2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel vs. adapaline gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris treatment: A multicenter, randomized, evaluator-blind, parallel-controlled trial.
randomized
EVIDENCE COMPARISON
DirectionalGlycolic Acid
vs Adapalene
for Surface Smoothness
Early or indirect evidence suggests glycolic acid may improve skin surface smoothness 12% more than adapalene for skin texture, based on indirect comparison.
1.12x
Effect ratio
Glycolic Acid
Favored
2
Studies
Indirect
Comparison
ExploratorySubjective endpointTexture
Limits: Indirect comparison · Includes subjective endpoint · Early-stage evidence tier
This is an indirect comparison — the two ingredients were not tested head-to-head in the same trial. The ratio is derived from separate studies against a common comparator.
How to read this claim
Kept public as exploratory because it indirect comparison; includes subjective endpoint; early-stage evidence tier.
Some study-specific context may affect how broadly this comparison generalizes.