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

Pigment · PIH

Chemical peel evidence for PIH

B 61.4 / 100 Supported 44 RCT/meta · 32 clinical/observational · 21 case · 199 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 2016 Last 5 years 30% Positive results 58% Negative results 13 Korea/Asia 36

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 What's New With Under Eye Treatment: A Multispecialty Systematic Review of Recent Under Eye Treatments. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2025 · PMID 41615388

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Infraorbital hollowing and hyperpigmentation are common cosmetic concerns resulting from structural volume loss, pigmentary changes, vascular prominence, and skin laxity. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review current and emerging treatments for infraorbital concerns with an emphasis on patient selection and anatomy-driven approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic PubMed search was conducted in March...

Journal Article, Systematic Review

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tier1 A comprehensive systematic review on the efficacy, safety, tolerability, and relapse rates of modern procedural therapies for inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne vulgaris. Lasers in medical science · 2025 · PMID 40993442

Abstract summary (English) Procedural therapies are increasingly recognized as effective adjunctive treatments for acne vulgaris alongside topical and systemic options. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the efficacy, safety and relapse rate of various procedural therapies in managing acne vulgaris. Data from 160 studies involving 8121 patients were analyzed across four major databases up to 2024.

Journal Article, Systematic Review

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tier1 Comparing the efficacy and safety of microneedling and its combination with other treatments in patients with acne scars: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Archives of dermatological research · 2024 · PMID 39110247

Abstract summary (English) This study aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety of microneedling (MN), both alone and in combination with other treatments, to refine the approach for treating acne scars using MN. We systematically searched Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials examining MN or its combinations in patients with acne scars. All statistical analyses were performed using Stata 18...

Journal Article, Comparative Study, Systematic Review, Network Meta-Analysis

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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 Comparison of efficacy and safety of tretinoin 0.05% and glycolic acid peeling 70% in axillary and neck lesions of acanthosis nigricans: A single-blinded, randomized trial. Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2024 · PMID 38362706

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Acanthosis nigricans is a non-inflammatory skin pigmentary disorder characterized by a dark, velvety appearance, primarily observed in the neck and axillary areas. It is commonly associated with obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance. Although the primary treatment is correcting the underlying disorders, many aesthetic modalities have been established to improve appearance owing to cosmetic concerns.

Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Comparative Study

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tier1 Efficacy and safety of lasers versus topical medications for acanthosis nigricans and pseudo-acanthosis nigricans treatment: a systematic review. Lasers in medical science · 2024 · PMID 38253899

Abstract summary (English) Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a cutaneous disorder identified by well-defined pigmented plaques mostly detected on skin folds. Timely diagnosis and treatment of AN is essential as it could be an early manifestation of an underlying condition. The treatment of choice for AN has not been determined yet.

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 Treatment of Lentigines: A Systematic Review. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] · 2023 · PMID 36533790

Abstract summary (English) BACKGROUND: Treatments for solar lentigines include topical and physical therapies, including chemical peels, lasers, intense pulsed light, and cryotherapy. A direct comparison of treatment methods and their efficacy is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To compare treatment efficacy and adverse events for different treatment modalities for lentigines.

Systematic Review, 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

View on PubMed

Suggested interpretation

Strong evidence base

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