A double-blind randomized clinical trial on the effectiveness of a daily glycolic acid 5% formulation in the treatment of photoaging

Abstract

Background: Low-strength daily formulations of glycolic acid are widely promoted for the treatment of photoaging. However, there are few clinical studies that objectively confirm the benefits of such formulations.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a 5% unneutralized formulation of glycolic acid in the treatment of facial and neck photoaging.

Methods: Seventy-five volunteers were recruited to take part in this double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical study. Participants applied either the 5% glycolic acid cream or the placebo cream to the face and neck for a period of 3 months. Pre- and posttreatment clinical assessments of photoaging effects were made by the same physician and were analyzed for statistical significance.

Results: Overall there were trends towards greater improvement or less worsening in the glycolic acid group for all clinical assessments for photoaging. There was statistically significant improvement favoring the active-cream in general skin texture and discoloration. There was a trend favoring glycolic acid in reduction of wrinkles, but this did not achieve statistical significance.

Conclusion: Unneutralized 5% glycolic acid topical cream when used on a regular daily basis can improve some photoaging effects.