K, Chia C, et al. Comparison of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid chemical peels in the treatment of mild to moderately severe facial acne vulgaris. Dermatol Surg. 2008;34(1):45-50.

Ilknur T, Biçak MU, Demirtaşoğlu M, Ozkan S. Glycolic acid peels versus amino fruit acid peels in the treatment of melasma. Dermatol Surg. 2010;36(4):490-495.

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Published

2025-06-10

How to Cite

1.
Karim MF, Agarwal R, Ali S, Sahu VK, Yadav R, K. Jhad M. Comparative Study On The Efficacy Of 70% Glycolic Acid Versus 30% Salicylic Acid Peel In The Management Of Mild To Moderate Acne Vulgaris. J Neonatal Surg [Internet]. 2025Jun.10 [cited 2025Jun.20];14(31S):667-72. Available from: https://jneonatalsurg.com/index.php/jns/article/view/7244

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 31S (2025): Journal of Neonatal Surgery

Section

Original Article

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