GLASS LAB · Medical Aesthetics Evidence Index 303 cells · 19,226 papers · 5,969 top-tier evidence

Pigment · Melasma (epidermal)

Chemical peel evidence for Melasma (epidermal)

B 59.0 / 100 Supported 24 RCT/meta · 22 clinical/observational · 8 case · 121 total
Good evidence · positive conclusion

There is a relatively good level of clinical evidence, and a majority of papers support its effectiveness.

Grade combines the quantity and quality of the research, while direction is a separate signal showing how the papers assess effectiveness.

Includes meta-analysis/SR Median year 2014 Last 5 years 26% Positive results 63% Negative results 7 Korea/Asia 13

Known in Korea as

라라필밀크필블랙필플라필각질제거 피지제거 라라필

Procedure and brand names vary, but the evidence above applies to the same procedure mechanism.

Key papers

tier1 Comparative Efficacy of 35 % Glycolic Acid Peel versus 4 % Retinol Peel in Melasma. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2025 · PMID 40970768

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Melasma is an acquired hypermelanosis. Chemical peels have been found efficacious in melasma. However, limited studies have compared the efficacy of various peels in melasma and used dermoscopy to evaluate improvement.

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Comparative Study

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tier1 Chemical Peels for Melasma: A Systematic Review. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2024 · PMID 38530985

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common chronic, relapsing pigmentary disorder that causes psychological impact. Chemical peels are a well-known therapeutic modality used for accelerating the treatment of melasma. OBJECTIVE: To review the published evidence on the efficacy and safety of chemical peels in the treatment of melasma.

Systematic Review, Journal Article

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tier1 The effects of supramolecular nicotinamide combined with supramolecular salicylic acid on chloasma. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2023 · PMID 38111320

Abstract summary (English) OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy and safety of supramolecular salicylic acid monotherapy and supramolecular nicotinamide in the treatment of chloasma. METHODS: A total of 28 female patients with chloasma diagnosed in the dermatology outpatient department of our hospital were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 14 cases in each group. All patients were treated with 30%...

Randomized Controlled Trial, Journal Article

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tier1 Trichloroacetic Acid With Microneedling Versus Trichloroacetic Acid Alone for Treating Melasma. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2022 · PMID 36533799

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common acquired disorder of hyperpigmentation which is difficult to treat. OBJECTIVE: We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined microneedling with trichloroacetic acid in the treatment of melasma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty women with facial melasma were included and randomly classified into 2 groups.

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Efficacy and tolerability of chemical peeling as a single agent for melasma in dark-skinned patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative trials. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2020 · PMID 32947652

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Chemical peelings are used on a wide scale in cosmetic field including melasma treatment. They often provide clinicians with flexibility in tailoring treatments according to patient needs and satisfaction. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate safety and efficacy of chemical peeling as single agents in melasma management in patients with darker skin types.

Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review

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tier1 Melasma Treatment: An Evidence-Based Review. American journal of clinical dermatology · 2020 · PMID 31802394

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Melasma is an acquired, chronic pigmentary disorder predominantly affecting women. It may significantly affect quality of life and self-esteem due to its disfiguring appearance. Multiple treatments for melasma are available, with mixed results.

Journal Article, Systematic Review

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tier1 Comparative Efficacy of a 35% Glycolic Acid Peel Alone or in Combination With a 10% and 20% Trichloroacetic Acid Spot Peel for Melasma: A Randomized Control Trial. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2019 · PMID 31464703

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: To study and compare the therapeutic efficacy and side effects of a 35% glycolic acid (GA) full face peel alone or in combination with a 10% or 20% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) spot peel for facial melasma. METHODS: Thirty patients with facial melasma were randomly divided into 3 equal Groups A, B, and C. Group A was treated with a 35% GA full-face peel, Group B and C with 35% GA full-face peel followed by...

Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Salicylic acid peeling combined with vitamin C mesotherapy versus salicylic acid peeling alone in the treatment of mixed type melasma: A comparative study. Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology · 2017 · PMID 28388246

Abstract summary (English) INTRODUCTION: Melasma is a distressing condition for both dermatologists and patients. We evaluated the effectiveness of salicylic acid (SA) peel and vitamin C mesotherapy in the treatment of melasma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty female patients were divided into two groups.

Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Combined Jessner Solution and Trichloroacetic Acid Versus Trichloroacetic Acid Alone in the Treatment of Melasma in Dark-Skinned Patients. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2017 · PMID 28178004

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Melasma is a common challenging pigmentary skin disorder especially in dark-skinned females urging them to seek medical help. Many modalities of treatment are available, but none is satisfactory. OBJECTIVE: To compare safety and efficacy of combined trichloroacetic acid (TCA) (20%-25%) and Jessner's solution versus TCA (20%-25%) alone in dark patients with melasma.

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

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tier1 Combination of glycolic acid peel and topical 20% azelaic acid cream in melasma patients: efficacy and improvement in quality of life. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2016 · PMID 27500896

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Glycolic acid (GA) peel is one of the most versatile agents in the treatment of melasma. GA peeling alone or in combination with topical hypopigmenting agents has shown encouraging results. However, there is paucity of controlled trial demonstrating the efficacy of glycolic peel in conjunction with topical azelaic acid (AA).

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial

View on PubMed

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